License to Carry and Firearms Identification Card Applications

• 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.
  
  
• All LTC/FID applications must be submitted in person as photographs and/or fingerprints will be taken.
  
  

• 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
  
  

• LTC/FID applications are taken by appointment only. To set up your appointment, please call the Records Unit at 617-349-3336. Applications are limited to specific days and times as noted below.
  
  The Records Unit is located at:
  
  

Cambridge Police Department
125 Sixth St.
Cambridge, MA 02142

LTC/FID Application Forms:
Applicants are encouraged to complete the Cambridge Police Application for License to Carry/Firearms ID Card and the Massachusetts Resident LTC/FID/Machine Gun Application form prior to visiting the Records Unit. Once completed, these forms may be emailed to the Records Unit. Blank copies of these forms are available at the police station for those unable to complete and submit the forms online.

Required Documents:
In addition to submitting the completed forms above, please bring to your appointment the following required documents:

Please Bring the Originals – Copies Are Not Accepted. We will make copies and return the originals  

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. See Cambridge Residency Affidavit. 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 Pauline Carter-Wells detailing Applicant’s purpose for owning and/or carrying firearms.