Apply for a License to Carry & FID Cards

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
  
  

• 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 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 online. 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.
  
  
• Fees:
  LTC Applicants: A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 payable to the City of Cambridge by check or cash only. 
  (Fees are waived for renewal applicants 70 years of age or older). The fee is $25 for FID applicants.

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.