First-Time Applicants

For first-time applicants (people who have never held a MA firearms license or who’s license expired prior to the MA Gun Control Act of 1998), you will need the following items for your appointment:

  1. MA Driver’s License or U.S. Passport for Photo Identification.
  2. A copy of your MA approved Basic Firearms Safety Course.  If you do not bring a copy of the certificate with you, we will not be able to proceed.  The certificate and the instructor must be MA approved or it will not be valid.  Because of state ethics laws, we are unable to recommend an instructor but you could find approved courses online with an internet search for MA Approved Basic Firearms Safety Courses.
  3. A check made payable to Town of Marblehead for $100.  Please note, if you are applying for an FID-D Mace/Pepper Spray License, the fee is $25.
  4. Two pieces of mail with your name and a Marblehead residential address.  Please note, post office boxes will not be accepted.

To expedite the process, please download a copy of the firearms application from the MA's Executive Office of Public Safety and Security website.

The appointment will last approximately 45 minutes.  It takes roughly 1.5 months for the license to arrive at Marblehead Police Headquarters from the state.