LTC FAQs

* Updated Firearms Safety Training Requirements – Effective April 2, 2026*

Beginning April 2, 2026, Massachusetts will implement updated requirements for firearms safety certification. These updates include additional instruction and a live-fire component for individuals seeking the certificate required to obtain a License to Carry (LTC).

Key Information:

The date you completed your firearms safety course—not the date you submit your application—determines whether the new training requirements apply.

LTC issued before August 1, 2024: No additional training is required.
LTC issued on or after August 1, 2024, with a safety course completed before April 2, 2026: Updated training will be required prior to your next license renewal.
Applications submitted on or after April 2, 2026: Completion of the new firearms safety course will be required. However, Basic Firearms Safety Courses completed before April 2, 2026, will still be accepted.

Note: As of April 1, 2026, the live-fire component of the certification course is still being finalized. Until it is formally implemented, live-fire training is not required as part of the course.

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WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR AN LTC ?

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Complete a Massachusetts-certified Basic Firearms Safety course
• Submit to a background check, fingerprinting, and interview
• Be determined to be a suitable person by the licensing authority

I SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION THROUGH THE MIRCS PORTAL. NOW WHAT?

Your application will be received in the NPD’s portal. First-time applicants will be contacted by our firearms licensing agent to set up an appointment for you to come in for fingerprints and to remit payment. For license renewals, after you’ve submitted your application via the portal, all you need to do it remit payment. Once the completed application and payment have been received and you’ve been fingerprinted (if applicable), your application will be reviewed and processed locally and submitted to the state for review. If approved, your physical card will be issued and printed by the Firearms Records Bureau and sent to the NPD. We will contact you when it arrives and is ready for you to pick up. On average, the process takes approximately 8-10 weeks. Status of your application can be tracked in the MIRCS Portal.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST / HOW CAN I PAY?

– The LTC and FID application fee is $100, due when you submit your application. Applications will not be processed until payment is received. The fee is for the application process, and is non-refundable, regardless of whether you are approved for a license or not.
– There is no fee for renewal applicants over the age of 70
– The FID application fee for applicants under 18 is $25
– Retired Law Enforcement fee is $25

PAYMENT METHODS:

BY CHECK: Made payable to the Town of Northborough. You can drop it off any time at the window in the lobby of the NPD, or mail it in if you’re unable to come by.
ONLINE (NEW): You may remit payment online through the Town of Northborough’s online payment page of the website here. Information regarding associated fees and accepted payment methods for that service can all be found on that page.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN LTC AND AN FID?

License to Carry (LTC):

• Minimum age: 21
• Allows possession of handguns and large-capacity firearms
• Allows concealed carry of a handgun
• Valid for up to 6 years
• Requires a higher level of review and suitability determination

Firearms Identification (FID):

• Minimum age: 14 (under 18 requires parental consent)
• Allows possession of non-large-capacity firearms only
• Does not allow concealed carry
• Valid for up to 6 years (5 years if under 18)
• Subject to eligibility and suitability review

WHAT CAN DISQUALIFY SOMEONE FROM OBTAINING AN LTC?

An LTC cannot be issued if an applicant is legally prohibited, including:

• Felony convictions
• Certain violent or firearms-related misdemeanor convictions
• Domestic violence convictions
• Active restraining or abuse prevention orders
• Outstanding warrants or fugitive status
• Involuntary mental health commitments (unless rights restored)
• Unlawful use of or addiction to controlled substances
• Dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces

In addition, the Chief of Police may deny an application based on suitability, which can include:

• False or incomplete information on the application
• Documented domestic incidents
• Repeated police involvement
• Public safety concerns

Listed above is a brief summary of common disqualifiers. Please refer to this page for a more comprehensive list.

CAN A DENIAL BE APPEALED?

Yes. Applicants who are denied or restricted have the right to appeal the decision in District Court.

Any improper use reported to our department may result in the suspension or 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.