Massachusetts Gun Laws

What Guns Are Banned in Massachusetts  

Massachusetts has tight gun restrictions, with certain issuing agencies asking applicants to prove their need for a handgun.

Non-residents of the state can apply for an LTC license as well, but they must first get a temporary license before entering the state, and their application must be submitted to the state police, whereas locals apply at their local police station.

Overview of the Massachusetts LTC license

Pistol License Overview

For the purchase, ownership, and carrying of any large capacity pistol, shotgun, rifle, or large capacity feeding device in Massachusetts, a Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) is necessary.

The issuing authority in most jurisdictions is the local police chief, who has the right to issue a license based on the applicant’s fitness or declared necessity. If a license is rejected, the applicant must be provided with a written explanation and must file an appeal within 90 days.

Applicants are usually awarded a license after passing a background check and completing a weapons training course.

The license can, however, be restricted by the issuing body. Closer to larger cities, such as Boston, restrictions are more usual, but smaller rural municipalities are more likely to give an unrestricted license. There are separate forms for resident and non-resident applications, with the filing process differing significantly in both cases.

Non-resident license

Non-resident licenses are granted in Massachusetts, although they differ from resident licenses in a few ways. One of them is the requirement that all initial applications be submitted in person.

Non-resident licenses also have a one-year expiration date. Local police stations do not accept applications. Instead, all non-resident applications must be submitted to the Chelsea Firearms Records Bureau.

Furthermore, you must schedule an appointment prior to submitting your license application. Renewals of such license will only require an in-person attendance at the Weapons Records Bureau every six years. However, you will need to renew your license each year.

Non-resident licenses may be subject to limitations. This will be determined by the data you provide on the application form.
There are no limits on the use of the LTC; it can be used for any authorized purpose.

Employer-required carry of a firearm — confines ownership to a business owner engaged in business activities or an employee engaged in work-related activities, as well as maintaining competency (i.e. armored car, security guard, etc.). Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Target and hunting – ownership is limited to legitimate recreational shooting or competition; usage in the lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; personal protection in the house; and collection (other than machine guns). Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Sporting– restricts possession to the following: lawful recreational shooting or competition; lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; personal protection in the home; collecting (except machine guns); and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or similar activities.

Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Other — Restrictions are set in place based on the information supplied in the license application. Please make sure that you include a specific explanation for getting a Massachusetts license.

Include details about how and where you plan to own or use a firearm, as well as your understanding of Massachusetts firearms regulations and training.

Any breach of these limitations might result in the license being suspended or revoked, as well as a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.

For weapons competitions, non-resident LTC permits are exclusively awarded to non-resident, non-citizens.

Handgun Training

A certified weapons safety course or a basic hunter education course must be completed by all candidates for a Massachusetts guns license. The underlined link will take you to a list of authorized courses.

After you’ve finished the course, the teacher will give you a certificate that you’ll need to show when you apply for a gun license.

Requirements to qualify for a Massachusetts LTC license

Residents Licenses

Applicants for a Minnesota Permit to Carry must fulfill the following requirements:

The applicant must be a US citizen or lawful immigrant who is at least 21 years old. The applicant must have completed a weapons training course and cannot have been convicted or adjudicated as a delinquent kid or a Youthful offender.

The applicant must also ensure that they have no outstanding warrants and that they have not been found by a court to be lacking in mental competence to conduct their own affairs. Applicants must not be the subject of an existing restraining order or have been discharged dishonorably from the US military.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are not wanted criminals. Applicants must also submit an affidavit from a certified physician approving their competence to own a firearm if they have been hospitalized for mental illness, drug or substance misuse in the last 5 years.

The LTC license is only valid for 6 years and the full list of permits to carry fees is only $100.

Non-resident Licenses

All first applications for non-residents must be made in person. Non-resident licenses, on the other hand, are only good for one year. Local police stations do not accept applications. Instead, all non-resident applications must be submitted to the Chelsea Firearms Records Bureau.

Additionally, you must schedule an appointment prior to submitting your license application. It’s worth noting that renewals will only require an in-person presentation at the Weapons Records Bureau every six years. However, you will need to renew your license each year.

Non-resident licenses may be subject to limitations. This will be determined by the data you provide on the application form.

None

The LTC can be used for any legitimate purpose and has no limitations.

Employment

Possession is limited to a company owner involved in business activities or an employee engaged in work-related activities, and competency is required if the employer needs the employee to carry a handgun (i.e. armored car, security guard, etc.). Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Target and hunting

Possession is limited to legitimate recreational shooting or competition, as well as usage in the lawful pursuit of game animals and birds, personal defense in the house, and collection (other than machine guns). Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Sporting

Possession is limited to the following: legitimate recreational shooting or competition; lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; personal defense in the house; collecting (excluding machine guns); and outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or similar activities.

