Barnstable County. 2 documents captured.
Firearms Licensing Information | Chatham, MA
Departments
Police Department
Firearms Licensing Information
Firearms Licensing Information
Application
New & Renewal Firearms Application (PDF)
Renewal Applicants Only:
Please complete the Firearms License Application. The link is above or you can obtain a blank copy at the Police Station. Once the application is completed and signed please contact Sgt. Christopher Vardakis for an appointment to submit your application. The standard fee is $100. If you are age 70 or over the fee is waived. (The fee is waived if your current license expires on your 70th birthday) We accept checks made out to "Town of Chatham" or cash if you are dropping it off in person. If you submit your renewal application prior to the expiration of your current license then you current license will remain active until the new license is issued. When the new license is issued you will be notified and it can then be picked up in person at the station at any time. If you have any questions please email Sgt. Vardakis at christopher.vardakis @chathampolicema.com
New Applicants
Please complete the Firearms License Application. The link is above or you can obtain a blank copy at the Police Station. You are also required to complete a Massachusetts Approved Basic Firearms Safety Class. Once you have completed the class You will need the following to apply:
Completed copy of the application form (link above)
Copy of the basic firearms safety class certificate
Check or cash for the application fee Standard application $100
FID under the age or 18 $25
Naturalized citizens will need to provide a copy of their naturalization certificate or a copy of their valid US Passport as proof of citizenship
Green Card holders must provide a copy of their Green Card as part of the application process.
Please contact Sgt. Christopher Vardakis for an appointment to submit your application.
To learn more information about the types of licenses, requirements, and disqualifications for each one please review the 2022 Firearms Licensing information (PDF).
CHATHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
249 GEORGE RYDER ROAD
CHATHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02633-2099
508-945-1213 • 508-945-2791 FAX
Firearms Licensing Information
(Updated 1/31/23)
ALL APPLICANTS:
For a list of convictions or incidents that may disqualify you from receiving a firearms license
please scroll to the bottom of this document.
RENEWAL APPLICANTS:
If you have a License to Carry Firearms (LTC) or a Firearms Identification Card (FID) and you
need to renew you will need to provide the following:
1. Your current LTC or FID number (in the space on the application form)
2. Completed renewal application (the form is posted on our website)
3. Your Massachusetts driver’s license number with a Chatham address (in the space on the
form)
4. $100 cash or check made out to the Town of Chatham (Fee note: if you are applying for
a renewal and you are over 70 years of age there is no charge for the renewal. There is
no fee charged if your license is expiring on your 70th birthday)
You will need to schedule an appointment with Sgt. Vardakis to submit your application. He can
be contacted at 508-945-1213 or [email protected] .
Applicants will receive a printed receipt as proof of submission. This allows for the current
license to remain valid for the period of time after the expiration date and before the actual
issuance of the new license. (Grace period)
Renewal applicants will also be required to sign an affidavit regarding the reporting of any lost
or stolen firearms since the issuance of their last license as part of the application form. If you
have had any lost or stolen firearms during that time period, you will need to provide specific
information regarding your proper reporting of the loss to complete this affidavit. The affidavit
is provided as part of the application submission process.
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 me via phone or email for more information so that the electronic records
can reflect this extended status.
NEW APPLICANTS:
License to Carry (LTC)
The License to Carry (LTC) allows the holder to possess and carry rifles, shotguns, and
handguns. See the link below for more information.
Prior to applying for this license, you must have completed a Massachusetts Certified Basic
Firearms Safety Class. You will receive a page size certificate upon completion of an approved
course with the words “Department of State Police” at the top. The “valid for LTC” box must be
checked off to apply for an LTC. Active-Duty members of the US Military are not required to
take a Basic Firearms Safety Course. To qualify for this exemption, you must present your valid
US Military identification card at the time of application.
Only the Massachusetts courses are accepted. There are several classes being given in other
states that claim to be acceptable in Massachusetts, but they are not. The Massachusetts
Environmental Police issue a business card size certification card with their seal upon
completion of the Hunter Safety Course. All other Massachusetts approved courses issue a page
size certificate with the words “Department of State Police” at the top. These are the only
certificates accepted for applications.
