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After you receive you`re State Firearm Safety Certification the first thing you should know is that it will be a waste of your time if you go to the police station thinking that you can just walk in and fill out the gun permit application, 99% of police stations will send you away and tell you to make an appointment. So save your time by following these tips and good advice. It is not really an ‘Interview’ in the sense you might think, what they want is for you to fill out an application, they take your picture, fingerprints, safety certification, and your $100…….
*Save anything/everything you give to the police by making copies for your records, ANYTHING!* Duplication is key!
Follow these 6 steps to successfully gain your LTC or FID……
To read this chapter in full, and any other articles in the #Gun Sense series, it is available as an Ebook and a Paperback at Amazon under:
Gun Sense Massachusetts Gun Law Information and Common Sense Firearm Safety By Mark R. Shean Sr.
Gun safety for anyone anywhere.
The Kindle version is working now, the paperback Rated #1 at AMAZON in the Shooting section!! Check out GUN SENSE now. $15 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gun+sense+mark+shean&crid=2SFB5821L4UM7&sprefix=Gun+Sense%2Cstripbooks%2C146&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_9
Posted in Gun Sense
Do you have to state anything.on record if your record is sealed
Hi Ed, When it comes to court records and guns, nothing is ‘sealed’, you need to tell them what they already know or they call it a ‘lie by omission’ and will deny you on that ground. So honesty is the only policy. Go to #34 Gun Sense, you may want to do that first. Mark
Mark,
I came across this article upon starting the process of obtaining my LTC and it has been very helpful. The problem i’m facing now is that I had gone into my local police department with my application filled out as well as my certificate of completion of the mass fire arms safety course. I was given the information as far as who handles LTC applications and interviews and have tried to contact the officer and he is never in, nor have my voicemails been replied to (made several calls and left 3 voicemails over the past 6 weeks). I don’t know what else I can do if they won’t let me know what I need to do in the mean time or even make an appointment for the “interview”. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan Montani
Hi Dan, I would get his email and email him/her, that is proof that you tried to contact him/her, if you can not find an email for that specific person send an email to the police department email that I am sure you can find online, outline your dilemma and ask if someone could email you back or call you. Some of the people that process the applications HATE picking up a phone and it is a waste of your time to try calling. What town do you live in? It sounds like Carver to me, but there are other dysfunctional departments concerning applications statewide. After the email route and still no progress I would cc: to your towns police chief the same email that you sent to the application officer asking why you can not get any help?
Obviously where you took your class did not go over this, an amateur blunder on their part, and that you could not turn to them for help means they do not support their students, just looking for money, shameful. but I would be willing to bet they showed you how to clean a gun after putting a few holes in paper, am I correct? not very important in my view…….. Please read #19, #33, and #21 Gun Sense of my series.
Thanks for the quick reply mark, the town I happen to be dealing with is Raynham. I will be sure to send them an email today, as well as look into those other articles you suggest. Thanks again.
Hi Mark,
I’m in the process of applying for an LTC but since I’ve come across your blog I’m apprehensive to continue. In Va, 14yrs ago, I was charged with possession of marijuana. Other than a DUI I have no other charges. I was licensed in Va, they had zero problem with the charge, but above in your post it’s one of the reasons for denial. Is this a guaranteed denial, and if so is there a good chance of overturning it with an appeal? I already have an FID.
Hi Brian, This is not a guaranteed denial. Look at G.S. #34, you may want to check if the possession charge is in there. Also read G.S. #20, a DUI is a misdemeanor, but people still are able to get their LTC with a DUI. Re-read #39 G.S. to understand the application better and what is expected. Mark
I did check iCORI and there’s no records for me, but iCORI is for Mass only – my DUI and possession charges were from Virginia. I’m requesting a criminal record from the VA State Police, unfortunately it can only be done via mail so it’s going to take several weeks to get a response. The DUI doesn’t have me worried, the possession charge is the one that makes me wonder if I’m just donating $100 to Waltham.
Hello Mark,
Just came across your Blog and wish I had seen it much earlier. I applied for a LTC back in Sept. I live in Raynham and had called the officer that was in Charge of application process a number of times to see what was status of application. That was a big mistake!!!! Was finally called by another officer for interview and pictures and finger prints, about a month ago. I just called the Public safety office to check on the status of application. Come to find out they haven’t received it Yet!!! Moral of the story, if your apply in Raynham you need to monitor the process. I’ve had a LTC n Ma. about 18 years ago and was no longer in the system. Have had a LCT in another state that required 8 hrs of class and range training.
Bottom line stay on top of every thing or you’ll have long delays
You are correct John, I go over this in my classes and wish other instructors would too, so that their students would not be set up for big headaches. Shooting is not mandated by the state, (#21 Gun Sense) I think going over the laws/pitfalls of Ma. are much more important that putting a few holes in a piece of paper, that should come After the license not before. I have given the class in Raynham, no one from there ever went through what you went through because they followed my advice, please read #39 Gun Sense. Mark
In a state that now says ‘pot’ is legal, I don’t know why their panties would be in a bunch over the charge now, really…..keep me in the loop, good luck. Mark
Is this 40 Calender days or 40 work days that you’re supposed to get ltc permit??
