Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department This past week, I was asked a question regarding firearms licensing. The person was moving to another community and wondered what they needed to do in relation to their license to carry. He wished to know his options. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, sections 129B and 131 contain the procedure a firearms license holder must follow when re-locating. It states in part “A cardholder shall notify the licensing authority that issued such firearms license, the chief of police into whose jurisdiction such cardholder moves, and the commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services of any change of address within 30 days of its occurrence.” License holder must fill out the “Change of Address Notification” form. These are available at local police departments or online at https://www.mass.gov/doc/address-change-form-2/download . Once this is complete, you must make a legible photocopy of the front of your firearms license or identification. The form and the photocopy can be sent (via certified mail) to the three locations. These include the police department that issued your license, the police department into the city/town where you have moved, and to The Firearms Records Bureau 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200 Chelsea, MA 02150 ATN: Change of Address Notification. These steps should satisfy the process and your new community will be your licensing authority. Failure to follow this process can be cause for revocation or suspension of the license. If you are moving out of state, you will need to check with the new jurisdiction to determine their process. Since licensing requirements vary from state to state, you will need to understand what you can, and can’t, do in these cases. The laws relative to firearms can be confusing at times. Anyone with questions should reach out their local licensing authority. |
This extra step can ensure you will follow the laws and avoid any unnecessary problems.
COVID-19 cases in our area are declining and many of the mandates are going away. For those still seeking vaccination or other information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. We encourage everyone to be safe. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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