You must be age 21 or older to apply and must submit the following:
1. Your completed LTC application (the form link is on this website and a hard copy can be
picked up at the station)
2. Your firearms safety course certificate (Unless exempted)
3. A check or cash for $100 payable to the “Town of Chatham”
4. If you are a naturalized US Citizen, you will need to provide a copy or your
naturalization certificate or a copy of your valid US passport.
5. If you are a Green Card holder you will need to provide a copy of your card along with
your application.
You will need to schedule an appointment with Sgt. Vardakis to submit your application. He can
be contacted at 508-945-1213 or [email protected] .
FID card
The FID allows you to possess non-large capacity rifles, shotguns, and chemical sprays.
Weapons that exceed these limits require an LTC or above to possess. See the link below for
more information.
Prior to applying for new FID card, you must have completed a Massachusetts Certified basic
firearms safety course. There are several courses available at local outdoors stores, gun clubs
and from the Environmental Police. You must produce a certificate at the time of application as
proof of course completion. Active-Duty members of the US Military are not required to take a
Basic Firearms Safety Course. To qualify for this exemption, you must present your valid US
Military identification card at the time of application.
Only the Massachusetts courses are accepted. There are several classes being given in other
states that claim to be acceptable in Massachusetts, but they are not. The Massachusetts
Environmental Police issue a business card size certification card with their seal upon
completion of the hunter safety course. All other Massachusetts approved courses issue a page
size certificate with the words “Department of State Police” at the top. These are the only
certificates accepted for applications.
Ages 18 and over must provide the following:
1. A completed application form (a link is on this website, or a hard copy can be picked up
at the station)
2. Your firearms safety course certificate
3. A check or cash for $100 payable to the “Town of Chatham”
4. If you are a naturalized US Citizen, you will need to provide a copy or your
naturalization certificate or a copy of your valid US passport.
5. If you are a Green Card holder you will need to provide a copy of your card along with
your application.
Ages 15-17 must provide the following:
1. Written permission from a parent or guardian to apply for the license
2. Your firearms safety course certificate
3. A check or cash for $25
4. Some sort of acceptable ID (passport, school ID etc.)
Change effective 1/1/15 allows for minors to submit their application at age 14 so that the license
can be issued / made effective on their 15th birthday.
You will need to schedule an appointment with Sgt. Vardakis to submit your application. He can
be contacted at 508-945-1213 or [email protected] .
It is preferred that the parent or guardian giving permission accompany a minor child to the
station for the appointment.
FID restricted (mace, pepper spray only) (class D license)
As of 2014 adults aged 18 and older no longer need a permit to purchase or possess mace or
pepper spray. As such there is no need to renew FID-D licenses for person over 18. Minors
between ages 15 & 17 will still need a valid FID to possess mace or pepper spray. Mace and
pepper spray can be purchased from any establishment licensed by the Commonwealth to sell
ammunition.
There is no requirement to take a firearms safety course if you are applying for this type of
license. This license allows you to purchase, possess and carry Mace, pepper spray or any other
chemical spray which is designed for use on humans. The license is valid for up to six years.
There is no renewal fee for this license. This license does not allow you to possess or carry any
type of rifle, shotgun, or handgun. To apply for this license please provide the following:
1. Your completed application form (a link is on this website, or a hard copy can be picked
up at the station) and written parental or guardian consent.
2. A check or cash for $25 for the application fee. (No credit or debit cards accepted)
DISQUALIFIERS FOR ALL FIREARMS LICENSES:
(The information listed below has been obtained from the Law Enforcement Guide to Firearms Law, Written by
Chief Ronald Glidden, 8th edition.)
A firearm identification card shall be issued and possessed subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
Persons Eligible to Apply
(1) Any person residing or having a place of business within the jurisdiction of the licensing authority or any
person residing in an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction located within a city or town may submit to the
licensing authority an application for a firearm identification card, or renewal of the same, which the
licensing authority shall issue if it appears that the applicant is not a prohibited person.
