The Dartmouth Police Firearms Licensing Department oversees more than 4,500 Licenses To Carry (LTC) firearms.
The Massachusetts Firearm Records Bureau licensing portal can be used for new applicants as well as renewals; however, additional documents including a color copy of a Massachusetts ID, residency proof, safety certificates, as well as payment must be submitted to the firearms division for process. (For renewals only, page 4 is a must and shall be signed prior to dropping off)! These documents cannot be attached to your online application. You may also use the portal to provide change of address, name changes, and pin verification which can be a useful tool. Please understand that if you choose to apply or re-apply for an LTC online at Mass.gov, the department will not be notified automatically. It is your responsibility to provide any additional documents, as well as 2 self-addressed (business–size) stamped envelopes, and a check or money order made payable to The Town of Dartmouth in the amount of $100.
Lost or stolen licenses must be reported to the firearms division via email at firearms@dartmouthpolice.gov and when doing so, please provide your name, previous license number, address, and phone number so we can promptly issue you a subsequent license. Please be advised that you will only be notified by mail for fingerprinting purposes. We do not make appointments but rather have a schedule of regular days and times that will be sent to you as confirmation that your application is being processed.
*Active members of the National Guard and US Military members are no longer exempt from the safety courses and must be supplied if you are a new applicant.
Once your application is received, the Firearms Licensing Officer will conduct a local and national criminal records background check. A criminal record may prevent you from obtaining a License to Carry Firearms or a Firearms Identification Card. Your application may be approved or denied by the Chief of Police pursuant to all applicable laws. A second review will be conducted by the Firearms Record Bureau. If approved by both, then the Firearms Records Bureau prints out the card and mails it to the Police Department. Once received by the department it will be mailed out to your residence. If you are denied, you will receive a letter in the mail with details of the reason for denial, and further instructions regarding your right of appeal.
If you have further questions, you can reach us by email at firearms@dartmouthpolice.gov.