Who issues Firearms Identification Cards and Licenses to Carry in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the responsibility for issuing Firearms Identification Cards (FID) and Licenses to Carry (LTC) falls to the local police departments. Each city or town has its own police department that processes applications and determines eligibility based on state law. The local police evaluate factors such as the applicant’s criminal history, mental health, and any other relevant background information before issuing the appropriate card or license.

While the Massachusetts State Police do have a role in certain regulatory aspects of firearm licensing and can assist local departments, the issuance itself is managed at the local level. This structure ensures that the decision-making process is closely aligned with the community's standards and safety concerns. Other federal or state agencies, such as the FBI or the Department of Natural Resources, do not handle the licensing in this context, further reinforcing the role of local police in this process.