Massachusetts CCW Information
Application Form for Non-residents
CCW Application in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Statutes in Massachusetts
State Administrative Rules
Laws on Firearms
Attorney General of Massachusetts
2nd website for CCW Information
State Secretary

Massachusetts does not recognize carry permits issued by other states.

Note: On August 2014, Bill H. 4376 became a law. With this law, Class A and Class B License would no longer exist starting January 1, 2015. The state will only issue an LTC (License to Carry). Because of this, the restrictions will be the same for all permit holders. In this article, all LTC that will be mentioned would mean a license without restrictions.

In Massachusetts, resident permits are issued by the local police. Consult your local police to know the requirements that you should meet to obtain an LTC.
Individuals with LTC (License to Carry) are allowed to buy, carry and transport handguns, rifles, shotguns and ammunition.

Other information about the LTC
• Individuals who obtained their LTC before January 1, 2015 may continue to use it until the date of expiration.
• First time applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• License to Carry is valid for 6 years.
• Payment for obtaining an LTC is $100.
• With the new law, here are additional requirements now when applying for an LTC. Consult your local police office to know more about this.

Chapter 140: Section 131. Licenses to Carry Firearms; Conditions and Restrictions

Section 131. Permit holders are allowed to buy, rent, possess, carry and borrow firearms, either small or large capacity, ammunition, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices legally. The licensing authority may impose restrictions relative to the ownership and use of firearms. Licensed carriers who violate the restrictions imposed by the licensing authority may be suspended or have their permits revoked along with a penalty of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 fine.

The different forms in applying for a permit are available in this link.

Note: According to the firearms instructors in Massachusetts, a non-resident who is applying for a permit for the first time will receive a restricted license. When he applies for a renewal, there is a big chance that he will receive an unrestricted license.

Starting August 1st, 2009, all non-resident permit holders in Massachusetts will receive their LTC through the Massachusetts Instant Record Check System (MIRCS). This is a computer application that manages and monitors all licensing systems in the state of Massachusetts. With the implementation of this system, the applicants:
a. Will no longer need to submit their fingerprints to the local police office
b. Will no longer need to submit a passport-sized photo
c. Will receive wallet-sized and digitally printed License to Carry
d. Should appear personally at the Firearms Records Bureau, Criminal History Systems Board at 200 Arlington Street, Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150

Applicants who submitted their application after June 1, 2009 will be contacted by the Firearms Records Bureau (FRB) for their appointment schedule for the finalization of their LTC in the address mentioned above.

FRB have the right to impose restrictions for non-residents who obtained their temporary LTC in Massachusetts. These are the following restrictions:

• Employment: the possession and use of firearms of an employer or employee should be work-related. Permit holders can transport their guns to and from the workplace.
• Target and Hunting: the possession and use of firearms is for pursuit of game animals and birds, collection, and self-defense purposes only. Outdoor activities like camping, skiing and hiking are also accepted. Permit holders can transport their guns to and from the location of the activity.
• Sporting: possession and use of firearms should be for sports and recreational purposes only.

Generally, the restrictions will be based on the information provided by an applicant. When submitting the application, provide a detailed explanation of the reasons why a license to carry in Massachusetts is necessary for one’s work or activity.

Application forms for non-residents can be viewed here.

Colleges, universities, elementary and secondary schools and the courthouses are off-limits for individuals who carry firearms even with a permit.

Part I. Administration of The Government
Title XIV. Public Ways and Works
Chapter 90: Section 61. Logan Airport security zone; access; penalties
Section 61. Under this section, there is a security zone on the border of General Edward Lawrence Logan Airport which covers 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”.

Chapter 140: Section 131.
An individual who is issued the non-resident or temporary license to carry his firearm or feeding device is not allowed to carry such firearm loaded in a vehicle. Violating the law will result to a punishment of $500 fine.

740 CMR 30.04 Airport Authority/Airports
Individuals are not allowed to carry loaded handguns inside the airport. Exceptions apply to the federal law enforcement officers, Airport Authorities and employees approved by the TSA, members of the military force and Massachusetts National Guard who are on active duty and are authorized to carry their firearms. Under this section, “airport” is defined as any “airport that is owned and operated by the Authority.”

