In Massachusetts, if your application for a License to Carry (LTC) or Firearm Identification (FID) Card is denied by your local police department or the Firearms Records Bureau, you have a legal right to appeal the decision. This process allows you to challenge the denial in District Court and present evidence to demonstrate your eligibility and suitability for firearm ownership under Massachusetts law.
Firearm license denials in Massachusetts are often based on the following factors:
Under M.G.L. c. 140, § 131, a licensing authority may determine an applicant to be “unsuitable” even if they are not statutorily prohibited, provided there is a “reasonable ground” that the person may pose a risk to public safety.
Massachusetts General Laws provide the right to appeal firearm license denials. Specifically:
You deserve legal guidance from someone who understands the complexities of Massachusetts firearms laws—inside and out. With deep experience in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, §§ 129B and 131, we assist clients through every step of the application, renewal, or appeal process.
Experienced Firearms Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
Do NOT wait. The 90-day appeal clock starts the moment you are denied. Every day you hesitate strengthens the government’s case against you and weakens your chances in court. The licensing authority is counting on you to give up or miss the deadline. Don’t give them the win. Assert your rights now — fight the denial and reclaim your Second Amendment rights in Massachusetts. Your future, your rights, and your record depend on swift, aggressive legal action.
You have 90 days from the date of denial to file a petition in the District Court.
Yes. You can challenge a discretionary denial, and the licensing authority must prove that you pose a risk to public safety.
Possibly. Licensing authorities may still consider sealed records or dismissed charges in determining “suitability.”
Yes, but reapplying doesn’t stop the clock on your appeal rights. If denied again, you may face steeper scrutiny. Filing an appeal keeps your options open.
You forfeit your right to appeal in court. It’s critical to act before the deadline expires.
Experienced Firearms Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links