Licensing Contact: FirearmsLicense@cohassetpolicema.gov


If you are looking to obtain a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms (LTC) or a Firearms Identification Card (FID) complete the following steps:

 

Application Process
  1. Complete an approved Massachusetts  Basic Firearms Safety Course (First-time applicants only)
  2. Complete a License to Carry Firearms Application
  3. Schedule an appointment with a licensing officer at FirearmsLicense@cohassetpolicema.gov
    • When scheduling appointment include: Name, Address, Phone Number, Email
New Applicants

All new applicants should bring the following:

  • Massachusetts  Basic Firearms Safety Course Certificate
  • Completed License to Carry Firearms Application
  • A valid form of Government Issued identification
  • Proof of Cohasset residency or proof of business OWNERSHIP within the Town of Cohasset
  • A check payable to “Town of Cohasset”
Renewal Applicants

All renewal applicants should bring the following:

  • Completed License to Carry Firearms Application
  • A valid form of Government Issued identification
  • Proof of Cohasset residency or proof of business OWNERSHIP within the Town of Cohasset
  • A check payable to “Town of Cohasset”
Fee Schedule
License Type Fee
License to Carry $100
License to Carry – Retired Law Enforcement $25
Firearms Identification Card $100
Firearms Identification Card – Restricted $25
Over 70 years of age Waived
Other Forms

Change of Address

Change of Name

For questions regarding firearms licensing please contact Sergeant Harrison Schmidt or Police Officer Rudy Helbock by emailing FirearmsLicense@cohassetpolicema.gov or calling (781) 383-1055.

FAQs

  1. Applications are available on the Firearms Record Bureau website, https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license.
  2. If you are a first-time applicant or a renewal applicant from another city or town, you must submit a certificate showing you have successfully completed a state approved basic firearms safety course (example: NRA Basic Pistol Course, NRA Personal Protection Course, etc.) conducted by a state-certified firearms instructor or proof you possessed a valid FID or LTC on June 1, 1998. (Active military personnel are exempt from this requirement for both F.I.D. and L.T.C.)
    1. If you were previously licensed in another city or town (and therefore, new to the Cohasset Police Department), you must submit a letter from the police department of that city or town stating that there have been no problems that might indicate you are an unsuitable person for the renewal of a License to Carry Firearms.
  3. You must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship (copy of a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport). If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your naturalization certificate.
    1. If you are a Resident Alien (green card holders) you can apply through the Cohasset Police Department. Individuals with any other type of immigration paper (such as student or work VISAs) can apply for a resident alien permit to possess non-large capacity rifles and shotguns through the Firearms Records Bureau.
  4. Proof of Cohasset residency is required. In addition to your Mass. Driver's License, you must provide copies of two different bills with your current name and address (e.g. utility bill, credit card statement, etc.)
    1. In accordance with MGL c.140 s.131(d) a person who has a place of business within the Town of Cohasset is eligible for a license even if they do not reside in Cohasset. Proof of business ownership is required and simply being an employee of the business is not sufficient.
  5. The only form of payment accepted is by personal or bank check. Cash will not be accepted. Checks for application fees must be made payable to “Town of Cohasset” and dropped off/mailed to Cohasset Police Headquarters. See schedule of fees
  6. After the application has been submitted, first-time applicants will be contacted by an officer from the licensing unit to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and an interview.

  1. Applications are available on the Firearms Record Bureau website, https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license.
  2. You must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship (copy of a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport). If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your naturalization certificate.
    • If you are a Resident Alien (green card holders) you can apply through the Cohasset Police Department. Individuals with any other type of immigration paper (such as student or work VISAs) can apply for a resident alien permit to possess non-large capacity rifles and shotguns through the Firearms Records Bureau.
  3. Proof of Cohasset residency is required. In addition to your Mass. Driver's License, you must provide copies of two different bills with your current name and address (e.g. utility bill, credit card statement, etc.)
    • In accordance with MGL c.140 s.131(d) a person who has a place of business within the Town of Cohasset is eligible for a license even if they do not reside in Cohasset. Proof of business ownership is required and simply being an employee of the business is not sufficient.
  4. The only form of payment accepted is by personal or bank check. Cash will not be accepted. Checks for application fees must be made payable to “Town of Cohasset” and dropped off/mailed to Cohasset Police Headquarters. See schedule of fees

