Massachusetts is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen case on June 23rd, 2022. Licenses to Carry (LTC) are issued at the local police station or, for non-residents, through the State Police Firearms Records Bureau.
A Firearm Identification (FID) card or LTC is required to purchase a firearm. Background checks are required to buy a handgun from a private individual, as the seller must verify the buyer’s Firearm Identification Card with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. A LTC is also required to buy ammunition. Although the registration of handguns isn’t required, all sellers of firearms must report firearms sales and transfers to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, which maintains comprehensive records of sales and transfers.
The former Class B license allows for only the open carry of non-large capacity firearms. Due to revisions to licensure, there may be Class B licenses that are still valid, however, no new Class B licenses are being issued.
Concealed carry is legal in Massachusetts for individuals who have a Massachusetts LTC or a formerly issued, valid Class A LTC. The minimum age is 21 years old, and LTCs are issued to residents and non-residents. LTCs require a state-approved firearms training course. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and airports. In terms of reciprocity, Massachusetts does not honor permits from any other states.
Where can I carry with my Massachusetts permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Massachusetts.
driver's license linked to carry permit?
Yes. Any time law enforcement runs a driver's license or vehicle registration, if the individual has a firearms license it will be indicated, along with a list of registered firearms.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Massachusetts law. However, any person who, with a dangerous weapon, attempts to use physical force against someone or shows an intention to use immediate force against someone is guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Massachusetts grants licenses to non-residents.
red flag law?
Yes, Massachusetts has a red flag law. An immediate family member of a person or a law enforcement officer may file a petition ordering the immediate suspension and surrender of any license to carry firearms or firearm identification card which the respondent may hold, as well as order the respondent to surrender all firearms, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, weapons or ammunition which the respondent then controls, owns or possesses.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances, all as defined in ch. 94C, § 1, or from smelling or inhaling the fumes of any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors as defined in ch. 270, § 18.
[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10H]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. Massachusetts does not allow public access to concealed carry registry information.
"assault weapons" ban
Yes. Massachusetts bans the sale, transfer, or possession of an “Assault weapon,” as defined in Section 121, is unlawful pursuant to G.L. c. 140, §§ 128 and 131M.
You can find more details here.
preemption?
No. Massachusetts does not have preemption laws.
Carry Basics
magazine limits for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds.
It is illegal to sell, offer for sale, transfer or possess an assault weapon or a large capacity feeding device that was not otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994. ''Large capacity feeding device'' means a fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip or similar device capable of accepting, or that can be readily converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition. There is an exemption for law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs.
open carry permitted?
Yes, with a license. However, it is uncommon and there have been reports that some jurisdictions will use this as grounds to revoke licenses or to charge you with another type of offense (i.e. menacing).
weapons other than handguns allowed?
Yes. Stun guns may be carried in Massachusetts with a LTC. In addition, an LTC allows the license holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry: firearms, including large capacity firearms, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful purposes.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Any person with a license to carry is permitted to purchase, possess and carry all types of lawful ammunition. The minimum age to purchase handgun ammunition is 21 years old.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be at least 21 years old to get a LTC in Massachusetts.
gun permit licensure?
Massachusetts is now a shall issue state.
constitutional carry?
No. Massachusetts does not allow constitutional carry.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal with a LTC, as long as they are in a shape that resembles a gun (not “covert” electronic weapons that resemble other objects like pens). In order to purchase, a copy of a resident firearms license, state ID and a MA Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate are required and a background check will be conducted.
[Session Law Chapter 123 (2018)]
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for individuals aged 18+ without a Firearm Identification (FID) card. Restrictions include:
TEAR GAS - Legal under similar restrictions as pepper spray.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife, but misuse against humans could result in charges.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal to possess, carry, or sell. They are classified as "dangerous weapons" under Massachusetts law.
Nunchucks, throwing stars, and similar weapons are prohibited for public carry.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal to possess, sale, or manufacture in Massachusetts and classified as "dangerous weapons.
byrna's?
Yes, Byrna's are legal for purchase and possession and are not classified as firearms in Massachusetts.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
purchase permits?
Yes. A Firearm Identification (FID) card or LTC is required to purchase a firearm. See the Permit Application Process below.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm (has FID/permit), may possess a firearm at the person’s residence or place of business.
massachusetts license exempts from background check?
No.
background checks for private gun sales?
Yes. Private sellers of firearms must conduct a real-time check of the validity of the purchaser’s Firearms Identification Card. The MA Gun Transaction Portal must be used to make transfers.
waiting period?
No. However, a FID or LTC is required in order to make a purchase, and these may take up to 60 days to process.
approved handgun roster?
Yes. Massachusetts has an approved firearms roster that contains firearms that meet detailed safety standards and have been approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Licensed firearms dealers may only sell handguns from this list at retail. There are exceptions for handguns lawfully owned before October 21, 1998, and some handguns solely designed and sold for formal target or Olympic shooting competition.
handgun registration?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires all residents who purchase or obtain a firearm by any means other than by personal sale/transfer or through a Massachusetts firearms dealer to register the firearm within 7 days using the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal. Inherited firearms may also be registered or transferred using the Portal.
Massachusetts law requires all residents to report any private sale or transfer of a firearm via the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal either prior to, or at the time of the sale/transfer.