Prohibited Persons: A prohibited person shall be a person who:
Statutory disqualifications for Massachusetts convictions
(i) has ever, in a court of the commonwealth, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child,
or both as defined in section 52 of chapter 119, for the commission of:
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years;
(C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;
(D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental,
receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed; (E)
a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of controlled substances, as defined in section 1
of chapter 94C, including, but not limited to, a violation under said chapter 94C; or
(F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
Restoration of civil rights
provided, however, that, except for the commission of a felony, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a
violent crime or a crime involving the trafficking of controlled substances, if the applicant has been so convicted or
adjudicated or released from confinement, probation or parole supervision for such conviction or adjudication,
whichever occurs last, for 5 or more years immediately preceding such application, then the applicant's right or
ability to possess a non-large capacity rifle or shotgun shall be deemed restored in the commonwealth with respect
to such conviction or adjudication and that conviction or adjudication shall not disqualify the applicant for a firearm
identification card;
Statutory disqualifications of out-of-state convictions
(ii) has, in any other state or federal jurisdiction, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent
child for the commission of:
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years;
(C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;
(D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental,
receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed; (E)
a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of controlled substances, as defined in section 1
of chapter 94C, including, but not limited to, a violation under said chapter 94C; or
(F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
(iii) is or has been:
(A) except in the case of a commitment pursuant to sections 35 or 36C of chapter 123, committed to any
hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, unless after 5 years from the date of
the confinement, the applicant submits with the application an affidavit of a licensed physician or clinical
psychologist attesting that such physician or psychologist is familiar with the applicant's mental illness,
alcohol or substance abuse and that in the physician's or psychologist’s opinion the applicant is not disabled
by a mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse in a manner that should prevent the applicant from
possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun;
(B) committed by an order of a court to any hospital or institution for mental illness, unless the applicant
was granted a petition for relief of the court’s order pursuant to section 36C of chapter 123 and submits a
copy of the order for relief with the application;
(C) subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for a incapacitated person
on the grounds that that applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage affairs, unless the
applicant was granted a petition for relief pursuant to section 56C of chapter 215 and submits a copy of the
order for relief with the application; or
(D) found to be a person with an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder or both and committed
pursuant to section 35 of said chapter 123, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the
court’s order pursuant to said section 35 of said chapter 123 and submits a copy of the order for relief with
the application;
(iv) is at the time of the application younger than 14 years of age; provided however that the applicant shall not be
issued the card until the applicant reaches the age of 15.
(v) is at the time of the application more than 14 but less than 18 years of age, unless the applicant submits with the
application a certificate of a parent or guardian granting the applicant permission to apply for a card;
(vi) is an alien who does not maintain lawful permanent residency;
(vii) is currently subject to:
(A) an order for suspension or surrender issued pursuant to section 3B or 3C of chapter 209A or a similar
order issued by another jurisdiction; or
(B) a permanent or temporary protection order issued pursuant to chapter 209A, a similar order issued by
another jurisdiction, including an order described in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8);
(viii) is currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in any state or federal jurisdiction;
(ix) has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;
(x) is a fugitive from justice; or
(xi) having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced that citizenship.
Restoration of civil rights
provided, however, that, except for the commission of felony, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a violent
crime or a crime involving the trafficking of weapons or controlled substances, if the applicant has been so
convicted or adjudicated or released from confinement, probation or parole supervision for such conviction or
adjudication, whichever occurs last, for 5 or more years immediately preceding such application and the applicant's
right or ability to possess a rifle or shotgun has been fully restored in the jurisdiction wherein the conviction or
adjudication was entered, then the conviction or adjudication shall not disqualify such applicant for a firearm
identification card;
License to carry firearms:
C. 140 § 131 License to Carry Firearms
All licenses to carry firearms shall be designated Class A or Class B, and the issuance and possession of any such
license shall be subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
Class A LTC entitlements
(a) A Class A license shall entitle a holder thereof to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry:
(i) firearms, including large capacity firearms, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful
purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of firearms as the licensing
authority deems proper; and
(ii) rifles and shotguns, including large capacity weapons, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for
all lawful purposes; provided, however, that the licensing authority may impose such restrictions relative to
the possession, use or carrying of large capacity rifles and shotguns as it deems proper.