  1. Applications are available on the Firearms Record Bureau website, https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license.
  2. If you are a first-time applicant or a renewal applicant from another city or town, you must submit a certificate showing you have successfully completed a state approved basic firearms safety course (example: NRA Basic Pistol Course, NRA Personal Protection Course, etc.) conducted by a state-certified firearms instructor or proof you possessed a valid FID or LTC on June 1, 1998. (Active military personnel are exempt from this requirement for both F.I.D. and L.T.C.)
    • If you were previously licensed in another city or town (and therefore, new to the Cohasset Police Department), you must submit a letter from the police department of that city or town stating that there have been no problems that might indicate you are an unsuitable person for the renewal of a license.
  3. You must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship (copy of a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport). If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your naturalization certificate.
    • If you are a Resident Alien (green card holders) you can apply through the Cohasset Police Department. Individuals with any other type of immigration paper (such as student or work VISAs) can apply for a resident alien permit to possess non-large capacity rifles and shotguns through the Firearms Records Bureau.
  4. Proof of Cohasset residency is required. In addition to your Mass. Driver's License, you must provide copies of two different bills with your current name and address (e.g. utility bill, credit card statement, etc.)
  5. The only form of payment accepted is by personal or bank check. Cash will not be accepted. Checks for application fees must be made payable to “Town of Cohasset” and dropped off/mailed to Cohasset Police Headquarters. See schedule of fees.
  6. Applicants who have attained the age of 14 can apply for a FID or restricted FID for defense spray. The license will be processed but cannot be issued before the applicant’s 15th
    • certificate of permission from a parent or legal guardian is required. A signed letter of permission is sufficient. The parent or legal guardian must be present during fingerprinting and application processing.
  7. After the application has been submitted, first-time applicants will be contacted by an officer from the licensing unit to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and an interview.

The ruling of the United States Supreme Court in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (June 23, 2022) held that the requirement under New York law that applicants demonstrate “proper cause” in order to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in most public places was unconstitutional. In the decision, the Supreme Court specifically called out the “good reason” provision under the Massachusetts licensing statute as being problematic as well. Applicants are not required to complete the “Reason(s) for requesting the issuance of a card or license” section on the Massachusetts application form.

License Type Fee
License to Carry $100
License to Carry – Retired Law Enforcement $25
Firearms Identification Card $100
Firearms Identification Card – Restricted $25
Over 70 years of age Waived

A prohibited person shall be a person who:  (i) has, in a court of the commonwealth, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child, both as defined in section 52 of chapter 119, for the commission of  (A) a felony;  (B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years;  (C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;  (D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed;  (E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or  (F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);  (ii) has, in any other state or federal jurisdiction, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child for the commission of  (A) a felony;  (B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years;  (C) a violent crime as defined in section 121;  (D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed;  (E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in said section 1 of said chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or  (F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);  (iii) is or has been  (A) committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, except a commitment pursuant to sections 35 or 36C of chapter 123, unless after 5 years from the date of the confinement, the applicant submits with the application an affidavit of a licensed physician or clinical psychologist attesting that such physician or psychologist is familiar with the applicant's mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse and that in the physician's or psychologist’s opinion, the applicant is not disabled by a mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse in a manner that shall prevent the applicant from possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun;  (B) committed by a court order to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the court order pursuant to said section 36C of said chapter 123 and submits a copy of the court order with the application;  (C) subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for a incapacitated person on the grounds that the applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the applicant’s affairs, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the order of the probate court pursuant to section  56C of chapter 215 and submits a copy of the order of the probate court with the application; or  11 Revised February 2024 (D) found to be a person with an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder or both and committed pursuant to said section 35 of said chapter 123, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the court order pursuant to said section 35 and submits a copy of the court order with the application;  (iv) is younger than 21 years of age at the time of the application for a license to carry or is younger than 18 for a FID card or younger than 14 if applying for a FID with the consent of a parent or legal guardian;  (v) is an alien who does not maintain lawful permanent residency;  (vi) is currently subject to: (A) an order for suspension or surrender issued pursuant to sections 3B or 3C of chapter 209A or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction; (B) a permanent or temporary protection order issued pursuant to said chapter 209A or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction, including any order described in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8); or (C) an extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to sections 131R to 131X, inclusive, or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction. (vii) is currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in any state or federal jurisdiction;  (viii) has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;  (ix) is a fugitive from justice; or  (x) having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced that citizenship.

The licensing authority may deny the application or renewal of a license to carry, or suspend or revoke a license issued under this section if, in a reasonable exercise of discretion, the licensing authority determines that the applicant or licensee is unsuitable to be issued or to continue to hold a license to carry. A determination of unsuitability shall be based on:  (i) reliable and credible information that the applicant or licensee has exhibited or engaged in behavior that suggests that, if issued a license, the applicant or licensee may create a risk to public safety; or  (ii) existing factors that suggest that, if issued a license, the applicant or licensee may create a risk to public safety.

Delinquent Dues  The license authority will not issue licenses if the applicant is on the delinquent dues list compiled by the Town of Cohasset Finance Department.

Question #4: Have you ever been arrested or appeared in court as a defendant for any criminal offense?  a. You must answer if you have ever appeared in any court as a defendant for any criminal offense. Any arrest must be specified. The disposition of the case does not matter. Even if the case was dismissed, continued without a finding, not guilty, etc. it must be documented. Failure to answer this question truthfully may result in denial, suspension or revocation. It may also result in criminal prosecution for failing to answer truthfully.  12 Revised February 2024 b. NOTE: Operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating a motor vehicle after suspension/ revocation, operating an uninsured motor vehicle are all criminal offenses. Speeding, red-light infractions, etc. are not. 2.

Question #9: Have you ever been CONVICTED as an adult or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child in any state or federal jurisdiction?  a. You must document any appearance regardless of what you may have been advised to the contrary. b. Sealed cases must also be documented. We will be notified if a case was sealed. Juvenile appearances as a criminal defendant are required to be documented and are not exempt.