Massachusetts is up to continued antics, delaying license issuance and renewal for applicants any-which-way they can. Perhaps nothing new, but certainly seems worse than previous years.
I have been a non-resident LTC holder for years. Even prior to moving from MA to NH, I was an unrestricted resident license holder. Each year I get my paperwork in four or five months ahead of time, which is an additional month or more over what the LTC application recommends. Every year, they conveniently “forget” to get my license out on-time, and the validity period creeps by at least a week, every year. Every 6 years, you are required to have an in-person interview to renew. This year, I got my paperwork in four months ahead as usual (With tracking to prove it), only to be told the earliest available appointment for interview is March 2024. My current “license” expires December 1, 2023. Four months of lapse to be had, because MA either can’t get their act together and properly staff, or because they otherwise do not wish to issue licenses. A license which costs $100 per year, by the way.
Notably, MA has a law for residents that the license must be issued within 40 days unless there is a reason otherwise. No such law for non-residents. Of further interest is the recent district court case out of Lowell, seemingly substantiating the fact that cross-border carry is a constitutional right, that is not forgone when entering Massachusetts:
That said, I do not know what can be done about this, if anything. I will certainly be reaching out to the usual channels and attorneys for opinions. Otherwise, this post is mostly to inform other Non-resident LTC holds to submit your renewals up to 6 months ahead of time to try your best to avoid delays or lapse in licensing. Be ready for a delay either way.