MA LTC/FID Application Process

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Len-2A Training

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NOTE: The following information was verified with Atty. Jason Guida, Director of the Firearms Records Bureau (CJIS) and is accurate as of 3/5/2012. Some cities/towns may add other requirements but this represents the State’s requirements under MGL C. 140 and applies to all firearm licenses that are issued under MGL C. 140. [Suitability only applies to LTC/MG Licenses, Restrictions only apply to LTC-A/MG Licenses.]

Most of the process involves Email queries/responses, so if Licensing Officer is on vacation/sick leave/doesn't check his/her Email frequently, the process can stall.


[I have requested that this be made into a Sticky and Locked. It’s for informational purposes and not the place to debate what “should be”.]

LTC Application Process

  • File Paper Application with BFS Training Certificate (if new application)/Application Fee – (this starts the 40 days)
  • Applicant demographic information entered into MIRCS – applicant interview (if required) – prints & picture taken via MIRCS
  • PD submits query to Dept. of Mental Health (Email)
  • PD submits fingerprint query to AFIS (10 print card via Mail or Email query for renewals)
  • PD requests sealed record review and microfilm (old records) if necessary
  • PD runs BOP, III, RMV checks in MIRCS
  • Response from MSP that person isn’t DQ’d legally (currently taking ~3 weeks)
  • Response from DMH (currently taking 1-2 weeks)
  • PD reviews responses, determines suitability, determines “proper purpose”/restrictions (if any)
  • PD clicks “Approved” in MIRCS and sends for FRB review
  • FRB review:
    • Verifies that BOP, III, other checks were done and reviewed by PD
    • Confirms applicant is eligible and, if so, approves LTC
    • Prints LTC and mails LTC to PD (done in batches 2-3x/week)
  • PD “Issues” LTC with PIN – MUST click a button on MIRCS to do this (otherwise LTC will not show as “active”).
  • PD Mails/Delivers LTC or Calls person to come pick it up.
 
MA Licensing Definitions

Since I posted this
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/155593-MA-LTC-FID-Application-Process

and had it locked, I can't add the definitions that puzzle some folks. When you work in LE (just like any other business) you are so used to some terminology common to your business that you ass-u-me that others understand it too. Sorry about that.

So here are some definitions of terms used in the MA LTC/FID Licensing process (plus a couple of Federal terms).

BOP = Board of Probation check


III = Interstate Identification Index (Interstate record check)


RMV = Registry of Motor Vehicles check (driving record, suspensions, etc.)


MIRCS = Massachusetts Instant Record Check System (system used by PDs to process your application)


BFS = These are the courses approved by MA State Police to obtain your LTC/FID.

DMH = Dept. of Mental Health checks

AFIS = Automated Fingerprint Identification System (this is a national system of record checks)

DQ = Disqualified statutorily

PP = Prohibited Person (disqualified by statute)

NICS = National Instant Criminal Background Check System (run by the FBI when you purchase a gun/frame from a licensed dealer)

CJIS = Criminal Justice Information Systems (formerly known as CHSB-Criminal History Systems Board, part of MA Executive Office of Public Safety)

FRB = Firearms Records Bureau (part of CJIS)

PIN = Number issued with credit card sized LTC/FID cards. To be used when making a purchase and fingerprint scanner isn't working for you. This is NOT the "UPIN" issued by the Feds to those who get delayed by NICS checks due to mistaken identity issues.

LTC = License to Carry - Which is NOT really a "License to CARRY" Unless it is issued with no restrictions. It really is only a "License to POSSESS" in MA!

FID = Firearms Identification Card - Which is NOT really a "FIREARMS Identification Card" at all, since MGL C. 140 S. 121 defines "firearm" as a handgun and an FID is ONLY good for low-capacity long guns and chemical sprays!
 
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