Persons Eligible To Apply
(d) Any person residing or having a place of business within the jurisdiction of the licensing authority or
any law enforcement officer employed by the licensing authority or any person residing in an area of exclusive
federal jurisdiction located within a city or town may submit to such licensing authority or the colonel of state
police, an application for a Class A license to carry firearms, or renewal of the same, which such licensing authority
or said colonel may issue if it appears that the applicant is not a prohibited, as set forth in this section, to be issued
such license and has good reason to fear injury to the applicant or the applicant’s property, or for any other reason,
including the carrying of firearms for use in sport or target practice only, subject to such restrictions expressed or
authorized under this section.
Prohibited Persons
A prohibited person shall be a person who:
(i) has, in a court of the commonwealth, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child, both
as defined in section 52 of chapter 119, for the commission of
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years ;
(C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;
(D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental,
receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed;
(E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in
section 1 of chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or
(F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
(ii) has, in any other state or federal jurisdiction, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent
child for the commission of
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years;
(C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;
(D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental,
receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed;
(E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in said
section 1 of said chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or
(F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
(iii) is or has been
(A) committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, except a
commitment pursuant to sections 35 or 36C of chapter 123, unless after 5 years from the date of the
confinement, the applicant submits with the application an affidavit of a licensed physician or clinical
psychologist attesting that such physician or psychologist is familiar with the applicant's mental illness,
alcohol or substance abuse and that in the physician's or psychologist’s opinion, the applicant is not
disabled by a mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse in a manner that shall prevent the applicant from
possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun;
(B) committed by a court order to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless the applicant was
granted a petition for relief of the court order pursuant to said section 36C of said chapter 123 and submits
a copy of the court order with the application;
(C) subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for a incapacitated person
on the grounds that the applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the applicant’s affairs,
unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the order of the probate court pursuant to section
56C of chapter 215 and submits a copy of the order of the probate court with the application; or
(D) found to be a person with an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder or both and committed
pursuant to said section 35 of said chapter 123, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the
court order pursuant to said section 35 and submits a copy of the court order with the application;
(iv) is younger than 21 years of age at the time of the application;
(v) is an alien who does not maintain lawful permanent residency;
(vi) is currently subject to:
(A) an order for suspension or surrender issued pursuant to sections 3B or 3C of chapter 209A or a similar
order issued by another jurisdiction; or (B) a permanent or temporary protection order issued pursuant to
said chapter 209A or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction, including any order described in 18
U.S.C. 922(g)(8);
(vii) is currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in any state or federal jurisdiction;
(viii) has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;
(ix) is a fugitive from justice; or
(x) having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced that citizenship.
Suitability
The licensing authority may deny the application or renewal of a license to carry, or suspend or revoke a license
issued under this section if, in a reasonable exercise of discretion, the licensing authority determines that the
applicant or licensee is unsuitable to be issued or to continue to hold a license to carry. A determination of
unsuitability shall be based on:
(i) reliable and credible information that the applicant or licensee has exhibited or engaged in behavior that
suggests that, if issued a license, the applicant or licensee may create a risk to public safety; or
(ii) existing factors that suggest that, if issued a license, the applicant or licensee may create a risk to public
safety.
MORE INFORMATION
For specific information follow the link below to the Massachusetts state website. There are
definitions of terms, up to date law references and general information sources.
www.mass.gov/eopss/firearms-reg-and-laws/gun-laws/
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, you can contact Sgt. Vardakis by phone or email.
[email protected]
508-945-1213
The provisions a municipal licensing page most often touches: G.L. c. 140, § 131 (licenses to carry), G.L. c. 140, § 121F (applications, suitability, judicial review), G.L. c. 140, § 131P (the safety certificate).