Firearms Licensing LTC-FID

Services Division

To obtain or renew a Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry you must fill out the FID/LTC Application. You may obtain this application by visiting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services DCJIS Firearms Records Bureau FRB website and print the (FID) / (LTC) Application.

After completing the application, you may drop it off in person or mail it to the Holland Police Department [27 Sturbridge Rd Holland, MA 01521]. The application must be completed in its entirety and include the appropriate fee by way of a check or money order made out to the Town of Holland. Applications will not be processed unless the appropriate fee is included.

For all applicants, after receiving your application, processing will begin. You will be contacted to arrange an appointment for a background check, fingerprinting, and photographs if necessary. For those who apply for renewal prior to the expiration of the current license, such license will remain valid until the agency approves or denies it. For those who apply for renewal after the expiration of the current LTC, c.140 §131(i) states that for the purposes of c.269 §10, an LTC shall be deemed valid for a period not to exceed 90 days beyond the expiration date unless the LTC is revoked. Note: this provision only applies to LTC and not FID Cards.

Resident application and processing:

  • Your application will be processed by your local licensing authority [Police Department].
  • Processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint-based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health. [Automatic disqualifiers are not eligible to be overruled by the local licensing authority and you will not be reimbursed if your application is rejected].  
  • You will be notified by your local licensing authority when your firearms license application has been processed, either by telephone or by mail.  [You may need to pick up your firearms license in person].
  • Processing may take 60 days or more.

Once you have filled out the application submit it to the Police Department by mail or in person:

You will need the following to complete this process

  • The completed resident firearms license application. 
  • The required application fee [by way of check or money order].
  • A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate [renewals may be on file].
  • You may also need to submit a form of identification and proof of residence.

Firearms license class categories:

There are different types of licenses based on the type of firearms to be possessed

  • License to Carry (LTC): Permits the purchase, possession, transportation, and carrying of all large- and non-large-capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns, and feeding devices, as well as ammunition. This is the only license that allows the carrying of concealed handguns-either loaded or unloaded.
  • Firearms Identification Card (FID): Permits the purchase, possession, and transportation of non-large-capacity rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.

A large-capacity firearm is defined as a semi-automatic handgun or rifle that is capable of accepting more than ten rounds, OR is a semi-automatic shotgun capable of accepting more than five shotgun shells, OR is an assault weapon. A rifle with a fixed tubular magazine designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber ammunition is not a large-capacity firearm.

Application process:

  • 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.
  • Firearms License Renewals- You must submit a request with your local 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.

Please remember that firearms licenses are valid for 6 years. Pursuant to law you must submit a request with your local 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. 

To obtain more information about the licensing process you may visit the FRB website.

Fees- Only checks or money order are accepted, (no cash please):

Checks should be made payable to the Town of Holland   

  • License to Carry Firearms $100 each.
  • License to Carry Firearms - retired law enforcement officers $25 each.
  • Firearms Identification Card $100 each.
  • Firearms Identification Card - applicants under 18 years old $25 each.
  • Non-Resident Firearms License $100 each.
  • Resident Alien Permit $100 each.

Please note that the information contained herein may change by process of legislation at any time and without notice. Please refer to state and/or federal regulations for any and all updates or changes. 

Links and Forms: