This course satisfies the training requirement to apply for a new Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification (FID) card. Our curriculum is aligned with the Chapter 135 requirements now in effect (as of April 2, 2026) — including safe storage, suicide prevention, and disengagement/de-escalation training, which are required by statute even though standardized course materials for some of these topics are still being finalized by MSP/EOPSS. We update our curriculum as official guidance is released.
Live-fire training is not currently required. Although Chapter 135 calls for a live-fire component, EOPSS has not yet finalized the implementing regulations, so it is not being enforced at this time. We’re tracking this closely and will update our course the moment that changes.
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⚠️ Some Chapter 135 curriculum components (including disengagement/de-escalation training) are required by statute, but official implementing materials from MSP/EOPSS are still being finalized. Live-fire training specifically is required by statute but not yet enforced, pending final EOPSS regulations. We’re tracking these updates and adjusting our course accordingly. If you already hold an FID or LTC issued on or before August 1, 2024, you’re exempt from the live-fire requirement regardless, including at renewal.
Taught by Ed Brophy, NRA Basic Pistol and NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor, Massachusetts State Police certified. Attendees receive a $25 gift certificate toward a purchase at the shop, plus both an NRA Home Firearm Safety Certificate and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Certificate upon completion.
What You Need to Know
The LTC is Massachusetts’ permit for purchasing, possessing, and carrying handguns (and rifles/shotguns, including semiautomatics), issued by local police for residents or the MA State Police for non-residents. Since NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022), Massachusetts is a shall-issue state — issuing authorities must provide a written reason for any denial.
The FID is the entry-level license. Important: as of Chapter 135, the FID no longer covers semiautomatic rifles or shotguns of any magazine capacity — those now require an LTC. FID holders may still purchase, possess, and transport non-semiautomatic, non-large-capacity long guns (e.g., bolt-action rifles, pump-action shotguns) and ammunition.
Eligibility & Requirements
| LTC | FID | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 (18 with exemptions) | 18 (15–17 with parental/guardian consent) |
| Residency | MA resident or legally present non-citizen | Same |
| Training | Chapter 135–approved Basic Firearms Safety Course | Same course; a Hunter Education certificate no longer substitutes for either license |
| Documentation | Proof of identity, two proofs of residency, passport-style photo, fingerprints | Same |
| Background check | Criminal history, domestic violence records, mental health/ERPO records | Same |
Disqualifiers include felony convictions, violent offenses, and active protective/extreme risk protection orders.
💡 If you’re over 21, most applicants are better served applying for the LTC even if an FID would currently meet their needs — it covers more and avoids a second application later.
Gun laws are actively changing in Massachusetts — a ballot referendum to repeal Chapter 135 is expected in November 2026. This summary reflects the law as of mid-2026; please verify current requirements with your local licensing authority or an attorney before applying.
Massachusetts Law Resources
- Massachusetts law about guns and other firearms (Mass.gov / Trial Court Law Libraries — the official compilation of laws, regulations, cases, and web sources on weapons law): mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-guns-and-other-firearms
- Firearms License and Transaction FAQ (Mass.gov / DCJIS): mass.gov/info-details/firearms-license-and-transaction-frequently-asked-questions
- Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal — for reporting private sales, transfers, inheritances, or lost/stolen firearms: mass.gov/how-to/record-a-private-firearms-sale-or-registration
- MA Regulation Reference Page (GOAL — Gun Owners’ Action League): https://www.goal.org/nochapter135
- GOAL’s MA Gun Law Booklet — a plain-English, 40+ page booklet covering federal and MA law, available for purchase: goal.org/Store
- USCCA Massachusetts Gun Law & Reciprocity Summary: usconcealedcarry.com — MA Gun Laws
- Handgunlaw.us Massachusetts Reference — a frequently-updated, detailed third-party summary of MA statutes, transport rules, and carry restrictions (last checked June 2026): handgunlaw.us/states/massachusetts.pdf
- AGO & EOPSS Joint Advisory on LTC Licensing Post-Bruen (July 2022): mass.gov/doc/ago-eopss-ltc-guidance/download
- Assault Weapons Ban Enforcement Notice (MA Attorney General’s Office): mass.gov/enforcing-the-massachusetts-assault-weapons-ban
Landmark Second Amendment Cases
- District of Columbia v. Heller (2008): scotusblog.com PDF
- McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010): supreme.justia.com
- NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022): supremecourt.gov PDF
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearms laws change frequently — verify current requirements with your local licensing authority, the issuing state agency, or an attorney before relying on anything above.