Firearms Licensing

Firearms licensing falls under the Administration and Operations Division of the police department.  Lieutenant Ryan Fortier oversees all aspects of firearms licensing from the application process to granting or denying licenses and suspending or revoking current licenses when necessary.

License to Carry Firearms or FID Cards:

No application for a License to Carry a Firearm, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 140, Section 131), will be considered until the following steps are satisfactorily completed:

  • If not precluded by law as an "Ineligible Person" (*see below)
  • Applicant must secure three letters of recommendation, excluding family members, attesting to the applicant’s character, with specific reference to their application to carry a firearm.  NOTE:  Reference letters must include name, address, telephone number and signature of the person who is making the referral.  Malden residents who are renewing their licenses do not need reference letters.
  • Applicants must complete a firearms safety or hunter safety course taught by a Mass. State Police or NRA certified instructor.  A copy of the course certificate must be attached to the application.  Note that active members of the military and national guard do not need a safety course.
  • Complete the application and submit together with proof of Malden residence (utility bill required) and item #2 (above) and item #3 (if applicable) to Firearms Licensing Clerk Thona Norelus at Malden PD headquarters.
  • Fee is $100.00 (check or money order made out to “City of Malden”).
  • Applications are available at Malden PD headquarters or online at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/chsb/firearms/updated-ltc-fid-card-app-revised-05-19-15.pdf. NOTE: Pictures will be taken at time of application; the applicant does not need to provide them.  *PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS*
  • Naturalized citizens must provide documentation of same for new and renewing licenses.  If you are not a citizen, you will need to show a permanent resident card with number and a date that shows how long you have been a resident
  • *Chapter 140 Ineligible Persons:

Aliens, persons convicted of either a felony or any harmful drug law, a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years imprisonment, a violent crime, a weapons or drug offense; is subject to a suspension or surrender order or protection order issued pursuant to M.G.L. Cc. 209A.

FID-Chemical Spray (Pepper Spray):  Individuals between the ages of 15 and 18 must have a FID card or FID card restricted to chemical propellant only to possess self-defense spray.  Individuals age 18 and over do not need a license to possess self-defense sprays.

  • Cost is $25.00 (check or money order made out to “City of Malden”).
  • Applications are available at Malden PD headquarters or online at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/chsb/firearms/updated-ltc-fid-card-app-revised-05-19-15.pdf. NOTE: Pictures will be taken at time of application; the applicant does not need to provide them.  *PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS*
  • Complete the application and submit together with proof of Malden residence (utility bill required) to Firearms Licensing Clerk Thona Norelus at Malden PD headquarters.

Change of Address:  Notification of address change must be made in writing within 30 days to The Firearms Record Bureau, 200 Arlington St. Suite 2200 Chelsea, MA 02150.  Notification must also be made to the city that issued the permit and the new city the licensee is moving to.