The Manchester Police Department issues various types of firearms permits to residents of Manchester. These types are the following:
- Class A License to Carry
- FID (Firearms Identification) Card
Due to the ever changing status of the Federal and Massachusetts Gun Laws by either legislative action or court rulings, the list below is a partial one, and you should inquire further at the time of application. In these times of apparently increasing violence, the process for obtaining one of the above licenses is time consuming and very thorough with many requirements to meet. These requirements include the following:
Application Process
You can drop off/mail the completed application to Firearms Licensing Officer Sean Mullins at the Manchester Police Department, 10 Central Street, Manchester, MA 01944. Please contact Sean Mullins via email mullinss@manchester.ma.us or by phone at (978) 526-1212 regarding additional items needed for the application or with any other questions.
To apply for a Resident Firearms License:
You must apply for a resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through the police department in the town where you reside.
You will need to submit:
- A complete resident firearms license application
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
- A form of identification
You may need to submit: Proof of residence
Contact your local firearms licensing officer for specific information on the application process.
| Name | Fee |
| License to Carry Firearms | $100 |
| License to Carry Firearms – retired law enforcement officers | $25 |
| Firearms Identification Card | $100 |
| Firearms Identification Card – applicants under 18 years old | $25 |
| Non-Resident Firearms License | $100 |
| Resident Alien Permit | $100 |
- You must be a citizen of the United States.
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You must submit proof of attendance and completion of a State of Massachusetts approved firearms safety course.
- You must complete an application in full.
- You must clear all background checks satisfactorily.
- You must show proof of residency in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
PDF Application for a FID or Carry Permit, please click here
- You must complete and update an application form.
- You must clear all background checks satisfactorily.
PDF Application for License To Carry Renewals, please click here.
- You must be 18 years old or older.
- You must show proof of residency.
- Meet the same requirements as indicated above for LTC.
- If under 18 years old and over 15, you must have written permission from parent or legal guardian and have them present at all appointments.
- All FID cards are renewed every 6 years and expire on cardholder’s birthday.
PDF Application for Firearms Identification Cards, please click here.
The circumstances under which a person is statutorily disqualified from obtaining the above licenses have been expanded. A person is now disqualified if he/she:
- Has been convicted (or adjudicated delinquent or as a youthful offender) of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment, a violent crime, or a weapons or drug offense.
- Has been confined to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless he/she has an affidavit from a physician stating he/she is not disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him/her from possessing a firearm.
- Is or has been under treatment for or confinement for drug addiction of habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician.
- Is subject to a suspension or surrender order or a protection order issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 209A.
- Upon the occurrence of a disqualifying event, the LTC or FID that had been issued must be revoked or suspended.
- A person must have a Class A/LTC in order to carry or possess a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in a public place or way.
- It is unlawful for a licensed person to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun on a public way unless engaged in hunting and in possession of a hunting license.
- It is unlawful for a licensed person to carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun on a public way unless engaged in hunting and in possession of a hunting license, or unless the rifle or shotgun is enclosed in a case.
- It is unlawful to carry a loaded weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm under a Class A/LTC in a vehicle unless the firearm is under the licensee’s direct control.
- It is unlawful to carry a firearm under a Class B/LTC in a vehicle unless it is unloaded and contained in the locked trunk or locked in a secure container.
- It is unlawful to possess a large capacity rifle or shotgun under a Class A or Class B/LTC in a vehicle unless it is unloaded and contained in the locked trunk or locked in a secure container