Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Massachusetts gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Old Colony State below.

Can You Carry a Gun in Massachusetts?

Concealed carry is legal in Massachusetts for individuals who have a Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) or a formerly issued and valid Class A LTC. Massachusetts does not honor permits from any other states.

The open carry of non-large-capacity firearms is allowed only with a Class B license. Due to revisions to licensure, there may be Class B licenses that are still valid. However, no new Class B licenses are being issued.

Massachusetts Concealed Carry Permit

Massachusetts is a shall-issue state, with LTCs issued at the local police station or, for non-residents, through the State Police Firearms Records Bureau. LTCs are issued to residents and non-residents. The minimum age is 21 years old. LTCs require a state-approved firearms training course.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

A Firearm Identification Card or LTC is required to purchase a firearm — including private party transfers of handguns. The seller must verify the buyer’s FID with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. A purchaser must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun. Although there is no firearms registration, transfers of firearms ownership are required to be recorded with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Massachusetts prohibits handgun magazines that allow more than 10 rounds. An LTC is also required to buy ammunition. Any person with a license to carry is permitted to purchase, possess and carry all types of lawful ammunition.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

Stun guns and Tasers are legal with an LTC, as long as they are in a shape that resembles a gun (not “covert” electronic weapons that resemble other objects like pens). Pepper spray can be carried without an LTC.

Where Can One Concealed Carry in Massachusetts?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Massachusetts’ gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include: 

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Roadside rest areas

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

  • Elementary or secondary schools, colleges or universities
  • Courthouses
  • Airports
  • Logan Airport security zones
  • When using an off-highway vehicle such as a snowmobile
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Massachusetts?

Only a person with a Massachusetts LTC or a formerly issued, valid Class A LTC may carry a loaded handgun or short-barreled firearm in a vehicle, provided the weapon is under the license holder’s direct control. For holders of previously issued, valid Massachusetts Class B LTCs, a handgun must be unloaded and secured in a locked trunk or locked container. Without an LTC, it is illegal to knowingly possess or control a firearm in a vehicle, whether loaded or unloaded, unless the possessor is at his or her residence or place of business or possesses the proper card or license for the firearm possessed.

Ready to Learn More About Massachusetts Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Massachusetts’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Massachusetts gun laws page now…

Interested in obtaining your Massachusetts concealed carry permit? Learn how to apply for a Massachusetts concealed carry permit here with this step-by-step guide.

Find a concealed carry class in Massachusetts today.

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.