Massachusetts Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

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).

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.

Massachusetts is now a shall issue state.

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:

• Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
  
• Immigrants may face additional scrutiny when purchasing.

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. 

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

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - No

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. 

Yes. Massachusetts grants licenses to non-residents.

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. Massachusetts does not allow public access to concealed carry registry information.

No. Massachusetts does not have preemption laws.

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 43B, § 13]

Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm (has FID/permit), may possess a firearm at the person’s residence or place of business.

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(a)(1)0]

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. 

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 Sect 128A]

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.

Approved firearms rosters

[Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 123]

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)]

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.

Link to Non-resident LTC application

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.

Up to 60 days

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.

• 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];
• Within 150ft of polling places;
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

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.​

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]