Firearms Licensing

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

There is a non-refundable application fee of $100.00 (which cannot be submitted online; you must remit payment in person or via mail to the Northborough Police Station). Payment must be in the form of a personal check, money order or cashiers check payable to the Town of Northborough. No cash will be accepted.

***NOTE – Northborough also requires new applicants to submit THREE LETTERS OF REFERENCE from persons willing to be contacted by the licensing agency. Reference letters must be signed, and include current contact information. In addition, you must read and sign (with a witness), the Acknowledgement of Limits on the Use of Deadly Force form, found here. This form, along with the letters of reference, should be submitted as attachments when applying via the online portal

After you’ve submitted your application and remitted payment, you will be contacted when it is time for you to come in for fingerprints and a photo, or if any additional information is needed from you.

If you still have questions and would like to speak with someone at the NPD, please call (508) 393-1515 or email Chris Carleton at ccarleton@town.northborough.ma.us

Report an address or name change for your firearms license

Massachusetts law requires that you report a change of address within 30 days of moving. You can now request a name or address change on your Massachusetts firearms license online.

To request a name change on your Massachusetts firearms license click here.

To request a address change on your Massachusetts firearms license click here.

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 6 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 6 years.

Firearm License Renewals

Firearm licenses are valid for 6 years. You must submit a request with Northborough Police Department for a renewal prior to the expiration date of your current license. If your application for renewal is made prior to the expiration date, your current license remains valid until the renewal is either approved or denied. Additional training is not required.

Chemical Spray (MACE)

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

Training Requirements

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

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.

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.