Travel to and from the activity site is included.

Other

Possession is limited to legitimate recreational shooting or competition; lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; personal defense in the house; collecting (other than machine guns); and outdoor leisure activities like hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or similar activities. Includes transportation to and from the activity site.

Any breach of these limitations might result in the license being suspended or revoked, as well as a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.

For weapons competitions, non-resident LTC permits are exclusively awarded to non-resident, non-citizens.

Enhanced Licenses

A Class A license to carry allows the holder to buy, rent, lease, borrow, possess, and carry the following items:

Firearms, including large capacity firearms, feeding devices, and ammunition, for all lawful purposes, subject to any restrictions imposed by the licensing authority; and rifles and shotguns, including large capacity weapons, feeding devices, and ammunition, for all lawful purposes, subject to any restrictions imposed by the licensing authority.

A Class B license allows the holder to buy, rent, lease, borrow, possess, and carry the following items:

Non-large capacity firearms, feeding devices, and ammunition, for all lawful purposes, are subject to such restrictions as the licensing authority deems proper; provided, however, that (a Class B license does not entitle the holder to carry or possess a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in any public way or place, nor to possess a large capacity firearm, except under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid Class A license at an incorporated shooting range.)

Rifles and shotguns, including large-capacity rifles and shotguns, as well as feeding mechanisms and ammunition, for any authorized purpose; provided, however, that the licensing authority may apply whatever limitations it sees fit.

Address Changes

Any change of address in Massachusetts must be reported within 30 days. You can print the Change of Address Form and mail it to the following address:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, particularly the Executive Director of the Criminal History Systems Board, The Chief of Police in the town where you recently relocated, The guns license was granted by the licensing authorities.

If you lose your permits or they are stolen in any way, you must alert the department that granted your guns license. Gun owners in Massachusetts are obligated to report the loss, theft, or recovery of their firearms to the state and local police department. Call (617) 660-4780 for an FA-10 form, or check with your local police department.

How to apply for a Massachusetts LTC license

Residents

To begin, you must finish a weapons training course. Then, under the forms area of this page, download the Residents Application.

After that, you’ll need to submit a completed resident guns license application, the necessary application fee, a certificate from the Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course, and a form of identification.

It’s possible that you’ll need to provide proof of residency as well. The application must next be submitted to the local police station in your place of residence. If your application is granted or declined, you will be notified by letter within 40 days.

Non-residents

Non-residents must take a weapons training course and fill out the Non-Residents Application, which may be found in the forms area.

You’ll also need a completed non-resident gun license resident alien permit application, as well as the requisite application fee and a certificate from the Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course.

You may also require an in-person interview, a visa, or a copy of your immigration card. Non-residents must additionally submit an application to the Bureau of Firearms Records.

How to renew your Massachusetts LTC license

Residents and non-residents in Massachusetts go through different renewal processes.

Resident Licence

Residents’ license renewals are handled by the local police station in the town where they live. The procedure of renewing your license to carry might take up to 60 days.

A federal and state background check, a fingerprint check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health will also be conducted by the licensing authority. If you want to be eligible for a grace period, you must submit a renewal application before your license expires.

Non-Resident License / Resident alien permit

You must submit an application to the Firearms Records Bureau to renew a non-resident license or a resident alien permit. To begin, the licensing authority will do a federal and state background check, as well as a fingerprint check and a check with the Department of Mental Health.

There are no grace periods for non-resident gun licenses or resident alien permits, apart from that. Non-resident weapons permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

Renewal applications for resident licenses can be submitted in person or by mail; however, non-resident licenses can only be renewed by mail.

You might want to contact the Criminal Justice Information Services for written information on firearms legislation.

Mailing Address:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Firearms Records Bureau
200 Arlington St, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150

You can contact the number below to inquire about the status of your renewal application. Your entire name, date of birth, and driver’s license number will be required.

Schedule of fee’s for a Massachusetts LTC license

Application Conditions (For both original and renewal)

License to carry firearms: $100
Resident alien permit: $100
License to carry firearms (retired law enforcement officer): $25
Firearms Identification card: $100
Firearms Identification card (if under 18 years old): $25
Non-Resident firearms license: $100

Essential forms 

The essential forms for a Massachusetts LTC license include Residents’ application for an LTC License, Non-residents’ application for an LTC License, Change of address form, and Appeal LTC License denial form.

Off-limit places in Massachusetts for carrying a firearm

Carrying a handgun is forbidden in Massachusetts at courthouses, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, airports, Logan Airport security zone, off-highway vehicles such as snowmobiles, and any other location where carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law.

However, you can carry firearms in state parks, state and national forests, roadside rest areas, vehicles, and literally all areas of the state unless it is noted as off-limit in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Gun Laws & Statutes

Below is a list of the most significant Massachusetts gun regulations to be aware of. Before you carry firearms, familiarize yourself with the laws.

