Forms/Reports/Permits
Firearms Identification Cards and License to Carry Permits are issued through the Special Services Division. Inquiries should be made to Officer Robin Cataldo at (978) 475-0411 Ext. 1004.
LICENSE TO CARRY (LTC) AND FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION CARD (FID)
INFORMATION
Andover Police Department will take all the needed photos for these permits.
To print a copy of the permit application, follow this link to the Criminal History Systems Board. Even though we are using the new on-line permitting system, a hardcopy application form still needs to be submitted.
Please make sure you read the following documentation carefully...
The Andover Police Department has the authority to issue firearms permits to Andover residents or persons who own a business in Andover. Applicants for a License to Carry (LTC) must be at least 21 years old. Applicants for a Firearms Identification Card (FID) must be at least 18 years old. A person between the ages of 15 and 18 may apply for an FID card with parental permission (explained below). All applicants must be U.S. citizens.
DISQUALIFIERS:
In order to be eligible for either permit the applicant may not have ever been convicted in any court of the Commonwealth or any other state or federal jurisdiction for:
- A felony
- A misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years
- A violent crime
- A violation of any law involving weapons or ammunition
- A violation of any law regulating controlled substances
A conviction is a finding of Guilty for an adult or an adjudication of Delinquency in the case of a juvenile. A dismissal or a continuation without a finding “CWOF” is not considered a conviction.
There is an exception for FID’s: Except for a violent crime or trafficking a controlled substance, if the FID applicant has been convicted five years or more prior to filing the application he/she would be eligible for an FID. The five years is calculated from the end of the confinement, probation or parole imposed as a result of the conviction.
Applicants are also ineligible if they are currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in any state or federal jurisdiction or a permanent temporary domestic restraining order.
For a LTC the Chief of Police also has the final discretion to determine that the applicant is a “suitable person” and must have a “good reason to fear injury to his person or property, or for any other reason, including the carrying of firearms for use in sport or target practice only”.
FEDERALLY PROHIBITED PERSONS: Warning!!!
The 1998 Federal Gun Control Act makes it unlawful for certain categories of persons to ship, transport, receive, or possess firearms. Transfers of firearms to any such prohibited persons are also unlawful under Federal Law. These categories include any person--
1) under Federal indictment for a Federal crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
2) convicted of a Federal crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
3) who is a fugitive from justice;
4) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance;
5) who is an illegal alien;
6) who has been discharged from the military under dishonorable conditions;
7) who has renounced his or her United States citizenship;
8) who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child or the intimate partner; or
9) who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
LICENSE EXPIRATION:
An FID or LTC shall be valid, unless revoked or suspended, for a period of not more than 6 years from the date of issue. LTC’s shall expire on the cardholder’s birth date occurring not less than 5 years but not more than 6 years from the date of issue. An FID shall expire 6 years from the date of issue. Cardholders will receive notice and a renewal form from the Massachusetts Firearms Record Bureau not less than 90 days prior to expiration.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
All licensees must notify, in writing, the licensing authority that issued the card, the Chief of Police into whose jurisdiction the cardholder moves and the Massachusetts Firearms Record Bureau of any change of address. Such notification shall be made by certified mail within 30 days of the move. Failure to so notify shall be cause for revocation or suspension of the card.
Download form here: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/chsb/frb_change_address.pdf
ANDOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT LICENSING UNIT
There are two types of License to Carry permits:
CLASS “A” LICENSE TO CARRY (LTC)
Class A License to Carry Firearms (LTC) permits allow holders to purchase, rent, borrow, possess and carry a firearm (pistol or revolver), including large capacity ( more than 10 rounds) firearms (pistol or revolver) feeding devices and ammunition for all lawful purposes. The class A LTC will allow the holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry rifles and shotguns, including large capacity ( more than 10 rounds) weapons and feeding devices and ammunition for all lawful purposes. This class allows the holder to carry a firearm concealed and loaded, unless other restrictions apply, such as “target only”.
* The Chief of Police maintains the right to place any restrictions he deems necessary on individual Class A License to Carry permits.
The applicant for the class “A” permit will be required to submit the following
1) A completed LTC permit application.
2) Letter from the applicant’s physician stating the applicant has no medical or psychological issues that would preclude him/her from owning, carrying, or legally using a firearm. (Also may be required on some renewals. See supplement 1)
3) A firearms safety certificate, issued by a certified firearms safety instructor who has satisfied the requirements of the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police or a certificate issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. (First Permit Only)
4) Obtain a letter from their employer stating the reasons why they would need to carry a weapon for work-related purposes. If self-employed, a letter on their letterhead describing the reason that the carrying of a firearm is necessary. If the reason for the need to carry were not of a work-related nature, a letter explaining the need would have to be submitted.
