Apply for a License to Shoot Fireworks or a Pyrotechnic User Certificate

Next steps   for Apply for a License to Shoot Fireworks or a Pyrotechnic User Certificate

1. Apply for a pyrotechnic user's certificate (companies)

   Companies that work with fireworks in Massachusetts must have a pyrotechnic user's certificate.

   Completed applications must include:

   • A legible copy of your current ATF license/permit or extension letter.
   • A copy of your ATF notice of clearance listing responsible person(s) and employee possessors.
   • Evidence of valid liability insurance coverage in the form of a certificate issued by the insurance agency listing the name and claims representative, providing general liability in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate coverage.
   • Your insurance company must be licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
   • It is the responsibility of the applicant/licensed company to advise the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in writing, at the time that a cancellation notice has been issued by your insurance company.
   • Evidence of a valid fireworks bond with a minimum amount of $15,000.00 or a “Continuation Letter” from your bond company. The continuation letter must include a “paid to” date.
   • If your certificate of insurance is not available at this time, please send the completed application and any other documents, with a note that indicates the certificate of insurance will be sent at a later date.

   Renewals should be submitted 30 days before the pyrotechnic user's certificate expires.

   There is currently no fee for an pyrotechnic user's certificate.

   Open PDF file, 774.26 KB,  FP-076 Application for Pyrotechnic User Certificate (English, PDF 774.26 KB)

2. Apply for a fireworks license (individuals)

   Complete applications include:

   • $40 check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
   • One (1) passport style color photograph measuring 2” x 2”
   • MA residents do not have to send photographs if they permit DFS use of their driver's license photograph from the Registry of Motor Vehicles on the application
   • A legible copy of your current driver’s license
   • Completed and notarized CORI Request form
   • Provide evidence of active employment for a period of at least three (3) years on the crew for professional fireworks displays, to encompass a minimum of ten (10) displays. This verification should be submitted as a letter signed by past or present employers, and composed on company letterhead indicating evidence of said apprenticeship.
   • Two (2) letters of reference/endorsement from other certificate holders in the state.
   • Provide evidence of satisfactory completion of a safety course within the past 12 months.

   Open PDF file, 927.23 KB,  FP-007 Application for Fireworks Certificate of Competency (English, PDF 927.23 KB)

   Open PDF file, 139.42 KB,  Study materials for fireworks licenses (English, PDF 139.42 KB)

3. Fireworks licensing exam

   You must pass the exam to become a licensed fireworks shooter in Massachusetts.  

   After we receive your complete application, you will be registered for the next exam. If the application is received after the deadline for the next exam, you will be registered for the following exam.

   Incomplete applications will be returned to you.

4. Fireworks license renewal

   90 days before your fireworks license expires, DFS will email you (if we have a valid email on file) or mail you a renewal application.

   Return completed applications with fees at least 30 days before your license expires.

    

5. Special effects licenses (individuals)

   Complete applications must include:

   • $40 check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
   • One (1) passport style color photograph measuring 2” x 2”
   • MA residents do not have to send photographs if they permit DFS use of their driver's license photograph from the Registry of Motor Vehicles on the application
   • A legible copy of your current driver’s license
   • Completed and notarized CORI Request form
   • Provide evidence of active employment for a period of at least two (2) years on the crew for professional special effects displays, to encompass a minimum of ten (10) displays. This verification should be submitted as a letter signed by past or present employer(s), and composed on company letterhead indicating evidence of said apprenticeship.
   • Two (2) letters of reference/endorsement from other certificate holders within the state.
   • Provide evidence of satisfactory completion of a safety course within the past 12 months.

   Open PDF file, 1.08 MB,  FP-008 Application for Special Effects Certificate of Competency (English, PDF 1.08 MB)

   Open PDF file, 139.28 KB,  Study materials for special effects license exams (English, PDF 139.28 KB)

6. Special effects exam

   You must pass the exam to become a licensed special effects shooter in Massachusetts.

   After we receive your complete application, you will be registered for the next exam. If the application is received after the deadline for the next exam, you will be registered for the following exam.

   Incomplete applications will be returned to you.

7. Special effects license renewal

   You must renew a special effects license every two years. In order to renew the license, you must pass an exam.

   We will send you an application to renew by email (if we have a valid email for you) or by mail 90 days before the expiration of your license.

   Submit the complete application and fee at least 30 days before your license expires. After we receive your complete application, you will be registered for the next exam. If the application is received after the deadline for the next exam, you will be registered for the following exam.

   Incomplete applications will be returned to you.