Massachusetts gun laws operate on a “May Issue” policy leaving it to the discretion of the issuing officer as to wether or not a license to carry (LTC) will be issued. The LTC license is required to purchase any handgun, rifle, shotgun and ammunition.
The gun laws in Massachusetts are fairly restrictive with some issuing authorities requiring applicants to justify the need for a firearm. Non-residents of the state can also apply for a LTC license, however, they are required to obtain a temporary license before traveling to the state and their application must be submitted to the state police whereas residents apply at the local police station.
Resident Licences
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Non-Resident Licences
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Massachusetts does not honor any other states firearms license.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.
District
The Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) is required for the purchase, possession and carrying of any large capacity handgun, shotgun, rifle and large capacity feeding devices. For most jurisdictions the issuing authority is the local police chief who has the discretion to issue a licence on the applicants suitability or stated need. If a license is denied then a written explanation must be given, the applicant can then file an appeal within 90 days. If applicants pass a background check and complete a firearms training course they are mostly issued a license. However, the issuing authority can place restrictions on the license. Restrictions are more common closer to the bigger cities such as Boston whereas the more rural towns are more inclined to issue an unrestricted license. There are seperate forms for resident and non-resident applications which both differ slightly in the filing process.
Non-resident licenses are issued in Massachusetts however there are a few differences to a resident license.
Restrictions
Non-resident licenses can have restrictions placed on them. This will depend on the information you supply in the application form.
Any violation of these restrictions can result in the suspension or revocation of the license plus a $1,000 – $10,000 fine.
Non-resident LTC licenses are only issued to a non-resident, non-citizen for firearms competitions.
All applicants for a Massachusetts firearms license must have completed a certified firearms safety course or a basic hunter education course. A list of approved courses can be found at the highlighted link.
Once the course has been completed the instructor will issue a certificate which will need to be produced when you make the application for a firearms license.
6 Years
$100
Non-resident licenses are issued in Massachusetts however there are a few differences to a resident license.
Restrictions
Non-resident licenses can have restrictions placed on them. This will depend on the information you supply in the application form.
Any violation of these restrictions can result in the suspension or revocation of the license plus a $1,000 – $10,000 fine.
Non-resident LTC licenses are only issued to a non-resident, non-citizen for firearms competitions.
Class A license – entitles the holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry:
Class B license – entitles a holder thereof to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry:
Under Massachusetts law you must report any change of address within 30 days. You can download the Change of Address Form and then mail a copy to the following;
If you need further information there is an Address Change hotline at (617) 660-4722.
You will need to contact the authority that issued your firearms license.
Follow these steps to obtain a permit;
Residents
Non-Residents
Resident Licence
Non-Resident License / Resident alien permit
Renewal applications can be made in person or by mail for resident licenses, however, non-resident licenses can only be renewed via mail.
Mailing Address
Department of Criminal Justice Information ServicesStatus Check
If you wish to check on the current status of your renewal application you can call the number below. You will need tp have ready your full name, date of birth and drivers license number.
STATUS CHECK (617) 660-4722
| Application Conditions | Original | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| License to carry firearms | $100 | $100 |
| Resident alien permit | $100 | $100 |
| License to carry firearms (retired law enforcement officers) | $25 | $25 |
| Firearms Identification card | $100 | $100 |
| Firearms Identification card (if under 18 years old) | $25 | $25 |
| Non-Resident firearms license | $100 | $100 |
All the forms you need for a Massachusetts handgun license can be found here.
All the most important Massachusetts gun laws you should be aware of are listed below. Make yourself familiar with these laws before you carry a firearm.
| Subject | Handguns | Long Guns | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concealed carry permit required | Yes | No | Policy is May Issue. |
| Purchase permit required | Yes | Yes | Carry permit or FID (firearm identification) required. |
| Registration of firearm | No | No | |
| Open carry allowed | Yes | No | Permit required to open carry handguns. Open carry of long guns is illegal except when hunting. |
| Background checks on private gun sales required | Yes | Yes | Seller is required to verify the purchasers FID card. |
| Magazine size restriction | Yes | Yes | Must not exceed 10 rounds. |
| Red flag law | Yes | Yes | Firearms can be temporarily confiscated. |
| Owner license required | Yes | Yes | FID license required. |
The law states it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm of any type in a vehicle without a firearms license. If you have a Massachusetts LTC license then you can carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in a vehicle if the weapon is under your direct control. Transporting Firearms
All shotguns and rifles must be unloaded when on or in a motor vehicle and large capacity firearms must be in a secured container.