Note: Carrying of firearms on the parking area of airports is also not permitted, not unless they are secured in a package and declared for transport.Possession of firearms on Off Highway Vehicles is not allowed as well, even if an individual has an LTC from Massachusetts and a No Restrictions Permit.

Mount Greylock State Reservation
A permit is required within Mount Greylock State Reservation during the hunting season (October to May 20). Hunters and pets on leash should wear blaze orange when hunting. Firearms are not allowed within the War Memorial Park.

Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Ferries
Before traveling on these ferries with your firearm, make sure that you read their Customer Handbook first. If there is a valid license to carry, an individual is allowed to transport his firearm, but he should follow the conditions of the ferry. The Customer Handbook can be viewed here.

In Massachusetts, signage that restricts the possession of firearms within areas do not have the force of law. But then, nationalcarryacademy.com strongly recommends that you avoid entering establishments and locations with “No Gun” signs. Once you notice that there is a sign post on a particular business, whether it does or does not have the force of the law, leave the place immediately. Print out a card which says “No Guns, No Money” for the owner of the business to realize that they just lose a customer. As a responsible carrier and supporter of the 2nd Amendment, you should also know how to respect the owner’s rights for his property.

Part I Title XX Chapter 140
Section 129C
There is no need for an individual to inform immediately a police officer on contact when carrying his firearm. However, when demanded, he must present his license to carry bearing the official number of the license. If an individual is not able to present his carry permit, the police officer may confiscate his firearm, rifle or shotgun and be taken under the custody of the police office unless an LTC is presented within thirty (30) days.

Carrying of firearms in state, national and public lands is legal in Massachusetts.

Traveling in a vehicle with a loaded firearm without a LTC permit from Massachusetts is illegal.

Large Capacity Weapons
“Large capacity weapons” are defined as any semi-automatic handgun or rifle that has the capability to accept or can be modified to accept detachable large capacity feeding devices that can contain more than 10 rounds of ammunition, or a shotgun that can hold more than 5 shotgun shells. A .22 caliber rifle with a tubular magazine is an exception.

Transporting Guns in Motor Vehicles/Motorboats
LTC holders are allowed to carry loaded or unloaded firearms while riding in a motor vehicle. There is no need for them to put the firearms in locked containers or compartment. However, carrying of large capacity rifles and shotguns while riding in a motor vehicle even with a permit is not allowed. Large capacity weapons should be put in a container and kept in the trunk of the vehicle.

Note: Carriers must ensure that rifles and shotguns are unloaded when riding motor vehicles. Only large capacity weapons are being required by the law to be kept in a separate compartment.

Permit holders are not prohibited by the law in Massachusetts to carry their handguns openly. Because Massachusetts is a May-Issue state, carrying your firearm openly may result to your license being revoked.

CHAPTER 43B. Home Rule Procedures
Chapter 43B: Section 13. Exercise of Powers and Functions by Municipalities

Section 13.
Town and cities are allowed to adopt, amend or repeal laws or ordinances that can be granted to them by the general court, and is consistent with the regulations of the general court. Regulations that are inconsistent with the general law should not be permitted. The power or function of any city or town shall not be denied under this section.

Chapter 233: Section 23F. Admissibility of past physical, sexual or psychological abuse of defendant

Chapter 278: Section 8A. Killing or injuring a person unlawfully in a dwelling; defense

To know more about the laws governing the use of knives within the state of Massachusetts, visit this link.

Massachusetts allow restaurant carrying. “Restaurant carrying” is defined as carrying a firearm in a place that serves alcohol. Carriers are allowed to bring their firearms on such premises as long as they will not consume alcohol. And if they enter one, they should not sit at the bar area because some states consider this as illegal. There are some places that use “No Gun” signs like the Friday’s and Red Lobster, and carriers are prohibited to carry their guns on those places.

As per recommendation of nationalcarryacademy.com, individuals should not consume alcohol when carrying handguns. Taking just a single drink is already illegal for some states. Check the laws of your state to know more information about this.

Large capacity feeding devices

Buying, selling, transferring and owning feeding devices with larger capacity for deadly weapons are prohibited by the law in Massachusetts, except if the device was obtained on September 13, 1994. Large capacity feeding device, by definition, is “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 or more than five shotgun shells.” Exception applies to .22 caliber rifles with tubular devices.

