Massachusetts Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Massachusetts became a shall-issue state following 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 mandatory for buying 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. An LTC is also required to purchase ammunition. Although handguns do not need to be registered, all firearm sales and transfers must be reported to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, which maintains comprehensive records of these transactions.
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The former Class B license allowed for the open carry of non-large capacity firearms. Although some Class B licenses may still be valid, no new Class B licenses are being issued due to revisions in licensure.
Concealed carry is legal in Massachusetts for individuals who have a Massachusetts LTC or a formerly issued, valid Class A LTC. The minimum age to obtain an LTC is 21 years old. LTCs are issued to both residents and non-residents and require a state-approved firearms training course. Some areas, such as schools and airports, are off-limits for carrying firearms. Massachusetts does not honor permits from any other states.
Massachusetts follows the Castle Doctrine. According to Massachusetts law, if a person who is an occupant of a dwelling is charged with killing or injuring someone who was unlawfully in the dwelling, it is a defense that the occupant was in the dwelling at the time of the offense and acted under the reasonable belief that the intruder was about to inflict great bodily injury or death. The occupant must have used reasonable means to defend themselves or another person lawfully in the dwelling. There is no duty to retreat within one’s own dwelling, but there is a duty to retreat outside of one’s home.
A “dwelling” is defined as a building that serves as a permanent or temporary residence, which excludes tents, motor homes, and boats. Common areas of buildings, such as hallways, do not fall under the Castle Doctrine.
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Does Massachusetts have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
Yes. 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 not lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994. A large capacity feeding device includes any device capable of accepting, or that can be readily converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs are exempt.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Massachusetts?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal with a License to Carry (LTC), provided they resemble a gun. “Covert” electronic weapons that resemble other objects, like pens, are not allowed. To purchase, a resident firearms license, state ID, and a Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate are required, along with a background check.
Does Massachusetts allow constitutional carry?
No. Massachusetts does not allow constitutional carry.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Massachusetts?
Yes. Chemical mace or pepper spray can be carried without an LTC and can only be sold by Federal Firearm Licensees. Certain individuals, including minors and those under protection orders, are prohibited from purchasing or possessing self-defense spray.
Is open carry permitted in Massachusetts?
Yes, with a license. However, it is uncommon, and there have been reports that some jurisdictions may use this as grounds to revoke licenses or to charge you with other offenses, such as menacing.
If Massachusetts requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Massachusetts is now a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Massachusetts to get a concealed carry license?
You must be at least 21 years old to get an LTC in Massachusetts.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Massachusetts with a concealed carry license?
Yes. Stun guns may be carried with an LTC. Additionally, an LTC allows the holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess, and carry firearms, including large capacity firearms and feeding devices, and ammunition for all lawful purposes.
Does Massachusetts have 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.
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Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Massachusetts?
Answer: Yes, with a License to Carry (LTC).
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Massachusetts?
Answer: Yes, with a LTC.
Question: Can you carry a firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Massachusetts?
Answer: Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Massachusetts LTC, unless posted otherwise.
Question: Does Massachusetts have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Answer: This is not addressed in Massachusetts state law, although employers may have their own policies.
Question: Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Massachusetts?
Answer: A person with a Class “A” LTC may transport a handgun loaded or unloaded on their person or under their direct control in the vehicle. If the handgun is not under their 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 a motor vehicle.
Under federal law, you may transport a firearm interstate provided that you may lawfully carry in the state of origin and in the state of destination. The weapon must be unloaded and secured in a separate compartment. Massachusetts law 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.
Question: Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Massachusetts?
Answer: Massachusetts statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Each hotel develops its own policies, so you should contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Question: Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Massachusetts?
Answer: No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Massachusetts.
Question: Does Massachusetts state law define brandishing?
Answer: 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.
Question: Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Massachusetts?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Does Massachusetts have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Answer: No. Massachusetts does not have preemption laws.
Question: Does Massachusetts have a red flag law?
Answer: 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.
Question: Does Massachusetts issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Answer: Yes. Massachusetts grants licenses to non-residents.
Question: Does Massachusetts allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
Answer: No. Massachusetts does not allow public access to concealed carry registry information.
