UPD FAQ (Frequently Answered Questions)
Notice Any
one who has a license to carry firearms or FID Card may be getting a renewal
notice in the mail. Only persons with FID crads need renew. Persons with
a license to carry firearms have their license expire on the date listed
on the bottom of the card.
Q: When can I get license to carry firearms? A: Check the New Firearms
Licensing Law summary at the botom of this page.
Q: What are the requirements for obtaining a license to carry firearms?
A: Issuance of a license to carry firearms is dependent on the following
requirements: Applicant must have attained the age of 21 be a U.S. Citizen
or proof of naturalization, complete the standard application form and have
completed a handgun safety course sanctioned by Massachusetts State Police.
A list of these and any other requirements are available at any time from
the dispatch office at the Police Department.
This year a new Firearms bill has been signed in
to law. The specifics of this bill are listed on this bottom of this page
as they pertain to firearms licensing. Updates will be listed as information
is relayed to this Department from the Sate Firearms Records Bureau. KEEP
CHECKING FOR THOSE UPDATES. Most changes are scheduled to go into effect in
October 21, 1999. All Persons currently licensed will have their FIDs expire
in 1999 or the year 2000. The Firearms Records Bureau will be sending you
information of this.
Q: If I am going on vacation should I notify the police? A: The
Uxbridge Police has available to the citizens of Uxbridge a form that can
be filled out and left with us so that we can make extra checks of your residence
while you are away. Although we cannot guarantee that something will not
happen during your trip, it will give you some tips on securing your house
and will give us a resource she we need to notify someone in case of an incident.
This form is available at the Dispatch Office at the Police Department at
any time.
Q: When Should I dial 911? A: As a rule of thumb
you should dial 911 to Report a Crime in progress, Report a Fire, or to Save
a Life. Otherwise calls for routine business should be made by calling 508-278-7755
for the police department or 508-278-2787 for the fire department.
Q: What are the available dates for firearms licenses? Please drop
off your applications in triplicate any time approximately 50 to 60 days
prior to expiration of your old license. After a records check you will be
called so that an appointment may be set up for the next step in the license
process. First Time Applicants need to submit a copy of their firearms
safety course with their application.
NEW FIREARMS LICENSE LAW including October 19,1998 ammendments.
The effective date for the New Firearms License Law
is October 21, 1998 and there are many changes that will effect anyone who
currently has or wishes to obtain an FID card or License to Carry Firearms
(LTC).
The Uxbridge Police Department is working hard to
ensure as smooth a transition as possible. With this in mind, we have
outlined some of the crucial aspects of the new laws.
1. There are now two (2) classes of LTCs – Class A and
B. The class you are issued will depend on the type of firearm you
own or expect to own. The license duration is four (4) years.
- You must be 21 years of age to be issued a license to
carry a firearm (Class A or B). The class you are issued will be dependent
upon the type of firearm you own or expect to own. The license is valid
for four (4) years.
- A Class A license is required to carry any loaded and
concealed firearm on a public way or place.
2. FID cards authorize the possession of non-large capacity
rifles and shotguns.
- You must be 18 years of age to qualify for this card.
- A person age 15-17 may obtain a FID card with the written
permission of their parent.
3. First time applicants (non-renewal) for LTCs or FIDs
must complete an approved Firearms Safety course.
- Numerous course offerings are available and a list can
be obtained by contacting licensed gun dealers.
- You may apply for a Mace or Incapacitating Spray only
FID card. A Firearms Safety course is not required for these cards.
4. There are some factors that will disqualify a person
for a LTD or FID card. They are as follows:
If the Applicant:
- Has been convicted of a felony (juvenile or adult), a
misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment (assault & battery
& subsequent offense OUI convictions and other crimes are in this category),
a violent crime, weapons or drug offense.
- Has been confined to a hospital or institution for mental
illness, unless he has an affidavit from a physician stating that he is not
disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him from possessing a
firearm.
- Is or was under treatment for or confinement for drug
addiction or habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician.
- Is an alien (not a U.S. citizen).
- Is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.
- Is subject to a surrender order or protection order pursuant
to Mass General Law 209A.
With respect to FID cards, the disqualifications listed
above do not apply after 5 years from the date of conviction or release from
confinement except that there is a lifetime disqualification for violent
crimes or crimes involving trafficking of drugs.
- Upon the occurrence of a disqualifying event, the license
or permit that has been issued shall be revoked or suspended.
All FID cards and LTC will be valid for 4 years and are
subject to earlier suspension or revocation. Notice possessing a valid
FID or LTC from the State of Massachusetts does not exempt you from adherence
to applicable Federal Firearms laws.
The application fee for both licenses is $100.00.
Two (2) photographs (passport size) are required for processing permits and
FIDs and can be done anywhere. The photographs can purchased at the
Uxbridge Police Department for an additional fee of $8.00. There is
no renewal fee for Mace only FID cards and persons over the age of 70.
Expiration of Current Cards
FID cards issued prior to October 21, 1998 expire
according to the following schedule:
- If the licensee’s birthday is between July 1 - December
31, it expires on his/her birthday in 1999.
- If the licensee’s birthday is between Jan 1 – June 30,
it expires on his/her birthday in 2000.
LTC permits issued before Oct. 21 will expire on the expiration
date listed on their card.
Renewal of current LTC or FID cards will not have the new
Firearms Safety course requirement provided the permit is renewed at the
appropriate time in the year 1999 or 2000 (which ever applies).
Because of the additional administrative tasks involved
in processing the new licenses, effective October 21, 1998, applications
may be dropped off at any time with the dispatcher at the Uxbridge Police
Department. Please fill out the forms and submit the original + 2 copies
(photocopies are acceptable). The records check, etc. will be done
and you will be contacted to set up an appointment at a time convenient to
both the applicant and the licensing officer for the further processing (fee
payment, fingerprints, photos etc.) Upon approval from the State Police regarding
the fingerprint chek, the FIREARMS license or FID will be issued and
you will be notified that you can pick it up. NOTE: The
dispatchers will not accept money or photographs at the time the application
is dropped off.
Please remember to circle on your application a telephone
number where you can be reached during the day.
In the near future additional aspects of the Firearms Laws
can be researched by a weblink from our Uxbridge Police Department website.
In conclusion, please be patient during the transition
period. Persons who renew and are disqualified will be notified in
writing and will be entitled to a statutory appeal process. Per the statute
application fees are NOT REFUNDABLE. However, verbal appeals
to the Uxbridge Police Department based on disqualifying events of the applicant,
cannot be addressed by the Chief of Police or the Firearms Licensing Officer.
These types of complaints may be addressed to your State or Federal Senators
and Representatives, the Governor or the President, as they are the only ones
who are empowered to make, change or amend the State and Federal laws.
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