Firearm Licensing

The Plymouth Police Department’s Firearms Licensing Office is staffed by Clerk Marsha Bruillard. You may contact her by email at bruillard@plymouthpolice.com or call (508) 830-4218 x15222 for information. Specific questions can be directed to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau or by phoning (617) 660 4600.

Prior to setting up your appointment, you must have completed and passed a (Massachusetts) certified firearms safety certificate.

When you come to the scheduled appointment, bring:

• Your completed application
• A Safety Course Certificate
• If not paid online, A check or money order for $100.00 made payable to “The Town of Plymouth” (no cash or credit card) at the time of appointment
• Your driver’s license/ photo ID

Massachusetts Firearm Forms and Applications Page
LTC/FID Change of Address Form
License to carry firearms: conditions and restrictions
LTC/FID Application Form

Complete the “Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC)/Firearms Identification Card (FID) renewal application to include the Affidavit, which is located on page 4 of the Application.

All renewal applications can be completed on the state portal:
https://www.mass.gov/firearms-service or dropped off at the Plymouth Police station with the $100 filing fee.

WE CANNOT PROCESS YOUR PORTAL RENEWAL APPLICATION UNLESS YOU SUBMIT A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT (PAGE 4) AND PAYMENT (70 OR OVER IS FREE FOR RENEWALS ONLY).

PAYMENT CAN BE MADE WITH UNIPAY, OR A CHECK DROPPED OFF AT THE STATION

A receipt will be mailed to you that acts as your license until the new card is received.

ALL APPLICATIONS THAT ARE UNPAID AFTER 30 DAYS WILL BE CANCELLED.

THE AFFIDAVIT (PAGE 4) CAN ALSO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE STATION OR ATTACHED TO THE DOCUMENTS SECTION IN THE MIRCS PORTAL.

PLEASE NOTE, ALL NEW APPLICANTS MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INTERVIEW AND FINGERPRINTS. Request an appointment.

Is a license required to possess an air gun (i.e. bb or pellet guns, so-called air rifles or air pistols, paint ball guns) or ammunition therefore (i.e. bb’s, pellets, CO2 cartridges, paint balls)?

An FID Card is not required to possess an air gun in Massachusetts. Air guns are regulated by M.G.L. c. 269, §12B which limits their use by minors who are not accompanied by an adult, holding a sporting or hunting license, or holding a permit from the chief of police. Massachusetts law also prohibits anyone from discharging air rifles from across streets, alleys, public ways or railroads or railway right of ways. It should also be noted that an FID Card or an LTC are not required to purchase an air gun or ammunition. As such, the state FA10 form should not be used to record the sale of such air guns.

Can a nonresident obtain a permit to carry a weapon in Massachusetts?

M.G.L. c. 140, § 131F allows the Colonel of the State Police or his designee to issue a temporary LTC to nonresidents or persons not falling within the jurisdiction of a local licensing authority. Currently, the Firearms Record Bureau (FRB) has been designated to issue permits to nonresidents. The phone number of the FRB is (617) 660-4780.

Do I need an FID Card or an LTC Firearms to possess a gun in my home?

Yes. At a minimum, a person must have an FID Card to possess non-large-capacity, non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns.

To possess a handgun in the home, a person must have a License to Carry (LTC). An FID Card alone does not allow a person to possess a handgun.

Should a valid holder of an LTC renew their FID Card based upon notification from the Criminal History Systems Board that the FID card is about to expire?

Not necessarily. An individual with an LTC is not required to maintain an FID Card also, although an individual may hold both. A LTC permits the holder to possess any weapon which would be allowed with an FID Card, as well as additional weapons depending on the Class of License.

Where do I apply for a License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearms Identification (FID) Card?

Generally, application is made to the local police department where the applicant resides or has a place of business. For more specific information on FIDs refer to M.G.L. c. 140, §129B, or for LTCs refer to §131(d).

I am changing my address. Who do I notify?

A holder of an FID Card or LTC must report any change of address through the electronic firearm registration system administered by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

Address changes can be submitted through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

The address change must be reported within 30 days of the move. Failure to report the change in a timely manner may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the FID Card or LTC.

How many guns a year can a person sell without being a dealer?

