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Firearms Licensing

Any improper use reported to our department may result in the permanent revocation of your License to Carry Firearms on the grounds of suitability. If you are denied or disqualified for any reason, you will be notified in writing of both the reason for denial and the appeal process.

You can find general information regarding firearms on the state’s official website.

Firearms Licensing
Administrative Assistant Angela Garhart

Firearm License Renewals

  1. Download and Fill out the Massachusetts Resident LTC/FID Application and mail it along with any supporting documents.
  2. Applicants should mail or drop off their application to the Ashby Police Department at 1093 Main Street, Ashby, MA 01431, Attn: Firearms Licensing.
  3. The Application should include a check, made out to the Town of Ashby, with the appropriate application fee.  Processing of the application will not be initiated without the appropriate fees enclosed.
  4. For licensees applying for a renewal, prior to the expiration of their license (and who get a receipt acknowledging so), their license will remain valid until the agency approves or denies it.

To Apply for a Firearms Identification Card (F.I.D.) or License To Carry (L.T.C.)

  1. Similar to the process for renewals,
  2. Download and Fill out the Massachusetts Resident LTC/FID Application and mail it with the appropriate fees to the Ashby Police Department.
  3. Your Application process will be initiated to the extent possible.  New applicants will need to complete their in-person interview with the Firearms Licensing Officer and have their fingerprints and photographs obtained. 
  4. This process is our attempt at complying with the Governor’s social distancing guidelines and the recommendations from Health Services.

Firearm Change of Address Notification

A cardholder shall notify the licensing authority that issued such firearms license, the chief of police into whose jurisdiction such cardholder moves, and the commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services of any change of address within 30 days of its occurrence. Failure to notify any of these entities shall be cause for revocation or suspension of the license. 

New LTC Applicants

Must be 21 years of age or older to obtain a permit. In accordance with MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 131(a) & (b), Issuing of LTCs is also “subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of firearms as the licensing authority deems proper” An LTC costs $100.00 and is valid for six years.

New FID Applicants

Must be 18 years or older (or 14-17 years of age with parental consent. Applicants 14 years old may apply, but will not be issued the card until they reach age 15). In accordance with MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 129B; “Any person residing or having a place of business within the jurisdiction of the licensing authority or any person residing in an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction located within a city or town may submit to the licensing authority an application for a firearm identification card, or renewal of the same, which the licensing authority shall issue if it appears that the applicant is not a prohibited person.” The fee for an FID card is $100.00 for people 18 years of age or older and $25 for applicants under 18 years of age. It is valid for six years.

Training Requirements

In accordance with MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 131P (a) All first-time firearm license applicants must successfully complete an MA Certified Firearms Safety Course or a Basic Hunter Education Course and submit a certificate of completion with their firearms license application.

Chemical Spray (MACE)

A FID card for Chemical Spray is not required unless the applicant is under the age of 18.

Certified Firearms Safety Courses

Courses are taught by independent instructors certified by the Mass. Department of State Police and are usually a 1-day course. Taking a firearms safety course is your best option if you are simply trying to fulfill the training requirement to apply for a Mass firearms license.

Basic Hunter Education Courses

Courses are administered by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and are taught throughout the state by certified volunteer instructors. The Basic Hunter Education course includes recommended performance guidelines for all novice hunters. People interested in obtaining a hunting license as well as applying for an FID, should take this course.

Licenses will be issued for the following reasons, and restrictions will apply in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Sections 129B and 131.

Licenses to carry are subject to the following restrictions relative to the possession, use, or carrying of firearms as the Licensing Authority deems proper.

1. No Restriction: Basic Safety Course Certificate plus proof of completion of an “Advanced Gun Course.”

2. Restricted – For Target, Hunting, Sporting, Collecting, and Re-enactment: Basic Safety Course Certificate