Massachusetts § 16 - Loss or destruction of license; duplicates

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 16 — Loss or destruction of license; duplicates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16. Loss or destruction of license; duplicates

Section 16. Whoever loses or by mistake or accident destroys his license, permit, or certificate issued under this chapter may, upon application to the director, clerk of the city or town or any person duly authorized under the provisions of section twelve issuing the same, and upon payment of a fee, the amount of which shall be determined annually by the commissioner of administration under the provision of section three B of chapter seven, receive a duplicate license, permit or certificate; provided, that such application is accompanied by an affidavit setting forth the circumstances of said loss, and also, if application is made to the director in any case where he did not issue the original license, permit or certificate, by a statement from the person who issued the original license, permit or certificate, or his successor in office, which statement shall contain the number and form of the license, permit or certificate, the date of its issue, and a personal description of the licensee. A person shall not, while he knowingly has a valid license, permit or certificate, obtain, have in possession or use any duplicate license, permit or certificate. A person shall not, while he knowingly has a valid fishing, hunting, sporting or trapping license, obtain for himself, have in possession or use any license which purports to afford him any of the privileges of the original license for any part of the period for which such original license was valid.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 16

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 16 cover?

Section 16 ("Loss or destruction of license; duplicates") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 16?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 16" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.