Under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A, a properly licensed resident who is not a dealer may sell up to four guns in any one calendar year through a private transfer of ownership.

Should a special form be used when selling guns through a private sale?

No. Transfer notification is completed on line at www.mass.gov/firearms-services

Do weapons purchased by Massachusetts residents while in another state have to be reported in Massachusetts?

Yes. A Massachusetts resident who lawfully purchases or otherwise acquires a firearm outside of Massachusetts must report/register the acquisition within 7 days through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

Please note that federal and Massachusetts laws limit certain out-of-state purchases and transfers. If you are unsure whether a particular purchase or transfer is lawful, contact the Firearms Records Bureau, a licensed firearms dealer, or your local licensing authority before completing the transaction.

Can a Massachusetts resident sell a gun without being a licensed dealer?

Yes. Under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A, a Massachusetts resident may sell a gun provided that he lawfully possesses it with an appropriate FID Card or LTC, or is otherwise exempt, and that the person buying the gun is also properly licensed with the appropriate FID Card or LTC (depending on the type of gun being bought).

Should all weapons sold within the Commonwealth be equipped with a safety lock?

M.G.L. c. 140, §131K states that all sales of firearms and large capacity weapons in Massachusetts MUST include a safety device approved by the colonel of state police. This requirement applies to any seller including a wholesaler. The seller is not required to install the device so long as the weapon is accompanied by it. Failure to comply with this provision will constitute a breach of warranty and an unfair trade practice. This section does not apply to non-large capacity rifles and shotguns.

If an individual buys a handgun or large capacity rifle or shotgun from a dealer, can he supply his own trigger lock to avoid paying for a new one from the dealer?

No. M.G.L. c. 140, §131K states that a state approved safety device must be sold with the weapon. This places the burden on the dealer to provide the safety device and does not allow the dealer an option of letting the purchaser provide a trigger lock.

Are state-approved trigger locks required any time a trigger lock is used?

No. State-approved trigger locks are only required under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, §131K which applies to dealers who provide them with handguns and large capacity rifles and shotguns that they sell. State-approved trigger locks are not required in any other section of chapter 140. However, most common trigger locks that would be used to help the gun owner comply with section 131L are likely to be state approved even though that approval is not required

How do I transport a gun in my vehicle?

A person with a valid LTC may transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle only if it remains under the person’s direct control.

If a firearm is not under the direct control of the lawful owner or authorized person, it must be secured in a locked container. A locked container may include a locked case, locked trunk, locked console, or locked glovebox.

Large-capacity firearms must be unloaded and secured in a locked container while being transported in a vehicle.

If a firearm is left in an unattended vehicle, it is considered “stored or kept” and must be secured in accordance with Massachusetts safe-storage requirements.

Do I need to lock my rifles and shotguns in a case while transporting them in a vehicle?

Yes. Rifles and shotguns must be transported unloaded and secured in a locked container when they are not under the direct control of the lawful owner or authorized person.

A locked container may include a locked case or locked trunk. The firearm should not be left unsecured in the passenger compartment.

Can I leave my gun in my car if I need to go into the store on my way home from the range or from hunting?

Yes. A firearm may be left in an unattended vehicle during a brief stop, but once the vehicle is unattended, the firearm should be treated as “stored or kept” under M.G.L. c. 140, § 131L.

Before leaving the vehicle, the firearm must be properly secured. The preferred practice is to place it unloaded, when applicable, in a locked case or locked trunk, out of plain view. A properly engaged trigger lock, cable lock, or other approved mechanical locking device may satisfy the safe-storage requirement, but a locked case or locked trunk is the better practice.

A loaded handgun may only be carried in a vehicle while it remains under the direct control of the licensed person. A large-capacity rifle or shotgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and secured in a locked container. Non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns should also be secured when left unattended.

Do not leave any firearm unsecured in the passenger compartment.

Can an individual who is the subject of a restraining order, seek to have the judge remove the surrender portion of the restraining order with regards to weapons permits so that he/she can possess a weapon?

Previously, the surrender order could be lifted by the judge, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 209A, §3C, and guns and permits could be returned even though the restraining order remained in effect. Under recent changes in M.G.L. c. 140, §§129B and 131, the suspension and surrender of a defendant’s FID Card or LTC must continue as long as the underlying restraining order is in effect.