LTC vs. FID in Massachusetts:
What’s the difference?

LTC and FID compared

These are different licenses, not two names for the same credential. The table summarizes the general rules for a new resident applicant; exceptions and other firearm laws still matter.

On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to compare both licenses.

Sources: FID statute, §129B; LTC statute, §131; safety certificates, §131P.

What does an FID card allow in Massachusetts?

For a first-time applicant, the key limitation is that an FID is not a general handgun license. Its ordinary scope is narrower than an LTC. When comparing advice online, look for information that accounts for both capacity and semiautomatic restrictions—not just older descriptions of “non-large-capacity” firearms.

The current statute also describes a limited supervised-range exception. That is not the same as permission to purchase or independently possess a firearm outside your license’s scope. Read §129B and ask your licensing authority about a specific situation.

What does an LTC allow?

An LTC is the broader license. It includes firearm permissions that an FID does not, including handguns, and covers the rifle and shotgun entitlements described for FID holders. However, it does not make every firearm, magazine, location, or activity lawful. Section 131 expressly preserves restrictions involving assault-style firearms and large-capacity feeding devices. Read the LTC statute.

If your goal involves handgun ownership, start by asking about the LTC application and its requirements. If you are deciding between licenses for another purpose, explain that purpose to your local licensing authority rather than relying on a general comparison alone.

Age, eligibility and applying

The age figures above are starting points, not a determination that someone qualifies. Licensing authorities also assess statutory eligibility and suitability. The FID statute permits an application at age 14, but issuance cannot occur before age 15 and the applicable requirements must be met. See the FID age provisions.

Our first-time LTC application guide brings together the training, document and cost steps. Use the official Massachusetts application instructions and follow your local police department’s process. Prepare the documentation it requests and confirm appointment arrangements. Completing training and submitting an application are separate steps; a course does not issue your license or guarantee approval.

For planning, see how the Massachusetts LTC timeline works. Nonresidents follow a separate process. Use the state’s instructions for your situation rather than assuming the resident pathway applies.

Where firearms safety training fits

A safety certificate records completion of qualifying education. It is not an LTC or FID. Massachusetts law sets certificate requirements and exceptions, and hunter education is treated differently for an FID application than for an LTC. Before booking, confirm that the course and certificate fit the application you intend to make. Review §131P.

At M&E, the Massachusetts LTC / Basic Pistol class in Marshfield typically has a 9 AM–3 PM classroom session, followed by a separately scheduled live-fire session at a local range. Everything for the LTC class is included; bring yourself and a snack or drink for the classroom portion.

Group tuition is $200 per person. A $50 non-refundable deposit reserves an available spot and counts toward tuition; the balance is due before class begins. Private LTC classes are $350 per person, paid in full before the scheduled class. These are training fees, separate from government application fees.

Meet Mikaela Richards and Ernest Studley, or review our class preparation and registration FAQs. Private shooting lessons are a separate service and should not be confused with the LTC course.

Common questions

Do I need a separate FID if I have an LTC?

Section 131(c) includes the rifle and shotgun entitlements conferred by an FID within an LTC’s scope. A separate FID is not needed simply to duplicate those permissions. Other restrictions still apply. See §131(c).

Do FID holders need another safety course to apply for an LTC?

The certificate used for the FID matters. EOPSS says an FID holder who used a hunter education certificate needs a state-approved basic firearms safety course for the LTC. If the FID was obtained using a state-approved basic firearms safety course, repeating that course is not required for the upgrade. Confirm your records with the licensing authority. See Guidance #5, question 40.

Does an LTC mean I can carry anywhere?

No. License scope and the rules for carrying in a particular place are separate issues. This comparison is not an open-carry or prohibited-places guide. Before carrying, verify the rules that apply to your location and circumstances with the licensing authority or qualified legal counsel. Start with Massachusetts Firearms Services.