The LTC/FID Application Process

July 17, 2010

license

The LTC/ FID application process is covered in detail after your safety course. Currently, the licensing for residents is handled by the police chiefs in Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. The chiefs are "Licensing Authorities" at this time, and they have for the most part set up their own individual processes for their respective communities. So the process and standards in one town may differ significantly from those in an adjacent town.

Steps to obtaining your LTC or FID

1) Take an approved saftey class and obtain your certificate of completion.

2) Obtain an application from from the police department to which you will apply. Some towns may have modified applications or instruction packets.

3) You apply to the police in the town where you reside or own a business.

4) Complete the application honestly and completely and include your safety certificate and a check for $100 as instructed. Some cities and towns will require you to be interviewed. Some will require written letters of reference, or just the names of references and their contact information.

5) Some towns may require additional documentation, even a doctor's note. Boston requires you to take a proficiency test at their police range. The legality of these extra requirements is questionable, but getting these departments to stop has been an uphill battle against uninterested, politically motivated government officials.

6) You will be photographed and finger printed.

7) The police chief MUST issue you an FID card (non-high capacity long arms) provided you are not disqualified by law.

8) The police chief MAY issue you an LTC-A ( large capacity handguns and large capacity long arms, which may or may not be subject to restrictions ) or LTC-B (non-large capacity handguns and large capacity long arms but no concealed carry) if you are not disqualified by law and he/she considers you SUITABLE.

9) Once your application is submitted, the usual wait is 4 to 6 weeks.

I would be pleased to help you throughout the entire process and any time afterward if you have a question or concern.

Contact :

Jeff Kaplan
RKBA Personal Safety Training
PO Box 1094
Wrentham, MA 02093-1094
(508) 944-3797
rkba@earthlink.net

LTC Class A Restrictions - Restrictions are not defined in law and may be accepted, interpreted, modified, or even disregarded by licensing authorities. The following appears in the computer program used by the local police departments.

None – The LTC is issued for all lawful purposes with no restrictions. This is used for all FID cards, as by statute, they may not be issued with any restrictions imposed.

Target & Hunting – Restricts possession to the purpose of lawful recreational shooting or competition; for use in the lawful pursuit of
game animals and birds; for personal protection in the home; and for the purpose of collecting (other than machine guns). Includes travel to and
from activity location.

Sporting – Restricts possession to the purpose of lawful recreational shooting or competition; for use in the lawful pursuit of game animals and
birds; for personal protection in the home; for the purpose of collecting (other than machine guns); and for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, cross country skiing, or similar activities. Includes travel to and from activity location.

Employment - Restricts possession to business owner engaged in business activities, or to an employee while engaged in work related activities, and maintaining proficiency, where the employer requires carrying of a firearm (i.e. armored car, security guard, etc.). Includes travel to and from activity location.

Other – The licensing authority create a restriction it deems proper.