Large Capacity weapon definition
Without a LTC licence you certainly cannot open carry in Massachusetts. However, there is no law in Massachusetts that bans open carry if you have a LTC license. There was a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that stated a LTC licence cannot be revoked if the person carrying the firearm causes alarm to other persons. Be aware though that open carry is not common in Massachusetts and is bound to draw unwanted attention and no doubt a few questions from the police.
So technically open carry is allowed by the absence of any law banning it and the Supreme Court ruling. But not advisable in this restrictive state unless you want to be a test case.
There is nothing in Massachusetts gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require you to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun and produce the license if requested to do so by law enforcement.
Part I. Title XX. Chpt. 140 – Notification to police of gun
It is legal to carry in the following areas;
State Parks: YES – 302 CMR 12.04
State/National Forests: YES
State Game Management Units: YES – 321 CMR 3.01
Road Side Rest Areas: YES
“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Massachusetts gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned in the law as being off limits.
GunsToCarry recommends that you do not enter a property displaying a “No Weapons” sign whether the law is for or against signage. If asked to leave a property and you refuse to do so then you are breaking the law and put yourself at risk of being charged.
“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
There is no constitutional carry in Massachusetts.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, as a matter of public safety and security, there is hereby created a security zone bordering the General Edward Lawrence Logan Airport that shall include the area between the mean high water line of said airport and a line measured 500 feet seaward of and parallel to said mean high water line from Wood Island Basin to the easterly end of Jeffries Cove as shown on a plan entitled “Plan of General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport Security Zone” prepared by Massachusetts Port Authority Capital Programs Department, April 2002.
(b) No person, except authorized law enforcement or military personnel and authorized personnel of the authority, shall: (1) carry or otherwise possess a firearm, rifle, shotgun, assault weapon, ammunition, explosive device or material, or any hoax device as defined by section 102A1/2 of chapter 266, within said security zone; (2) engage in any activity within said security zone that jeopardizes or may jeopardize the safety or security of any person or of the airport; or . . .
(a) No person carrying a loaded firearm under a Class A license issued under section 131 or 131F shall carry the same in a vehicle unless such firearm while carried therein is under the direct control of such person. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of $500.
(1) No person except federal or state law enforcement officers, United States Postal Service, United States Customs and Border Patrol, Air Carrier employees approved by the TSA, members of the Armed Forces of the United States and Massachusetts National Guard on official duty and licensed armored truck service guards with the prior approval of the Authority, who are authorized and validly licensed to carry Firearms, ammunition and explosives in Massachusetts, shall carry loaded or otherwise operational Firearms or explosives on the Airport.
Hunting is allowed within Mount Greylock State Reservation with appropriate license(s) and/or permit(s) in season, from Columbus Day (October) through May 20. Hikers and pets on leash are recommended to wear blaze orange in a conspicuous manner during the hunting season. No Hunting or firearms are permitted within the War Memorial Park, a 0.75 mile radius from the War Memorial Tower.
If you are catching ferries to any of the above places you will need a LTC license and follow the conditions set by the ferries.
