Firearms Laws in Boston

With the changing state firearm legislation, it’s essential to know the law and be familiar with everything regarding firearm regulations and restrictions. In Massachusetts, residents 15 years and older who wish to possess, carry, and transport firearms and ammunition are required to have a firearms license. Your local police department issues these licenses, and it’s essential to know which license you need and how to obtain one to possess and carry firearms.

Types of Massachusetts Firearms Licenses

There are different types of firearms licenses based on the types of firearms to be possessed:

• License to Carry (LTC): Permits the purchase, possession, transportation, and carrying of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and feeding devices, as well as ammunition. This is the only license that allows for the carrying of loaded or unloaded concealed handguns.

• Firearms Identification Card (FID): Permits the purchase, possession, and transportation of low capacity rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, the holder of this license may not be in possession of a pistol or pistol ammunition, unless the ammunition is intended to be used with the low capacity shotgun or rifle. (this is a very gray area with Pistol Ammunition) for an FID holder

Applying For a Firearms License

• You must complete a Massachusetts Certified Firearms Safety Course or a Basic Hunter Education Course and submit a certificate of completion with your firearms license application in order to demonstrate that you know how to safely and successfully handle a firearm.

• If you are a new resident of Massachusetts and own firearms, you must apply for a card or license within 60 days.

• If you live or own a business in Boston, the Boston Police commissioner is your local licensing authority. The Boston Police Department's Licensing Unit conducts background checks and interviews all applicants to determine whether or not you are eligible for a license.

• For a new firearms license or renewal, you must complete a live fire test at the Boston Police Department’s Firearms Range to demonstrate that you are familiar with the safe handling of firearms.

At New England Firearms Academy, we offer firearms safety training for all cities and towns that will give you the knowledge and experience to obtain your firearms certification. With our Certified Basic Firearms Safety Course, you can complete the first step to getting your license. For more information about firearms laws and safety or to book your training session, contact our firearms academy in Woburn, MA, today.