Large capacity feeding devices for rifles and shotguns may be legally possessed by LTC holders, while large capacity feeding devices for handguns may be legally possessed ONLY by individuals with LTCs.

The Secretary of the State is responsible in publishing a list of large capacity of handguns, shotguns and rifles and the feeding devices for such firearms.

Stun guns and Electric Devices
Chapter 140: Section 131J
Stun guns and electric weapons are illegal in the state. The residents may buy chemical sprays only from Firearms Dealers that are accredited by the state. The local chief of police has the authority to issue licenses to such dealers.

Carrying of stun guns and defensive sprays in schools with no LTC or FID and the Letter of Authorization from the school is illegal. More about legal banning of stun guns in this link.

A valid firearm identification card should be in person when purchasing or carrying pepper spray, chemical mace or other weapons capable of incapacitating.

• Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Massachusetts Information 1
• Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Massachusetts Information 2
• Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Massachusetts Information 3

• Massachusetts US District Court on Resident Aliens’ Right To Bear Arms For Self-Protection at Home
• Massachusetts Supreme Court on Legal Banning of Stun Guns

To know more about carrying firearms inside the airport, see “Carry Permit Limitations” section above.

There is no specific time period for the validity of the training of a permit holder. Residency of an individual is established once he is able to obtain a Driver’s license from the state of Massachusetts.

The minimum age for obtaining a license to carry in Massachusetts is 21 years old.

Laws on Using Firearms within the state: 140-129B thru 140-131P

Laws on Using Deadly Force within the state: Chpt 278 -8A & 231-85U

Laws on Using Knives: 269-10 thru 269-12 & 71-37H

Laws on Using Chemical/Electric Weapons: 140.121 & 140-131J

Laws on Using Body Armor: 269-10D

Massachusetts does not allow carrying of firearms for self-defense purposes when hunting. Under Section 10 of Part IV Title I Chapter 269, permits cover other weapons besides firearms.

Part IV. Crimes, Punishments And Proceedings in Criminal Cases
Title I. Crimes And Punishments
Chapter 269. Crimes Against Public Peace
Section 12D. Rifle or shotgun loaded with shells or cartridges; unloaded rifle or shotgun; carrying on public way prohibited; exceptions; punishment

Individuals are not allowed to carry their loaded firearms, with the cartridge or magazine on, in a public way. “Loaded firearms” mean that firearms have the magazine with the ammunition. Live cartridge, bullet, propellant powder and primer on firearms that are publicly carried are prohibited.

State of Emergency
When a disaster or emergency occurs, the Governor has the power to declare a Gubernatorial State of Emergency within Massachusetts. This also broadens the Governor’s authority to implement regulations that are necessary to maintain the safety of the Massachusetts residents.

When there is a state of emergency, the Governor may also control different agencies and organizations for the utilization of the state’s resources. He may also order the residents to stay off the roads and employees to get out of work earlier to make sure that they are safe. Often times, the Governor need to close roads that are contributing to the emergency and restrict travel to and from the state.

Other authorities of the Governor include the following:
• Ordering residents to evacuate and implement curfews on emergency areas
• Control and use the state’s resources that are necessary to control the emergency situation
• Restricting or banning of driving within the state

During a state of emergency in Massachusetts, financial assistance from the state is not automatically provided to the affected areas. The Governor and the MEMA Director do not have access to the Disaster Fund. After the declaration of the Gubernatorial State of Emergency, financial assistance may be provided through a vote of the Legislature. Remember that not all Gubernatorial SOE need financial assistance from the state. The Federal Government may provide the financial assistance for recovery after the disaster.

Note: Federal laws are applicable if Massachusetts are given financial assistance by the Federal Government. To learn more about the federal laws for state of emergencies, follow this link.

An individual can possess and transport unloaded handguns in a secured container inside the vehicle without the need for any type of permit if he is at least 21 years old. He must first have a Firearms Identification Card (FID) to be able to carry a gun.

For some states, identification cards and firearms registration are necessary. Meanwhile, other states would allow possession and transportation of firearms to and from the gun shop, shooting range and own home or business only. To know more about transporting of firearms in a vehicle, review the “Traveling in a Vehicle with a Firearm without a Massachusetts Permit” section above.

4/12/15 – Initial page created.