I have inherited several firearms that are now in my house. Do I need a permit to keep them in my house?

Yes. In order to legally store firearms in your house, you must hold a valid permit for the types of weapons you have.

I currenty have an FID that was issued many years ago. Is it still valid?

Old FID cards expire on your first birthday AFTER 7/1/99.

There used to be a grace period of 90 days when my old permit expired. Is there still a grace period?

No, there are no longer any grace periods for permits.

I have both an active LTC-A and an FID card. My LTC-A expired in January on my birthday. I understand that the FID card, that has no expiration date printed on it, will expire that day as well. Do I need to get a new FID card?

No. The LTC-A will grant you all privileges of the licenses below it.

I am over 70 years old, and wish to renew my LTC-A. Do I still have to pay?

No. There is no charge for persons over the age of 70.

I am a college student, and wish to carry pepper spray in my purse. Do I need a permit?

Yes, in order to legally carry pepper spray, or any other incapacitating chemical spray, you must possess a valid FID-Restricted license.

Do I have to pay for a restricted FID card?

No, there is no charge for a restricted FID card.

I have never held a permit or LTC in Massachusetts before. Do I need to take a safety course in order to get a LTC-A?

Yes, you must attend a state approved firearms safety course before you will be issued a LTC-A.

How do I apply for a License to Carry Firearms?

The applicant needs to completely fill out and sign the form entitled "Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry Firearms." An application is available at the any police department within Massachusetts. The applicant also needs to fill out the form entitled "Acknowledgement of Limits on the Use of Deadly Force." This form is part of a complete Applicant for Firearms License kit that is available at the Scituate Police Department. An applicant must also submit all of the following:

• Photos are now digital, taken during the application process and sent electronically to the authorizing agencies.
• First time applicants must also furnish written references of two parties stating the applicant is of suitable character.
• Proof of citizenship. i.e., birth or naturalization certificate.
• A copy of any previously issued FID or LTC.
• First time applicants must provide certification from a Firearms Training Safety Course (except for pepper/mace FID cards).

Are there any Costs involved?

Yes, a one-hundred dollar ($100.00USD) check made payable to the Town of Scituate is required unless the applicant is over age 70 or for those FID cards restricted to the possession of pepper spray, mace or other incapaciting sprays.

Who may be issued a License to Carry Firearms?

According To Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 140, section 131, the Chief of Police "may issue to a person residing or having a place of business {not just being employed} within their respective jurisdiction, a license to carry firearms in the commonwealth, if it appears that the applicant is a suitable person to be so licensed, and the applicant has good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property, or for any other proper purpose, including the carrying of firearms for use in target practice only."

What is the disqualifying criteria for issuance of a License to Carry Firearms?

Under M.G.L., ch. 140, s. 131 an individual is disqualified from carrying a firearm if the person:

• has been convicted (or adjudicated delinquent as a youthful offender) of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years imprisonment, a violent crime, or a weapon or drug offense
• has been confined to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless he has an affidavit from a physician stating he is not disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him from possessing a firearm
• has been under treatment for or confinement for drug addiction or habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician
• is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant
• is subject to a suspension or surrender order or a protection order issued pursuant to MGL. c.209A.
• is a minor under the age of (18) eighteen
• is an alien
• is not found to be a suitable person to be so licensed and does not have good reason to fear injury to his person or property, or any other proper purpose, including the carrying of firearms for use in target practice only, by the licensing authority.
• In addition to the above, Federal Law (CH. 44 Title 18 U.S.C. 922 & the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1997) also adds the following disqualifiers:
• you have been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions
• who having been a citizen of the United States, have renounced your citizenship
• you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• you are a fugitive from justice

How long is a License to Carry Firearms valid for?

Class A and Class B LTCs as well as FID cards are valid for six (6) years.

Can my license be suspended or revoked?

Yes, a license to carry firearms is revocable for cause at the will of the licensing authority.

What happens if I am denied a License to Carry Firearms?

Applicants who are denied a License to Carry Firearms will be notified in writing and will include the reasons why. The applicant may if he/she so desires, appeal the decision of the Chief of Police by filing a petition for review at the Clinton District Court, Clinton, MA 01510, within forty-five (45) days from receipt of the denial letter.

Do I have to inform anyone of my address change?

Yes, you must notify the following agencies within 30 days:

• the issuing department
• the department of the jurisdiction you are moving into
• Firearms Records 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA. 02150

How can I apply for an FID Card?

Simply fill out and sign the one page application form and return same to the police department. This form is part of a complete Applicant for Firearms License kit that is available at the Scituate Police Department.

How much will this application process cost?

There is a no fee for an application for an FID card restricted to the use of pepper spray, mace or other incapacitating sprays. For other FIDs and LTCs, a one-hundred dollar ($100.00USD) fee required and is payable to the Town of Scituate.

Who is eligible to obtain an FID Card?

As an United States citizen you are entitled to receive an F.I.D. Card, which entitles you to possess a non-large capacity rifle and shotgun (or firearm in your home/place of business only) and pepper spray, mace, or other incapacitating spray unless one or more of the disqualifying factors exist:

• you have been convicted (or adjudicated delinquent as a youthful offender) of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years imprisonment, a violent crime, or a weapon or drug offense
• you have been confined to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless you have an affidavit from a physician stating he is not disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him from possessing a firearm
• you have been under treatment for or confinement for drug addiction or habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician
• you are subject to an outstanding arrest warrant
• you are subject to a suspension or surrender order or a protection order issued pursuant to MGL. c.209A.
• you are a minor under the age of (18) eighteen who does not have parental consent
• you are an alien
• you are not found to be a suitable person to be so licensed and does not have good reason to fear injury to his person or property, or any other proper purpose, including the carrying of firearms for use in target practice only, by the licensing authority.
• you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• In addition to the above, Federal Law (CH. 44 Title 18 U.S.C. 922 & the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1997) also adds the following disqualifiers:
• you have been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions
• who having been a citizen of the United States, have renounced your citizenship
• you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• you are a fugitive from justice

The disqualifications for FID cards for criminal convictions do not apply after five years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration or supervision, except that there is a lifetime disqualification for violent crimes or crimes involving the trafficking in drugs.

Can I possess a FID Card if I have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

Yes, but federal law would not allow you to possess any firearms, however, you may possess the following:

• an aerosol weapon
• a primitive firearm (an antique firearm manufactured prior to 1898)

Do I need an FID Card to possess "Pepper Spray"?

Yes, to possess any type of device or instrument which contains or emits a liquid, gas, powder or any other substance designed to incapacitate an FID Card is required.

How long is an FID Card valid for?

An FID Card is valid for six (6) years unless suspended or revoked upon the occurrence of any of the statutory disqualifiers.

Do I have to inform anyone should my address change?

Yes, you must notify the following agencies within 30 days:

• the issuing department
• the department of the jurisdiction you are moving into
• Firearms Records 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA. 02150