Updated Firearms Safety Training Requirements

Effective April 2, 2026, Massachusetts has updated the safety training requirements for all new firearms licenses.

As of April 2, 2026, Massachusetts has officially implemented updated firearms safety training requirements for all individuals applying for a new firearms license. These changes are part of the state's broader effort to modernize its gun laws under Chapter 135 (An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws)

Key Changes Effective April 2, 2026

Mandatory Updated Curriculum: All Basic Firearms Safety (BFS) courses must now include specific instruction on suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and the use of force.
Live-Fire Requirement: The law now mandates a live-fire component to obtain a safety certificate. However, as of early April 2026, state authorities are still finalizing the formal regulations for this portion, meaning it may not be fully enforced until those standards are released.
Removal of Exemptions:
- Military personnel are no longer exempt from taking the basic firearms safety course.
- Hunter safety certificates are no longer accepted as a substitute for the BFS course when applying for a License to Carry (LTC).

Who is Affected?

New Applicants: Anyone applying for their first Firearms Identification Card (FID) or LTC after April 2, 2026, must complete the new multi-day training format.
Post-August 2024 Licensees: If you received your license after August 1, 2024, but before April 2, 2026, you are required to complete this updated training before your next renewal.
Grandfathered Status: If you obtained your LTC prior to August 1, 2024, you are generally not required to complete the updated training for your renewal.

Posted: to Police Department News on Mon, Apr 6, 2026
Updated: Mon, Apr 6, 2026