Once the applicant has assembled all the necessary paperwork, he/she should present themselves to the Police Department’s Licensing Officer during posted licensing hours, at which time they will be fingerprinted and photographed. The cost of the application or renewal process is $110.00 which will be accepted by check only, payable to the Town of Andover. This fee includes the photographs. There will be no renewal fee for anyone over the age of 70. Returned checks will necessitate the voiding of the permit and a separate check return fee.
A firearms safety course certificate will not be required for renewal.
CLASS “B” LICENSE TO CARRY (LTC)
Class B license to carry firearms permits allow the holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry, non-large capacity (10 rounds or less) firearms (pistol or revolver), and feeding devices and ammunition for all lawful purposes. The holder can also have rifles & shotguns, including large and non-large capacity rifles and shotguns, feeding devices and ammunition for all lawful purposes.
A class B holder may possess a large capacity pistol or revolver at a Class A licensed shooting club, or under the supervision of a Class A licensee at a club or range.
The Chief of Police may impose such restrictions relative to possession, use or carrying of large capacity rifles and shotguns as he deems proper.
This class license does not allow the holder to carry a firearm (pistol or revolver) loaded and concealed.
The applicant for the class “B” permit will be required to submit the following
1) A completed LTC permit application.
2) Letter from the applicant’s physician stating the applicant has no medical or psychological issues that would preclude him/her from owning, carrying, or legally using a firearm. (Also mya be required on some renewals. See supplement 1)
3) A firearms safety certificate, issued by a certified firearms safety instructor who has satisfied the requirements of the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police or a certificate issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. (First Permit Only)
Once the applicant has assembled all the necessary paperwork, he/she should present themselves to the Police Department’s Licensing Officer during posted licensing hours, at which time they will be fingerprinted and photographed. The cost of the application or renewal process is $110.00 which will be accepted by check only, payable to the Town of Andover. This fee includes the photographs. There will be no renewal fee for anyone over the age of 70. Returned checks will necessitate the voiding of the permit and a separate check return fee.
A firearms safety course certificate will not be required for renewal.
FIREARM IDENTIFICATION CARDS
There are two types of FID cards:
TYPE “C” FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION CARD (FID)
Type C Firearm Identification FID card allows the holder to carry non-large capacity (no more than 10 rounds in the magazine) rifles and non-large capacity (no more than 5 rounds) shotguns and to possess a firearm (pistol or revolver) in their home or on their property.
TYPE C FID CARDS DO NOT ENTITLE THE HOLDER TO POSSESS:
A. large capacity firearms (pistol or revolver) or large capacity feeding device except under a class A licensed shooting club or under the direct supervision of a holder of a Class A license issued to an individual at a shooting range: OR
B. A large capacity rifle or shotgun or large capacity feeding device, except for a class A licensed shooting club or under the direct supervision of a holder of a class A or class B license issued to an individual at an incorporated shooting club or licensed range. An FID card shall not be valid for the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental or transportation of a large capacity rifle or shotgun.
The applicant for the class “C” FID will be required to submit the following:
1. A completed FID permit application.
2. A letter from the applicant’s physician stating the applicant has no medical or psychological issues that would preclude him/her from owning, carrying, or legally using a firearm. (Also may be required on some renewals. See supplement 1)
3. The person, if they are between and including the ages of 15 and 17 years old, must have a letter from their parent giving them permission to have an FID card. The parent must sign the letter in front of the licensing authority at the Police Station.
3. A firearms safety certificate, issued by a certified firearms safety instructor who has satisfied the requirements of the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police or a certificate issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. (First Permit Only)
Once the applicant has assembled all the necessary paperwork, he/she should present themselves to the Police Department’s Licensing Officer during posted licensing hours, at which time they will be fingerprinted and photographed. The cost of the application or renewal process is $110.00 which will be accepted by check only, made out to the Town of Andover. This fee includes the photographs. There will be no renewal fee for anyone over the age of 70. Returned checks will necessitate the voiding of the permit and a separate check return fee.
A firearms safety course certificate will not be required for renewal.
TYPE “D” FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION CARD (FID)
A type “D” card shall he issued for the sole purpose of purchasing or possessing chemical mace, pepper spray or other similarly propelled liquid, gas or powder designed to temporarily incapacitate. The holder of this card may not possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun.
