GOAL Asks Governor to Handle License Renewal Delays

Once again, the GOAL headquarters is receiving numerous calls and emails concerning the time it is taking the state to renew their firearm licenses. There are so many that GOAL is now going to be forwarding the complaints we are receiving directly to the Governor's office.

"Ever since the state changed the entire licensing system in 1998 they have not been able to keep up with the renewal requirements. GOAL members continually tell us that it is taking two to six months to renew a firearms license. There is simply no excuse for this," said Jim Wallace Executive Director of Gun Owners' Action League. "Our state government has required us to be licensed if we wish to practice our civil right to own a firearm, but they have done little to ensure the system is working properly. With approximately a quarter of a million licensees paying $100 a piece, one would think that the state would have more than adequate resources to supply what they mandate."

GOAL is asking all of our members who are having issues renewing their licenses in a timely fashion to send a short letter to GOAL describing the problem. (Please make sure to include your contact information and date of birth, see sample letter below.) We will then take those letters and forward them on to the Governor so that he can see first hand what lawful gun owners' are going through.

Members can send these letters to:

GOAL

Attention Nancy Snow

PO Box 567

Northboro, MA 01532

or email them to: staff@goal.org (Please put Renewal Delay in the subject line.

GOAL also understands that some local licensing authorities are putting in place very limited renewal appointment hours, in some cases only a few hours a week. If you are experiencing problems with this, please send us a note for this as well.

A few tips for those who are facing renewals in the next six to twelve months:

• Start the renewal process as early as possible, up to three months prior to expiration if possible.

• Make absolutely sure that your application is filled out correctly, don't leave out anything about your past appearances in court regardless of how long ago it was.

• When dropping off your application and payment, remember to get a receipt. Remember, the 90 day grace period is only valid if you have applied for a renewal PRIOR to expiration.

• If you have already entered your grace period and are still waiting for your license, act immediately by notifying GOAL and your local legislators of the problem.

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SAMPLE LETTER REGARDING LICENSING DELAYS

Dear GOAL,

My firearms license renewal is taking an awfully long time. I had an appointment with my licensing officer on (date) to process my renewal. It has now been ___ weeks since I applied. My police department just tells me that it is in process.  Because I applied before my expiration date, I have a grace period, but that will run out on (date). Please ask the Governor to do what he can to see that the system gets moving again.

Sincerely,

John Doe

123 Main Street

Boston, MA 02133

Birthdate: 01/01/50