Beginning 10/23/2026, non-residents will be required to register all firearms with the state.
minimum age to possess and transport?
21 years old and a FID is required. It shall be lawful to furnish a weapon to a minor for hunting, recreation, instruction and participation in shooting sports while under the supervision of a holder of a valid firearm identification card or license to carry appropriate for the weapon in use; provided, however, that the parent or guardian of the minor granted consent for such activities.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Massachusetts Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
No.
what are the knife laws in massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts does not forbid the ownership of any type of knife. However, stilettos, daggers, dirks, double-edged knives, devices or cases which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position, ballistic knives, knives with knuckles and automatic knives are forbidden from carry and from carry on a person or under his control in a vehicle. Knives are prohibited from all schools, from the elementary level to university campuses. Massachusetts municipalities may have additional restrictions.
[MGL ch. 269, § 10(b) and (j)]
In August of 2024, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that a 1957 law barring people from possessing spring-release pocket knives commonly known as "switchblades" violated the right to keep and bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall obstruct, interfere with or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another at the locale where such activity is taking place.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Massachusetts making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A state statute was identified, making it illegal for a person to commit an assault, robbery, larceny or to obstruct the due execution of the law while masked or disguised.
carry while gun hunting?
No. Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting.
Application:
Residency Changes:
Moving to Massachusetts and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Massachusetts issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. You may need to provide proof that you reside in or have a place of business in the state for a resident license.
Moving from Massachusetts and have a Massachusetts resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Massachusetts license remains valid?If a person with a Massachusetts license to carry establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced change of address form.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Massachusetts.
Valid For:
6 years
Processing Time:
Up to 60 days
Lost/Stolen licenses:
Contact your issuing authority.
Name/Address Changes:
Complete and mail a copy of the Change of Address Form to all of the following:
There is also a Firearms License Address Change Hotline at (617) 660-4722.
Fees:
Initial License and Renewals $100
Non-Resident Concealed Carry licenses:
The process is similar to that for residents, although an in-person appearance at the Firearms Records Bureau is necessary for first time applicants and then once every 6 years thereafter. Processing may take up to 90 days. You will still need to renew your LTC annually, however, the application will be processed solely by mail until the next required in-person appearance. Non-resident LTCs are valid for only 1 year. Non-residents are notified by mail when firearms license applications have been processed.
First time applicants must submit a copy of a certificate showing completion of a Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course. This course must have been taken with an instructor who is certified by the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police.
Non-resident licenses can have restrictions placed on them depending on the information provided in your application. They include employment, target and hunting and “other” restrictions.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Download the application.
Step 3:
Contact your local firearms licensing office for its specific requirements. Non-residents must apply in-person at the Firearms Records Bureau for first time applicants and then once every 6 years thereafter. You will likely need the following documents:
Step 4:
You will be notified by your local licensing authority when your firearms license application has been processed, either by telephone or by mail. You may need to pick up your firearms license in person.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Massachusetts statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a MA LTC, unless posted.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a LTC.
tribal land
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - No
carry in vehicle?
A person with a Class "A" LTC may transport a handgun loaded or unloaded on his person or under his direct control in the vehicle. If the handgun is not under his direct control, it must be unloaded and in a locked case or other secure container, or secured with a trigger lock.
All persons transporting large capacity rifles and shotguns must transport them unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container. Trigger locks do not meet the requirements of securing large capacity rifles or shotguns during transport in motor vehicle.
For more specific information see M.G.L. c. 140, §131C.
Under federal law (Title 18 US Code, chapter 44, Section 926A), you may transport a firearm interstate provided that you may lawfully carry in the state of origin and in the state of destination. It further requires that the weapon be unloaded and secured in a separate compartment. Massachusetts law also further provides an exception for the transportation of rifles and shotguns in or through the Commonwealth, provided the weapon is unloaded and in a locked container.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a LTC.
Self-Defense
Massachusetts is a Castle Doctrine state. Massachusetts law states that, in the prosecution of a person who is an occupant of a dwelling charged with killing or injuring one who was unlawfully in the dwelling, it is a defense that the occupant was in one’s dwelling at the time of the offense and that he or she acted in the reasonable belief that the person unlawfully in the dwelling was about to inflict great bodily injury or death upon the occupant, and that the occupant used reasonable means to defend himself or herself or another person lawfully in the dwelling. There is no duty to retreat in a person’s dwelling, although there is a duty to retreat outside of one’s home.
“Dwelling” is defined as a building that’s a permanent or temporary residence, which means that tents, motor homes and boats may not qualify as a dwelling where the doctrine would apply. It’s also important to be aware that common areas of buildings, like hallways, don’t fall under the castle doctrine.
[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278 §8A and ch. 231 § 85U]
Massachusetts Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-07
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-11
Added tribal land information under carry location section.
2024-10-14
Added a disclaimer relating to switchblades
2023-10-09
Updated firearm registration and carry in a vehicle sections.
2021-03-08
Added information on law enforcement exemption from magazine limits in At A Glance table
2021-03-08
Added information on school carry exemption law enforcement in the location restrictions section
2021-03-08
Added information on law enforcement carry in the LEOSA section
2021-01-04
Updated MA LTC info due to the elimination of LTC A and B permits in the Permit App Section
2020-11-13
Added information on accepted training courses and exemptions in the Training Section
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