Firearms Licensing

Overview

The Brookline Police Department places great emphasis on the issuing of licenses to carry firearms and firearms identification cards. The Identification/Firearms Licensing Unit manages the issuance of such permits for Brookline residents and / or individuals who own a business in Brookline, who are also United States citizens.

Possession Information for Residents

Resident License to Carry (LTC) Firearms

To lawfully possess a handgun, you must have a valid LTC. Read the list of handgun requirements and restrictions.

Resident Firearms Identification (FID) Cards

To lawfully possess a rifle, shotgun or ammunition you must possess a valid FID card. Read the list of firearms requirements and restrictions.

Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens

All lawful permanent resident aliens are eligible to apply for a MA resident license to carry or firearms identification card issued through the Brookline Police Department . Non-Resident aliens should contact the CHSB Firearm support Services for information (617) 660-4780.

Change to Expiration of Certain FID Cards

Several changes were made to the firearms laws, M.G.L. c. 140, §§ 121-131P, between 1998 and 2000. One of the changes made is only now beginning to affect firearms identification (FID) cardholders, licensing authorities and gun dealers. The FID card normally has an expiration of four years, but chapter 180, section 73 of the Acts of 1998, as amended by chapter 159, section 313 (www.state.ma.us/legis/budgets/fiscal01.htm) of the Acts of 2000 extended the expiration date of certain FID cards.The expiration date of those FID cards issued between October of 1999 and June of 2000 were extended by one, two or three years, depending on the date of issue. The purpose of this Act was to more evenly distribute the renewals to be processed every forth year beginning 1999 when the FID cards first expired. The schedule for expiration is as follows

  • Cards issued in October, November or December of 1999 expire in the year 2004 (same month and day)
  • Cards issued in January, February or March of 2000 expire in the year 2005 (same month and day)
  • Cards issued in April, May or June of 2000 expire in the year 2006 (same month and day)
  • The records of the Firearms Record Bureau, as the repository for the Commonwealth, have been changed to reflect the new expiration dates as provided by law

Application Fees for License to Carry or Firearms Identification Cards

Effective immediately, chapter 140, sections 122, 122B, 129B, 131, 131A, 131F and 131H have been amended to change the fee schedule for Massachusetts firearms licenses. The fees collected from the licenses are generally allocated as $50 for the Commonwealth, $25 for the licensing authority, and $25 for the Firearms Fingerprint Identity Verification Trust Fund. Note that there is still no fee for renewal applicants over 70 years of age. The license fees are now as follows

  • Dealers License (including Gunsmiths): $100
  • License to Sell Ammunition: $100
  • Firearms Identification Card: $100
  • License to Carry Firearms: $100 (Includes license to possess machine guns)
  • License to Carry Firearms for Law Enforcement Officials or Local, State, or Federal Government Entities Acting on Their Behalf: $25
  • Permits to Purchase: $100
  • Non-Resident and Non-Resident Alien: $100
  • Resident Alien: $100
  • For more information on the laws governing the possession of firearms, please visit the Firearms Record Bureau webpage.

NEW APPLICANTS

Firearms applications will not be processed until all of the following materials are received:
  1. Application – a complete, original application signed by the applicant Download the application form (submit first 3 pages only); 
  2. Payment – a check or money order payable to the “Town of Brookline” in the amount of $100; 
  3. Driver’s License – a copy of your MA driver’s license Applicants born outside of the United States will also need to submit a proof of citizenship document (U.S. passport, naturalization papers, etc.); 
  4. Proof of Residency – an acceptable document, not more than 2 months old, with your name and address Acceptable – Mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable), property tax, excise tax, voter registration. NOT Acceptable – credit card statements, medical bills, junk mail, paystubs, vehicle registration; 
  5. Safety Course Certificate – a copy of your MA basic firearms safety course certificate or Hunter Safety Course;
  6. Two Letters of Reference – Two letters of reference from parties who can attest to the applicant’s that the applicant is of sound mind and character and that the applicant is believed by the reference to have demonstrated responsibility for the safe possession of a firearm. Each reference must contain the full name, home address, and home telephone number of the reference. Each reference must state how long they has known the applicant, the specific basis for their opinion that the applicant is of sound character and is responsible, and must indicate his or her willingness to be interviewed in confidence by this Department. The letters should addressed to the Chief of Police. No references will be accepted from any relative, law enforcement official, or elected official. Must be signed. *** Not required for Firearms Identification Card Applications ***
  7. A Letter from the applicant addressed to the Chief of Police - In the letter, the applicant introduce themselves and briefly state their reasons for applying for a License to Carry. Must be signed. *** Not required for Firearms Identification Card Applications ***

RENEWAL APPLICANTS

  1. Application – a complete, original application signed by the applicant Download the application form (submit all 4 pages filled out completely); 
  2. Payment – a check or money order payable to the “Town of Brookline” in the amount of $100 Exemptions: There is no fee for renewal applicants 70 years old and above at the time of submission;
  3. Driver’s License – a copy of your MA driver’s license;
  4. Proof of Residency – an acceptable document, not more than 2 months old, with your name and address Acceptable – Mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable), property tax, excise tax, voter registration NOT Acceptable– credit card statements, medical bills, junk mail, paystubs, vehicle registration.

Firearms license applications for both new applicants and renewals will be accepted by mail or in-person at the front desk of the Public Safety Building located at 350 Washington St. If mailing, the application and supporting materials should be mailed to:

Brookline Police DepartmentAttn: Firearms Licensing350 Washington St.
Brookline, MA 02445


NOTE: A receipt acknowledging that an application has been received will be mailed to the applicant. Applicants will be contacted via telephone or by mail with any questions related to their application or if additional documents are required. First time applicants will be contacted and scheduled for appointments in order to be interviewed and to be fingerprinted and photographed. A live fire “Moon Island” Range Course will be scheduled during the interview.

Renewal applicants will generally not be required to make an in-person appointment for an application to be processed.

Applicants will be notified of completion of the application process.

For any additional questions, please contact the Brookline Police Department's Identification / Firearms Licensing Unit at 617-730-2239.

Firearms Application Downloads

  1. Firearm License Application Form
  2. Firearms Application Packet