Concealed carry permit required

Required for handguns, not required for long guns. Important to note that the policy is May Issue.

Purchase permit required

Required for both handguns and long guns, where a carry permit or FID (firearm identification) is required as well.

Registration of firearm

Not required for both handguns and long guns.

Open carry allowed

Allowed for handguns, not allowed for long guns. It’s important to remember that open carry handguns require a permit. Long firearms cannot be carried openly unless they are being used for hunting.

Background checks on private gun sales required

Required for both handguns and long guns. Note that the seller is required to verify the purchaser’s FID card.

Magazine size restriction

Restriction applied to both handguns and long guns, and it must not exceed 10 rounds.

Red flag law

Applied for both handguns and long guns. If otherwise, firearms can be temporarily confiscated.

Owner license required

Required for both handguns and long guns, where an FID license is required.

Rating of gun laws

In comparison to other states in the United States, the Massachusetts gun laws are less friendlier and stricter.

Vehicle carry without pistol license

It is prohibited to carry firearms of any kind in a vehicle without a gun license, according to the legislation. You can carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in a vehicle if you have a Massachusetts LTC license and the weapon is in your direct control.

Transporting Firearms with an LTC enables you to transport loaded or unloaded handguns in a motor vehicle. There is no need that the pistol be kept locked in a trunk or container.

Weapons such as high capacity shotguns or rifles must be unloaded and stored in a lockable container or the trunk of a car, even if the owner has an LTC license.

In other words, when on or in a motor vehicle, all large capacity shotguns and large capacity rifles must be unloaded, and big capacity weaponry must be secured.

A large capacity weapon is a semi-automatic rifle or pistol that can accept a feeding system that contains more than 10 rounds, a shotgun that accepts more than 5 shotgun shells, or an assault weapon.

Open carry with no pistol license

You cannot open carry in Massachusetts without an LTC license. If you hold an LTC license, however, there is no legislation prohibiting you from carrying openly in Massachusetts.

In 2013, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that if the individual carrying the handgun causes alarm to others, the LTC license to carry cannot be canceled. Be advised, however, that open carry is uncommon in Massachusetts and is likely to attract unwelcome attention as well as a few inquiries from the cops.

Because there is no statute against open carry, and the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of it, it is legal. However, unless you wish to be a test case, it is not recommended in this restricted state.

Must inform officer on contact by law

There’s nothing in Massachusetts gun regulations that says you have to tell a cop whether you have a gun when they approach you on official business.

The law does require you to have your permit on you at all times when you are in actual possession of a concealed firearm, and to present it if asked by police authorities.

State park carry

It is legal to carry in the areas such as state parks, state or national forests, state game management units, and road side rest areas.

No gun signs enforced

Massachusetts’ firearms regulations make no mention of “No Weapons” signage. Entering a private property or company that has displayed these notices has no legal consequences. Unless they are placed in places that are specifically listed in the law as being off limits, they have no legal standing.

Regardless of whether the law allows or prohibits signage, we urge that you do not enter a property with a “No Weapons” sign. If you refuse to leave a property after being ordered to do so, you are breaching the law and risk being prosecuted.

Restaurant carry

If you can carry in a restaurant that offers alcohol, the answer is “Yes” or “No.” Some restaurants may have “NO GUN” signs displayed. Check with the staff to see whether this just applies to the bar. If we’ve chosen “Yes,” it should be legal to eat a meal without consuming alcohol.

Constitutional carry

In Massachusetts, there is no constitutional carry.

Off-limit statutes

Section 61 – General Edward Lawrence Airport

(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 . . .

Part I. Title XX Chpt. 140: Sec. 131C – Vehicle carry

(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 with a fine of $500.

740 CMR 30.04 – Airports

(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.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

From Columbus Day (October) through May 20, hunting is permitted inside Mount Greylock State Reservation with the required license(s) and/or permit(s). During the hunting season, it is advised that hikers and leashed dogs wear blaze orange in a visible way.

Hunting and guns are prohibited within a 0.75 mile radius of the War Memorial Tower at the War Memorial Park.

Martha’s Vineyard, Woods Holevand nantucket steamship Authority

If you plan on using ferries to any of the aforementioned locations, you’ll need an LTC license to carry and must adhere to the boats’ rules.

Part I. Title XX. Chpt. 140: Sec. 129C – Informing officer

(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 firearms 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 the 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 the 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

Massachusetts licensing offices

Non-resident LTC licenses are handled by the Firearms Records Bureau. Massachusetts residents must apply at their local police station.

Firearms Records Bureau

Contact

Address: 200 Arlington St.
City : Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone : (617) 660-4782

Hours

Monday – Friday : 8am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed

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