The first step in applying for or renewing a firearms license is to submit an application to the Taunton Police Department.
Click Here to download an application and view other resources.
Specific information about licenses are contained below.
License to Carry Firearms
(High Capacity Firearms, Rifles and Shotguns)
This first step in applying for or renewing a Class A License is to submit an application to the police department.
First time applicants are required to complete a Basic Firearms Safety Class or approved Basic Hunter Education Courses and provide three references to include telephone numbers and addresses. The class must be a class approved by the Executive Office of Public Safety and taught by a certified instructor.
An applicant for a License To Carry Firearms, must be 21 years old, not be a “prohibited person” as defined in G.L. c. 140, §131, and deemed to be a suitable person.
The holder of a License To Carry Firearms is entitled to purchase, possess and carry firearms, rifles and shotguns, including large capacity weapons and feeding devices and ammunition, for all lawful purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use, and carrying as the licensing authority deems proper.
Please be advised that the Taunton Police Department will only issue firearms licenses to residents of the City of Taunton and that we do verify addresses.
Once you have completed your application and have your Basic Firearms Safety/Hunter Safety Course Certificate, if required, bring your application, certificate and application fee to the Clerk’s Office at the police station on Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
There is a $100.00, non-refundable fee for all first time applicants and renewals under seventy (70) years of age. The Clerk’s Office will take cash, personal checks or money orders. Licenses will not be processed until personal checks have cleared. Upon receipt of your application, an appointment will be made with a licensing detective to go over your application. During this appointment, you will be fingerprinted and your photograph will be taken.
The Taunton Police Department uses the Massachusetts Instant Records Check System (MIRCS). This is a computerized system that cross references numerous databases across the country. We cannot overemphasize the importance of carefully answering the questions in the application. False statements or incomplete information serve as grounds for denial of the application and potential criminal charges. Every question needs to be answered. Many people fail to answer questions concerning build and complexion. These questions need to be answered in order for the application to be entered into the computer system. Failure to answer all questions will result in your application being delayed. Pay special attention to Question Four. If you have ever been a defendant in a criminal matter, it will show during the records check. It does not matter if the case was dismissed, sealed or you were told that it would not show up on your record. As part of the records check, we will check your record in all fifty states. The information from that offense may not disqualify you from obtaining a firearms license. The failure to disclose the incident may subject you to criminal charges for not completing the application truthfully.
Firearms Identification Card
This first step in applying for or renewing a Firearms Identification Card is to submit an application to the police department.
First time applicants are required to complete a Basic Firearms Safety Class or approved Basic Hunter Education Courses and provide three references to include telephone numbers and addresses. The class must be a class approved by the Executive Office of Public Safety and taught by a certified instructor.
An applicant for a Firearms Identification Card, must be 18 years old, or 14 to 18 years old with parental consent, not a “prohibited person” as defined in G.L. c. 140, §129B, and deemed to be a suitable person and not be statutorily disqualified. A person who is 14 years old may submit an application, but a Firearms Identification Card cannot be issued until the application reaches the age of 15.
The holder of a Firearms Identification Card is entitled to purchase, possess and carry non-large capacity rifles and shotguns. A restricted Firearms Identification Card may be issued to applicants between the ages of 15 and 17 for the sole purpose of buying and possessing self-defense spray, including “pepper spray”. Persons 18 years old and older are no longer required to have any type of license for self-defense sprays.
Please be advised that the Taunton Police Department will only issue firearms licenses to residents of the City of Taunton and that we do verify addresses.
Once you have completed your application and have your Basic Firearms Safety/Hunter Safety Course Certificate, if required, bring your application, certificate and application fee to the Clerk’s Office at the police station on Monday thru Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
There is a $100.00, non-refundable fee for all first time applicants and renewals under seventy (70) years of age. The restricted license for self-defense spray for people under the age of 18, the fee is $25. The Clerk’s Office will take cash, personal checks or money orders. Licenses will not be processed until personal checks have cleared. Upon receipt of your application, an appointment will be made with a licensing detective to go over your application. During this appointment, you will be fingerprinted and your photograph will be taken.
The Taunton Police Department uses the Massachusetts Instant Records Check System (MIRCS). This is a computerized system that cross references numerous databases across the country. We cannot overemphasize the importance of carefully answering the questions in the application. False statements or incomplete information serve as grounds for denial of the application and potential criminal charges. Every question needs to be answered. Many people fail to answer questions concerning build and complexion. These questions need to be answered in order for the application to be entered into the computer system. Failure to answer all questions will result in your application being delayed. Pay special attention to Question Four. If you have ever been a defendant in a criminal matter, it will show during the records check. It does not matter if the case was dismissed, sealed or you were told that it would not show up on your record. As part of the records check, we will check your record in all fifty states. The information from that offense may not disqualify you from obtaining a firearms license. The failure to disclose the incident may subject you to criminal charges for not completing the application truthfully.