Important Note: IF YOU HAVE THE OLD VERSION OF THE FID CARD, (issued prior to 1998) it is expired, despite the fact it says on it that it never expires. There is no exception for the possession of any firearms, rifles or shotguns under an expired FID card. Do not carry or transport any arms out of your home under any circumstances. We would advise you to secure any weapons with a properly licensed friend, relative or dealer until such time as you obtain the proper permit.
The Wilmington Police Firearms Licensing Section, issues firearms permits to Wilmington Residents, pursuant to MGL Chapter 140.
Steps to Follow in Applying for a License:
1. The first step in the process is to submit a completed application. Note: Be sure you answer all question on the application accurately as an inaccurate application is in of itself a disqualifier. You are required to pay on the day you come in and have your picture taken for your license. The check should be made out to the Town of Wilmington in the amount of $100.00. Note: Restricted FID cards for Mace/Pepper Spray are $25.00.
2. The next step is to take an approved Firearms Safety Course that is approved by the State Police. This is required by state law for all new issue permits after June 1, 1998. Check at your local gun club or www.goal.org to find a certified training program. If you complete a course prior to dropping off your application leave a copy of your Safety Course certificate with the application, otherwise bring a copy when you come in to have your picture taken. A background check of criminal and other histories is run, and a set of the applicants’ fingerprints must be sent to the state police. All applications are sent through central processing and certified by the Colonel of the State Police, so we have no control over the amount of time this takes. It could be as long as a few months depending on their workload.
3. The next step (after steps 1&2 are completed), is a person from the Firearms Licensing Section will contact you for an appointment. Please allow at least two week before inquiring about the status of your application.
Types of Permits:
1. Firearms Identification Card (FID) allows the holder to purchase, possess and transport non-large capacity rifles and shotguns. It also allows a handgun to be kept in the home or place of business only if the handgun was purchased with a Permit to Purchase. It does not permit, under any circumstances, the carrying or transport of a handgun in public by the FID holder. The FID card is a "shall-issue" permit; the issuing authority is required to issue unless there is a disqualification. A License to carry is a "discretionary issue" permit, with part of the criteria being the issuing authority’s determination that the applicant is a "suitable person." The chief also has the authority to impose any restrictions he deems proper on the terms of the license. Note: For new residents renewing a License to Carry originally issued by another agency, you are required to show proof of approved safety course training at the time of application in Wilmington or proof that you held a License prior to June 1, 1998.
2. Class A License to Carry allows the holder to purchase, possess and transport Large Capacity Handguns, Rifles and Shotguns, as well as their respective large capacity loading devices; it further allows the bearer to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public. This is the only permit that allows the holder to carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public.
3. Class B License to Carry allows the holder to purchase, possess and transport non-large capacity handguns, and large capacity rifles, shotguns and their respective large capacity loading devices. It does grant the bearer a limited right to carry a non-large capacity handgun, but the holder may not carry a loaded concealed handgun in a public place. For example, a security guard could carry an exposed, loaded non-large capacity handgun. Also, if transporting the firearm in a vehicle, it must be unloaded and in a locked case or trunk. [Pursuant to Massachusetts law, regardless of the type of permit held, if transporting a rifle or shotgun on a public way, said long arm must be unloaded (including any magazines for such) and in a case, unless involved in hunting, with a valid hunting license. Note: Veterans groups, while carrying unloaded rifles for ceremonial purposes, are exempt from this statute].
4. Restricted Firearms Identification Card allows the holder to possess and carry aerosol incapacitating spray such as Mace and Pepper Spray. Note: This restricted FID card is exempt from the firearms training requirement. No firearms, rifles or shotguns may be purchased or possessed with the restricted FID. New restricted FID cards for Mace/Pepper Spray are $25.00 and newel restricted cards are free.