Thanks,
Hi John, there is a forty day ‘window’ for them to decide if someone should be denied, not business days. After 40 days your not being denied, now you need to be patient, it is an ‘average’ of 4 months before you get the LTC back…..
When I called the state Public Safety Office (617-660-4722, the very nice lady I spoke to said, “It usually takes 3 weeks after we receive application to approve the LTC”.
The reality is that you will have a wait of about 4 months before you get your license. Let me know how long it takes you.
Hi mark,
I had my interview for my LTC at my local PD almost 5 weeks ago where they took fingerprints collected the $100 and submitted (or so I thought) the final application. I was told by the officer who handles these that I would hear back between 4 and 6 weeks on whether or not the license went through. I called the number you have listed above about checking the status and I was told the application was still at the police department. Does it usually take that long for them to send it in to be processed or should I try and contact the officer in charge of these locally? I came here first because he seemed almost dismissive or agitated that I had left him the 2 voicemails over the 6 week period before the interview. If I’m being impatient feel free to tell me and I’ll just wait for their call but I thought they would have at least sent it in within 5 weeks.
Thanks again for your help,
Dan
Hi Dan, What town are you in? Email me direct at mshean1955@hotmail.com
Good Luck with all that. I’m going through same thing. I applied back on Oct. 8 with paper work. Went in to get interview and finger prints about 6 weeks ago. I had a ltc carry about 15 years ago here in Ma. Moved down south and had an ltc there. It took 90 days and I had it. I call Office of Public safety once a week ar 617-660-4722 and they still haven’t even received it yet Still at Police station in Raynham.
Good luck I guess you get it when they get around to sending it in.
Hi John, there is that ‘human’ element in play also.
Got my unrestricted in my metrowest town. Took a total from start to finish 72 days. Not counting weekends (just working days it was 52 days.
Thanks for that info David, that is faster than the average of 4 months. Not bad.
Have u had or known anybody obtaining an Ltc unrestricted with a U.S. Permanent Resident GreenCard?
Please read #30 Gun Sense Jack, the short answer is ‘yes’.
Hi Mark,Thank you for this site. Do you know if the contact email you have for Plymouth is still accurate? I can’t find a contact email for anyone at the Plymouth PD.
Hi Jenny, the email address for Marsha in Plymouth is; bruillard@plymouthpolice.com
Hey Mark, I applied for my LTC on March 17th. Still haven’t heard anything back. Called the Firearms direct line in Boston and was told that my license is still pending review comma reached out to my local police department was told they haven’t heard anything back about my fingerprints? Really confused, he said he would send them out again still haven’t heard anything any advice?
Bella
The average time it takes is around 4 months, just hang in there.
Hello Mark im glad i found this thread. I actually lived in wareham for 12 years. Im now a resident of worcester and just talked on the phon to schedule an appointmen i got one for november 2nd thats 5 months away is there a possibility to speed up my appointment date?
Speed up the date, probably not, it sounds like they are backed up, inundated with applications. If you own a business in another town you can apply in the town where you’re business is, otherwise you will need to wait. Read #19, and #34, and #22 also. Good luck, the town you moved to is not gun owner friendly. Also, re-read #39 very carefully, all of it, it will be a help for that town and how to counter their BS.
Okay thank you very much i shall re read those and i was told worcester is hard to get a gun legally that is.
Hi Mark, I’ve submitted my app back on March 24th 2016 in the town of Revere. It is still in review. Is there anything else I can do besides wait?
Hello Jack, the average wait has become around 4 months, just hang in there. The good news is you were not denied.
Hi Mark,
Had a question. I called the local PD to schedule and appointment to pass in the LTC app and got the same day. Does that mean they don’t have a lot of apps to process and the 4 month time frame could be less? I was told anywhere from 2-6 weeks. It’s North Andover a known red town I was told from a list. Thanks
Hi Ryan, Well it can vary from town to town, if you get it sooner that’s great!
Hi Mark, I’ve waited over 3 months to get a letter from Revere PD that I was denied. I received it today and really don’t know how to approach this situation at this point.
Have you contacted your instructor about this for input?
Hi Mark,
I’m in the process of applying for my LTC. I have a super clean record except for going to court over possession of marijuana back in 2005 and it was dismissed. I am 32 do not have alcohol problems or mental illnesses, I’ve worked at my job for over 4 years and should be a good candidate for an LTC. The problem is that I live in BOSTON! I don’t really see any responses/advice on here for people who live in Boston but rather cities outside of Boston, where police chiefs might be more lenient. Do you have any input on how the police chief of Boston is when it comes to issuing LTCs? I’ve heard its impossible but am still willing to try! Appreciate the input.