Question: Is my Massachusetts driver’s license linked to my Massachusetts carry permit?
Answer: 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.
Question: Does Massachusetts have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Answer: 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.
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 judgment, 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 License to Carry (LTC) is required to purchase a firearm.
Yes. Private sellers must conduct a real-time check of the purchaser’s Firearms Identification Card. The MA Gun Transaction Portal must be used to make transfers.
Does my current Massachusetts concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
No.
No. However, a FID or LTC is required to make a purchase, and these may take up to 60 days to process.
Yes. Massachusetts has an approved firearms roster that lists firearms meeting detailed safety standards and approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security. Licensed dealers can only sell handguns from this list at retail, with some exceptions for handguns lawfully owned before October 21, 1998, and those for formal target or Olympic shooting competition.
21 years old. A Firearm Identification (FID) is required. Minors can possess a weapon for hunting, recreation, instruction, and shooting sports under the supervision of a valid FID or LTC holder, with parental or guardian consent.
Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm (having an FID/permit) may possess a firearm at their residence or place of business.
Yes. All residents must register firearms obtained by means other than personal sale/transfer or through a Massachusetts firearms dealer within 7 days using the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal. Inherited firearms may also be registered or transferred using the Portal. Residents must report any private sale or transfer of a firearm via the Portal prior to or at the time of the sale/transfer.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (Class A permits only)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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 a license and have good reason to fear injury to their person or property, or any other reason, including carrying firearms for sport or target practice.
- Complete a firearms training course.
- Not have been convicted or adjudicated as 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 their 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 their 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.
- 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.
- Initial License and Renewals: $100
- 6 years
- Up to 60 days
- 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.
- Renewal of LTC is required annually, with applications processed 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 certified by the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police.
- Non-resident licenses can have restrictions such as employment, target and hunting, and “other” restrictions.
- 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.
- The Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
- There is also a Firearms License Address Change Hotline at (617) 660–4722.
- Contact your issuing authority.
- Moving to Massachusetts and interested in applying for a resident license? 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? The license is valid until it expires provided you submit the above-referenced change of address form.
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. You must renew your resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through your local police department in the town where you reside. Submit your renewal application before the expiration date of your current license. If submitted prior to expiration, you will have an indefinite grace period during which your current license will remain valid until the renewal application is either approved or denied. If you do not submit your renewal application before the expiration of your current license, it will expire, and you will need to apply for a new FID or LTC.
Non-resident and resident alien firearms licenses expire annually and must be renewed through the Firearms Records Bureau. There is no grace period for non-resident firearms licenses or resident alien permits.
- A complete resident firearms license application, non-resident firearms license application, or resident alien permit application.
- The required application fee.
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate.
- A form of identification.
- Proof of residence.
Residents must mail the complete renewal package to their local licensing authority. Non-residents and resident aliens must mail the complete renewal package to the Firearms Records Bureau at:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Firearms Records Bureau
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
You will be notified within 60 days (90 days for non-residents and resident aliens) 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.
Question: I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Massachusetts, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Answer: There is no known statute in Massachusetts making it illegal to wear a COVID-19 mask while carrying concealed. However, a state statute makes it illegal to commit an assault, robbery, larceny, or obstruct the execution of the law while masked or disguised (Ch. 265, § 17 & Ch. 268, § 34).
Question: What are the knife laws in Massachusetts?
Answer: Massachusetts does not forbid the ownership of any type of knife. However, stilettos, daggers, dirks, double-edged knives, devices that enable a knife with a locking blade to be drawn in a locked position, ballistic knives, knives with knuckles, and automatic knives are forbidden from being carried on a person or in a vehicle. Knives are prohibited from all schools, from elementary level to university campuses. Massachusetts municipalities may have additional restrictions (MGL ch. 269, § 10(b) and (j)).
Question: Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Massachusetts?
Answer: No. Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting (MA Dept of Fish & Wildlife Regulations).
Question: Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Massachusetts?
Answer: No.
Question: Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Massachusetts?
Answer: Yes. No person shall obstruct, interfere with, or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another at the location where such activity is taking place (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 13, § 5C).
