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Apply for a License to Carry & FID Cards

Cambridge Police

The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) accepts and processes applications for  License to Carry (LTC) & Firearm Identification Card (FID). CPD will only accept and process License to Carry (LTC) & Firearm Identification Card (FID) applications that are complete. 

An appointment will be scheduled by a Records Unit Officer following a completed application submission. Please be sure to have submitted your completed forms online in order to expedite the appointment process. The application process may take up to eight (8) weeks.

ATTENTION ACTIVE LICENSE HOLDERS: Any restrictions appearing on any license holder’s present License to Carry (“LTC”)—limiting the license holder to carrying a firearm only for such activities as hunting, target shooting, employment, etc.—are no longer enforceable due to a recent Supreme Court decision. You do NOT need to update your existing license in the interim. When you reapply for an LTC in the future, you will be provided with a new LTC without any restrictions listed.

How to Start

  • All applications for firearms permits are processed through Cambridge Police Department’s Records Unit.

  • Per Massachusetts law, the Cambridge Police Records Unit can only accept and process applications for License to Carry (LTC) & Firearm Identification Card (FID) submitted by City of Cambridge residents and business owners.

  • LTC/FID applications can be mailed or emailed to the Records Unit.

    Please be sure to have submitted your completed forms online in order to expedite the appointment process. A representative will follow-up to schedule an appointment for photographs and/or fingerprints. For any questions about an appointment, please call 617-349-3336 or e-mail the Records Unit.

    To mail the Records Unit, please use the following address:

    Cambridge Police Department
    125 Sixth St.
    Cambridge, MA 02142

 





 

Requirements

Required Documentation - ORIGINALS ONLY COPIES NOT ACCEPTED:

Evidence of Applicant’s Cambridge residency or business ownership:

  • Most recent utility bill listing Applicant’s name, such as electric, gas, cable, land line phone, etc.
  • Current lease or rental agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident.
  • If applicable, evidence of Cambridge business ownership, i.e., articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, tax returns, licenses/permits, etc.

If unable to provide required proof of Cambridge residency, the homeowner/renter with whom Applicant resides may provide a signed and notarized affidavit attesting to Applicant’s Cambridge residency. A Notarized affidavit is not required if Applicant appears in the company of homeowner/renter at the time of application. In either case, proof of Cambridge residency of homeowner/renter must be furnished at the time of the application.

Evidence of Identity:                          
At least one of the following: Unexpired MA driver’s license or learner’s permit, or MA Identification Card, license to carry firearm, current photo college ID card from a U.S. university, college or technical college (Must contain student name and photograph).


Evidence of Lawful U.S. Status:
At least of the following: U.S. passport and passport card, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), U.S. birth certificate (Accepted along with other form of a valid photo identification).

Required Documents for First-Time Applicants Only:

  • Firearms Safety Certificate or Hunting Safety Course Certificate from a certified MA instructor. Active military personnel are exempted from Firearm and Hunting Safety Certificates requirement.

  • Two typed letters of reference from persons (Non-family members) who can attest to Applicant’s character and suitability to possess and carry firearms. Full name and contact information of person providing reference must be included in the letter. Both letters must be original and hand signed.

  • A letter written by LTC/FID Applicant addressed to Deputy Superintendent Peter Vellucci detailing Applicant’s purpose for owning and/or carrying firearms.

Special Requirement for Minors:
FID Applicants between the ages of 14-18 years of age must be in the company of their parent/guardian, who must consent to the Applicant’s obtaining an FID card.


Additional Information

It is the applicant’s responsibility to know the type of license they wish to apply for i.e. Class A, B, C, FID, and FID Chemical. All first time LTC/FID applicants - except FID - chemical propellant are required to attend and successfully complete a Firearms Safety Course presented by a certified State of Massachusetts Instructor.

Completed applications for firearms license can be mailed or emailed to the Records Unit. A representative will follow-up to schedule an appointment for photographs and/or fingerprints. For any questions about an appointment, please call the Records Unit at 617-349-3336. 

To mail the Records Unit, please use the following address:

Cambridge Police Department
125 Sixth St.
Cambridge, MA 02142


The application process may take up to eight (8) weeks.  For questions, please call (617) 349-3336. 
The above licensing requirements for the City of Cambridge may not be reflective of those of other jurisdictions.

 

Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 8:11 PM
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