Firearms Licensing


Important Information for Renewal Applicants

Recent statutory changes have extended the 90-day grace period indefinitely so long as you begin the renewal process prior to the expiration of your current license. We strongly recommend all renewals schedule an appointment several months in advance of their current expiration date. If your license will expire prior to your appointment with us, please contact the licensing desk at mailto:pquinn@stoneham-ma.gov.

Please note: You can fill out all following forms and print for drop-off.

Applying for License to Carry (Class A), FID (Class C) Restricted, or License to Possess a Machine Gun (Class E)

For all new or renewal licenses: 

  1. New applicants need to complete the basic firearms safety course before applying
  2. Complete the Request for Appointment Form (PDF) and return it to the station to the attention of "Firearms Licensing Department". You will be contacted to schedule an appointment to come in. Please include your cell phone number to assist in reaching you. Many times the largest delay in the process is caused by the inability to reach applicants in a timely fashion
  3. Once your appointment is scheduled, complete the Application (PDF) honestly and accurately and bring it and all required documents listed on the Request for Appointment Form with you on the day of your appointment. 

During your appointment, your photograph and fingerprints will be taken and a final application will be uploaded into the state’s MIRCS licensing system. The State Police and FBI will conduct a background and fingerprint record check; the DMH will conduct a mental health check; and the Stoneham Police Department will conduct a suitability and criminal records check. Based on the findings, applicants are either denied or approved and are formally notified of the outcome by mail.

Please note, at present, processing time from the date of your appointment to receipt of your license or denial letter is no less than 3 months.

When Are Appointments Conducted?

Appointments are generally conducted bimonthly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and occasionally on Saturdays. We are currently booking at least 3 months out.

Change of Address Notification

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, sections 129B and 131 states "a cardholder shall notify the licensing authority that issued such firearms license, the chief of police into whose jurisdiction such cardholder moves, and the commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services of any change of address within 30 days of its occurrence. Failure to notify any of these entities shall be cause for revocation or suspension of the license." Download official change of address notification form (PDF) or visit Mass.gov

Hunting & Fishing Information

The agency that regulates hunting in Massachusetts is the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The Division headquarters is located at 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 in Boston and may be reached by telephone at 617-626-1590. General questions regarding hunting license, technical hunting information, wildlife management areas, etc. should be directed at the Division. Be advised, the state has now implemented an online system for hunting and fishing licenses, which can be accessed at MassFishHunt.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police is the lead law enforcement agency relative to hunting and wild game and may be reached at 800-632-8075. Emergencies or calls requiring immediate resolution should still be processed through the 911 system and a Stoneham police officer will respond.

Resources for Applicants & Licensees

  1. To complete private transfers and gun registration online, visit Firearms Services.
  2. To retrieve your license PIN number, call 781-438-1215, ext. 3140.
  3. View a listing of Basic Safety Course Instructors.
  4. To petition the Firearms Licensing Review Board to review misdemeanor charges affecting your suitability for an LTC, download and submit the required paperwork (PDF) (read carefully).