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General Information
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.
Massachusetts has implemented a new firearms safety law that includes updated training requirements and a digital certification process. The new law, which took effect Thursday, July 16th, 2026 mandates that all basic firearms safety courses include instruction on suicide prevention, the use of force, and de-escalation techniques. Military personnel and hunters are no longer exempt from the basic firearms safety course requirements, and hunter safety certificates are no longer accepted for License to Carry applications.
Existing basic firearms safety certificates issued between August 1, 2024, and April 1, 2026, will still be accepted for applications submitted after the new law’s effective date.
The updated law mandates that all basic firearms safety courses include instruction on suicide prevention, the use of force, and de-escalation techniques. These changes come as the state transitions to a digital certification process and removes several long-standing training exemptions.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.
In order to apply for an LTC or FID card, the applicant must be statutorily qualified and be a suitable person to possess and carry firearms in the Commonwealth. See Massachusetts firearms laws for details: https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-firearms-laws
It is the applicant’s responsibility to know the type of license they wish to apply for i.e. Class A, B, C, and FID. All first time LTC/FID applicants are required to attend and successfully complete a Firearms Safety Course presented by a certified State of Massachusetts Instructor.
Pricing:
| Type of Permit | Fee |
|
New LTC Application |
$100.00 |
|
LTC Renewal Application |
$100.00 |
| New Firearm Identification Card | $100.00 |
| Firearm Identification Card Renewal |
$100.00 |
| LTC or Firearm Identification Card Renewals - Over 70 years old | $0.00 |
| New Firearm Identification Card - Under 18 Years Old | $25.00 |
| Firearm Identification Card Renewal - Under 18 Years Old |
$25.00 |
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License to Carry/Firearm ID Card Requirements: must meet ALL requirements
Required Documentation - Note: Copies of the required documentation are accepted but you maybe asked to provide originals if the copy is illegible.
Evidence of Applicant’s Cambridge residency:
- 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 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 MA Identification Card, license to carry firearm.
Evidence of Lawful U.S. Status:
At least one 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.
- 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 David M. Brown 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.
For More Information, Contact:
Cambridge Police Department
125 Sixth St.
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617-349-3336
Fax: 617-349-3234
Email: Records@Cambridgepolice.org
For Technical Support, Contact:
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: 855-642-2453