Massachusetts Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

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.

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §§ 121, 131M]

No. Massachusetts does not allow constitutional carry.

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).

You must be at least 21 years old to get a LTC in Massachusetts.

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.

Yes, with a LTC.

[302 CMR § 12.04(5) & 321 CMR § 3:01]

Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a MA LTC, unless posted.

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.

No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Massachusetts.

[Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 106, § 129C(u)]

No. “No Firearm” signs in Massachusetts do not have the force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State law as being off limits to those with a permit/license to carry.

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.

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131J thru 131Y]

No. Massachusetts does not allow public access to concealed carry registry information.

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.

Yes. A Firearm Identification (FID) card or LTC is required to purchase a firearm. See the Permit Application Process below.

No.

No. However, a FID or LTC is required in order to make a purchase, and these may take up to 60 days to process.

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.

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 130 & 131(d)(iv)]

An applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years old;
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien;
• Be a suitable person to be issued such license, and have good reason to fear injury to his or her person or property, or for any other reason, including the carrying of firearms for use in sport or target practice only;
• Complete a firearms training course;
• Not have been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child;
• Not have been committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, unless after 5 years the applicant submits an affidavit from a registered physician endorsing his or her ability to possess a firearm;
• Not be subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for an incapacitated person on the grounds that the applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the applicant’s affairs;
• Not be subject to a temporary or emergency restraining order or order of protection;
• Not have any outstanding warrants;
• Not have been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;
• Not be a fugitive from justice; and
• Meet federal law requirements.

*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.

6 years

Link to Resident LTC/FID application

Complete and mail a copy of the Change of Address Form to all of the following:

• The licensing authority that issued your firearms license;
• The Chief of Police of the city or town that you moved to; and
• The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

There is also a Firearms License Address Change Hotline at (617) 660-4722.

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.

Class A and Class B LicensesClass B LTCs were previously issued and allow for only the open carry of non-large capacity firearms.  Any current Class B LTCs will be valid until the expiration date.

Concealed carry is legal in Massachusetts only for individuals who have a valid, previously issued Massachusetts Class A LTC or a current LTC.

A license to carry entitles the possessor to purchase, possess, rent, borrow, lease and carry lawful firearms, including handguns and non-large capacity firearms for holders of Class B licenses or large capacity firearms for holders of current Class A or LTCs, and feeding devices and ammunition for these firearms.

• Elementary or secondary school, college or university, although there is an exemption for law enforcement officers [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10];
• Courthouses [Trial Court weapons policy];
• Airports [740 CMR 30.05];
• Logan Airport security zone [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 61];
• When using an off-highway vehicle such as snowmobile [Mass. Environmental Police Prohibited OHV Operation]; and
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

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. 

[Ch. 265, § 17 & Ch. 268, § 34] 

No. Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting.

[MA Dept of Fish & Wildlife Regulations]

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.

[Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 13, § 5C]