The applicant for the type D FID card will be required to submit the following
1) A completed application
2) If the applicant is between the ages of 15 and 17 years old, provide a letter from the parent giving them permission to have an FID card. The applicant’s parent must sign this letter in the presence of the Department’s Licensing Officer..
Once the applicant has assembled all the necessary paperwork, he/she should present themselves to the Police Department’s Licensing Officer during posted licensing hours, at which time they will be fingerprinted and photographed. The cost of the application is $35.00 which will be accepted by check only, payable to the Town of Andover. This fee includes the two photographs. The type “D” FID card has to be renewed every six years, but there will be no “renewal” fee. There will be a $10.00 photograph fee. Returned checks will necessitate the voiding of the permit and a separate check return fee.
No firearms safety course certificate will be required for a type “D” FID card.
The Andover Police Department Licensing Officer may be reached by phone at 978-475-0411 ext. 1004
DEFINITIONS
FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE- Any person applying for the issuance of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) under M.G.L. Chapter 129B. a class A or a Class B License To Carry firearms under sections 131 or 13IF or a permit to purchase under section 131A who was not licensed under the provisions of this chapter on June 1, 1998, shall in addition to the requirements set forth in sections l29B, 131, l3lA or 13W submit to the licensing authority a basic firearms safety certificate:
• Certified by the Division of Fisheries: A certificate issued by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, evidencing the satisfactory completion of a hunter safety course, shall serve as a valid substitute for a basic firearms safety certificate.
• Certification: The Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police shall certify certain persons as a firearms safety instructors and shall certify safety course curriculum.
Firearm —A pistol, revolver or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which a shot or bullet can he discharged and of which the length of the barrel or barrels is less than 16 inches or 18 inches in the case of a shotgun as originally manufactured The term firearm shall NOT include any weapon that is constructed in a shape that does not resemble a handgun, short-barreled rifle or short barreled shotgun including, but not limited to. covert weapons that resemble key-chains, pens. cigarette-lighters or cigarette-packages; or not detectable as a weapon or potential weapon by x-ray machines commonly used at airports or walk-through metal detectors.
Rifle- A weapon having a rifled bore with a barrel length equal to or greater than 18” and capable of discharging a shot or bullet for each pull of the trigger.
Shotgun- A weapon having a smooth bore with a barrel equal to or greater than 18” with an overall length equal to or greater than 26”, and is capable of discharging a shot or bullet for each pull of the trigger.
Large capacity weapon- any firearm, rifle or shotgun: (I) that is semiautomatic with a fixed large capacity feeding device; (ii)that is semiautomatic and capable of accepting, or readily modifiable to accept, any detachable large capacity feeding device; (iii)that employs a rotating cylinder capable of accepting more than ten rounds of ammunition in a rifle or firearm and more than five shotgun shells in the case of a shotgun or firearm; or (iv) that is an assault weapon
Large capacity feeding device- , includes (I) a fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip or similar device capable of accepting. or that can be readily convened to accept. more than ten rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells; or (ii)a large capacity ammunition feeding device as defined in the federal Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. section 92 1(a)(31).
NOTE: The term “large capacity feeding device” shall not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber ammunition.
Licensing authority —The Chief of Police or persons authorized by the chief.
Supplement 1: Sample Physician’s Letter
A physician’s letter is required for a Class “A” or “B” LTC and Class “C” FID.
The following is a sample of the letter required. Please have your physician copy the attached letter onto his letterhead.
Dr. John Smith
123 Sample Street
ANDOVER, Massachusetts
1-978-123-4567
Patient Name: ________________________ PRINTED PLEASE
Date of Birth: ________________________
I, ___________________, a practicing physician licensed by the state where I practice am familiar with the patient mentioned above. As of this time, I know of no medical or psychological impairments that would preclude the above individual from owning, carrying or legally utilizing a firearm.
Signature of Physician Date
Supplement 2: Approved Firearms Safety Course List
The following partial list of individuals and training centers are accepted as certified agencies and will assist you when seeking a means to fulfill “The Safety Qualifications” needed when applying for a License To Carry Firearms. The safety course must be taken successfully prior to returning the application for approval.
(1) Bob’s Tactical Indoor
(2) A.G. Guns & Ammo Inc. (3) Gun & Sport North, Inc. (4) Vito Ansaldi (5) Andover Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. |
(6) Det. Paul Ringwood (7) Starfire (8) Bruno Turchi (9) Sam Spinazzola |
This list is offered as a courtesy to our license applicants and is not
meant to imply any endorsement by the Andover Police Department. Certified
instructors wishing to be added to this list are advised to contact the
department Licensing Officer.
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