In Massachusetts, there are three separate types of gun licenses or permits to purchase/possess firearms.  They are the License to Carry (LTC), Firearms Identification Card (FID), and FID Card – Restricted. The LTC allows the holder to possess and carry rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The FID allows you to possess non-largecapacity rifles, shotguns, and chemical sprays. Weapons that exceed these limits require an LTC or above to possess.  The FID – Restricted is for individuals to possess mace and pepper spray only.  Adults 18 and older do not need a permit to only purchase or possess mace or pepper spray. Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 need a valid FID – Restricted to possess mace or pepper spray.  

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY:

If your FID or LTC is due to expire while you are on active duty the law allows for this license to remain active for the duration of your active-duty deployment and for a period of 180 days (or more) after release from active duty. If this exception applies to you, please contact Records Supervisor Michelle Wright via phone or email (mwright@westfordma.gov) for more information so that the electronic records can reflect this extended status.

https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-firearms-laws 

Click on the links below for more specific information on each type of permit. 

License to Carry (LTC) 

Firearms Identification Card (FID) 

Firearms Identification Card (FID) – Restricted 

Gunsmith/Dealer/Ammunition License