Hi Carl, Just follow the advice I have written on #39 Gun Sense, they may give you a ‘restricted’ license, if that happens contact me again. You should also read #19 GS, and #33. Where did you take you’re class? Good Luck, Mark
Hey Mark,
Thanks for the advice. I went in on 7/2/16 to the Boston Firearms Center located in Everett, MA to obtain my certificate for the Massachusetts Basic Firearm Safety Course and it was super insightful and the instructors were great and made it fly by. Small intimate classes so plenty of questions to pepper them with. I took advantage of this since I’m from Boston and wanted to know the scoop. They pretty much said all Boston residents will get a restriction unless you own a business/carry large amounts of cash, your life is in danger and is threatened, or you have political connections. Boston just sucks when it comes to issuing ltcs with no restrictions. The instructor was even cool enough to stamp my certificate with “live fire certified” he said “in case it helps, but I doubt it”. To get the certificate its 100 and 20 extra for live fire, which I thought might as well. I call for an appointment with the licensing officer on Tuesday 7/5/16 since it’s closed for the holidays. I will keep you updated with what they say. Here’s hoping im in that small percentage that gets lucky enough to be issued a ltc with no restrictions but I’m reserved to the fact that it just doesn’t happen in Boston. They say move anywhere else that isn’t Boston.
Remember Carl, the license clearly states on the front; License to Carry Firearms in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (it does NOT say, except Boston)…..
I am currently in the process of having my permit ammended. When it was first issued, despite my request “For ALL Lawful Purposes” I was issued a “Sporting and Target” restriction. I am resident of the City of Boston and the Director of Operations for a Boston based restaurant group. To add even more fact, I’m a Veteran and a former (injury based dismissal) Recruit Officer for the Boston Police Department! They trained me with their own manual in the “Use of Deadly Force”. I routinely carry large amounts of cash both in the city as well as from other locations in MA and CT (where I hold an unrestricted LTC).
Is reapplying in the middle of my license (I have another 1.5 years) for a work related license or should I reapply to have all restrictions removed? Thanks, Chris
You should always appeal a restriction immediately Chris, you said that you have 1.5 years left on your license, is that how I read this? At this point since so much time has passed you will probably be stuck with the restriction. The next time ask them up front if you are going to be restricted, if the answer is ‘yes’ ask for a letter of denial, (they must by law) pertaining to the actual reason that you want it (All lawful Purposes). They slipped this by you and hoped that you would do nothing…..
We keep putting the same hacks in office and expect different results….insane.
Hello,
Tomorrow I will have applied for my LTC 5 weeks ago (35 days). I am just confused on various information I have been told/read. So I read above that the state needs to decide if I am approved or denied within 40 days, and that by law I am supposed to receive a letter of denial stating or explaining so, is this correct? And so does that mean if I do not receive a denial letter with the coming 6 days, I was approved? I am seeing people comment that they are “finally” getting their LTC after as much as 6-8 months! Were they notified that they were approved, or did they just know they were not denied because they never received a letter? very confusing. I ask this because I need to know for sure what to expect so I can know if I need to take necessary steps towards a denial appeal or to just wait patiently. Sorry for all the questions, any answers would help greatly
Hello Gene, I am correct, please reread #39 Gun Sense and you will have all your answers. Thanks.
I had my interview on 9/10/16. Received a call from PD tonight that my license is ready for pick up. Much sooner than I expected.
Wow! That’s great! What town do you live in?
Just wanted to update those who apply from Boston:
-went to get my certificate for the Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety course on 7/2/16
-called the Boston Police Headquarters licensing unit to schedule an appointment for an interview on 7/5/16
-went in for the interview and to get finger printed on 8/16/16. Contrary to popular belief, they were very nice here and actually encourage you to apply for an LTC. After interview they schedule you for a live fire test at Moon Island.
-went to Moon Island for the live fire test on 9/2/16. The cops here are very very nice, helpful, laid back and they actually want you to pass. Cops here said it may take 12-15 weeks from the live fire test to here from them!!!
-received ltc with a hunting and target practice restriction on 9/26/16.
Surprised how fast the process was but still bummed out it wasn’t unrestricted…as expected :/
Hi Mark, back in Aug I was denied my ltc. Chief of police deemed me unsuitable. I have since hired a lawyer and will be going forward on the judicial review. It sucks that it’s costing me so much money for this but I have no choice but to fight for my rights.
Even taking this matter to court I am still not guaranteed my LTC. I am hoping for the best.
Carl, I am glad that the process was friendly/stress free. But the target and hunting restriction is uncalled for. In #39 Gun Sense I tell people how to counter that during the ‘interview’. Remember that your license simply states; License to carry firearms in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And that is not a restriction as to what you feel the need to carry. You should also read #27 and #30 Gun Sense. Mark
Mark,
Is there a legal time frame in which the local police chief has to issue an LTC permit after the state approves the applicants back ground check and sends it back to the town for issue?
Doug M