When can I get license to carry firearms?

New Firearms License Law including October 19,1998 ammendments.

The effective date for the New Firearms License Law is October 21, 1998 and there are many changes that will effect anyone who currently has or wishes to obtain an FID card or License to Carry Firearms (LTC).

The Uxbridge Police Department is working hard to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. With this in mind, we have outlined some of the crucial aspects of the new laws.

1. There are now two (2) classes of LTCs – Class A and B. The class you are issued will depend on the type of firearm you own or expect to own. The license duration is four (4) years.

- You must be 21 years of age to be issued a license to carry a firearm (Class A or B). The class you are issued will be dependent upon the type of firearm you own or expect to own. The license is valid for four (4) years.

- A Class A license is required to carry any loaded and concealed firearm on a public way or place.

2. FID cards authorize the possession of non-large capacity rifles and shotguns.

- You must be 18 years of age to qualify for this card.

- A person age 15-17 may obtain a FID card with the written permission of their parent.

3. First time applicants (non-renewal) for LTCs or FIDs must complete an approved Firearms Safety course.

- Numerous course offerings are available and a list can be obtained by contacting licensed gun dealers.

- You may apply for a Mace or Incapacitating Spray only FID card. A Firearms Safety course is not required for these cards.

4. There are some factors that will disqualify a person for a LTD or FID card. They are as follows:

If the Applicant:

- Has been convicted of a felony (juvenile or adult), a misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment (assault & battery & subsequent offense OUI convictions and other crimes are in this category), a violent crime, weapons or drug offense.

- Has been confined to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless he has an affidavit from a physician stating that he is not disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him from possessing a firearm.

- Is or was under treatment for or confinement for drug addiction or habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician.

- Is an alien (not a U.S. citizen).

- Is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.

- Is subject to a surrender order or protection order pursuant to Mass General Law 209A.

With respect to FID cards, the disqualifications listed above do not apply after 5 years from the date of conviction or release from confinement except that there is a lifetime disqualification for violent crimes or crimes involving trafficking of drugs.

- Upon the occurrence of a disqualifying event, the license or permit that has been issued shall be revoked or suspended.

All FID cards and LTC will be valid for 4 years and are subject to earlier suspension or revocation. Notice possessing a valid FID or LTC from the State of Massachusetts does not exempt you from adherence to applicable Federal Firearms laws.

The application fee for both licenses is $100.00. There is no renewal fee for Mace only FID cards and persons over the age of 70.

Expiration of Current Cards

FID cards issued prior to October 21, 1998 expire according to the following schedule:

- If the licensee’s birthday is between July 1 - December 31, it expires on his/her birthday in 1999.

- If the licensee’s birthday is between Jan 1 – June 30, it expires on his/her birthday in 2000.

LTC permits issued before Oct. 21 will expire on the expiration date listed on their card.

Renewal of current LTC or FID cards will not have the new Firearms Safety course requirement provided the permit is renewed at the appropriate time in the year 1999 or 2000 (which ever applies).

Because of the additional administrative tasks involved in processing the new licenses, effective October 21, 1998, applications may be dropped off at any time with the dispatcher at the Uxbridge Police Department. Please fill out the forms and submit the original. The records check, etc. will be done and you will be contacted to set up an appointment at a time convenient to both the applicant and the licensing officer for the further processing (fee payment, fingerprints, photos etc.) Upon approval from the State Police regarding the fingerprint chek, the FIREARMS license or FID will be issued and you will be notified that you can pick it up. NOTE: The dispatchers will not accept money or photographs at the time the application is dropped off.

Please remember to circle on your application a telephone number where you can be reached during the day.

In the near future additional aspects of the Firearms Laws can be researched by a weblink from our Uxbridge Police Department website.

In conclusion, please be patient during the transition period. Persons who renew and are disqualified will be notified in writing and will be entitled to a statutory appeal process. Per the statute application fees are NOT REFUNDABLE. However, verbal appeals to the Uxbridge Police Department based on disqualifying events of the applicant, cannot be addressed by the Chief of Police or the Firearms Licensing Officer. These types of complaints may be addressed to your State or Federal Senators and Representatives, the Governor or the President, as they are the only ones who are empowered to make, change or amend the State and Federal laws, or the State Firearms Appeals Board.