(u) (6th Paragraph) Any person who, while not being within the limits of his own property or residence, or such person whose property or residence is under lawful search, and who is not exempt under this section, shall on demand of a police officer or other law enforcement officer, exhibit his license to carry firearms, or his firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card, or, after January first, nineteen hundred and seventy, exhibit a valid hunting license issued to him which shall bear the number officially inscribed of such license to carry or card if any. Upon failure to do so such person may be required to surrender to such officer said firearm, rifle or shotgun which shall be taken into custody as under the provisions of section one hundred and twenty-nine D, except that such firearm, rifle or shotgun shall be returned forthwith upon presentation within thirty days of said license to carry firearms, firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card or hunting license as hereinbefore described. Any person subject to the conditions of this paragraph may, even though no firearm, rifle or shotgun was surrendered, be required to produce within thirty days said license to carry firearms, firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card, or said hunting license, failing which the conditions of section one hundred and twenty-nine D will apply. Nothing in this section shall prevent any person from being prosecuted for any violation of this chapter
Any city or town may, by the adoption, amendment or repeal of local ordinances or by-laws, exercise any power or function which the general court has power to confer upon it, which is not inconsistent with the constitution or laws enacted by the general court in conformity with powers reserved to the general court by section 8 of Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution and which is not denied, either expressly or by clear implication, to the city or town by its charter. Whenever appropriations, appointments, orders, regulations or other legislative or executive actions within the scope of any such ordinance or by-law are necessary in the exercise of any power or function authorized by such ordinance or by-law, any such actions which are to be taken by a city council or town meeting may be taken by ordinance, by-law, resolution, order or vote, and any such actions which are to be taken by executive officers may be taken in any appropriate manner, subject, however, as to both such categories, to all provisions of the ordinance or by-law in question, the city or town charter, and other applicable law. Any requirement that an ordinance or by-law be entitled as such, or that it contain the word ”ordained,” ”enacted” or words of similar import shall not affect the validity of any action which is required to be taken by ordinance or by-law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any city or town, by ordinance or by-law, to exercise any power or function which is inconsistent with any general law enacted by the general court before November eighth, nineteen hundred and sixty-six which applies alike to all cities, or to all towns, or to all cities and towns, or to a class of not fewer than two. No exercise of a power or function denied to the city or town, expressly or by clear implication, by special laws having the force of a charter under section nine of said Article, and no change in the composition, mode of election or appointment, or terms of office of the legislative body, the mayor or city manager or the board of selectmen or town manager, may be accomplished by by-law or ordinance. Such special laws may be made inapplicable, and such changes may be accomplished, only under procedures for the adoption, revision or amendment of a charter under this chapter.
The sale, offering for sale, transfer or possession of large capacity feeding devices for assault weapons (as defined under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 121), is prohibited unless such device was lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994. Ch. 140, § 131M. Under Massachusetts law, a “large capacity feeding device” is defined as: “(i) 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 or more than five shotgun shells; or (ii) a large capacity ammunition feeding device as defined in the federal Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. section 921(a)(31) as appearing in such section on September 13, 1994.” Ch. 140, § 121. This does not include “an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber ammunition.” Id. Large capacity feeding devices designed for large capacity rifles and shotguns may be lawfully possessed by a holder of an LTC. Ch. 140, § 131(a), (b)(ii). Large capacity feeding devices designed for handguns may be possessed only by persons holding an LTC. Ch. 140, § 131(a). The Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety (“Secretary”) is required to compile and publish a roster of large capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices for those firearms, as those weapons and devices are defined in Ch. 140, § 121. Ch. 140, § 131 3/4. The Secretary may amend the roster upon his or her own initiative, upon the initiative of the Gun Control Advisory Board under Ch. 140, § 131 1/2, or upon the petition of any person seeking to place a weapon on or remove a weapon from the roster. Ch. 140, § 131 3/4.
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Address 200 Arlington St.
City Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone (617) 660-4782
That depends if you are a resident or non-resident of Massachusetts.
Residents – Licenses are issued by the police station in your town of residence.
Non-Residents – Licenses are issued by the Firearms Records Bureau in Chelsea.
40 Days
New applications for a LTC license are required to be processed within 40 days.
You need to notify the issuing authority, chief of police and the commissioner of the Department of CriminalJustice Information Services within 30 days if you move to a new address. Failure to do so can result in your license being revoked.
You can ask for your convictions to be reviewed by the Firearms Licensing review Board. You will need to submit the following Petition For Review form for a review.
No, training is only required for the initial application for a LTC License.
The class B license no longer exists.
You must be at least 21 years old.
You have 90 days to file an appeal for judicial review in a District Court.
You will need to inform the OSBI in written form (email, letter or fax) within 60 days that you intend to appeal the decision to not issue you an SDA License.
There is no charge to replace a lost or stolen license. You will need to reoprt the lost license to the local issuing authority and the Criminal History Systems Board.
You cannot conceal or open carry in MA. However, you can use the Federal FOPA to travel in or through the state to take part in a competition, meeting, exhibition or hunting.
You must be a USA citizen and have a license to carry in your home state.
The firearm must be unloaded and locked in a case.
Any transfer of handgun, shotgun or rifle must be reported via form FA-10 to the state.
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