State Laws · MA
Massachusetts Gun Laws
Effective as of October 23, 2024 (HD 4420 (comprehensive reform)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry (LTC) for concealed carry, issued by the local police chief. Massachusetts has historically been may-issue with significant discretion. Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety course, be at least 21 (or 18 for an FID card for long guns only), and pass a background check. The LTC is valid for six years.
Key statute: M.G.L. Chapter 140, §§ 131-131P — licensing provisions for firearms.
Open Carry
Open carry is technically legal with a valid LTC but is strongly discouraged and may result in revocation of the license by the issuing authority under the "suitability" standard.
Who Cannot Carry
Massachusetts has extensive disqualifying criteria including: convicted felons, persons convicted of specified misdemeanors (including assault, DUI, drug offenses), persons subject to restraining orders, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons who have been committed to a mental health facility, minors, persons convicted of domestic violence, and persons deemed "unsuitable" by the licensing authority (a discretionary standard).
Prohibited Locations
Massachusetts prohibits carry in: schools and school grounds, courthouses, airports, and any location with posted prohibition. The 2024 reform (HD 4420) added additional restricted locations including government buildings, polling places, hospitals, public transit, parks, and houses of worship.
Purchase Requirements
Massachusetts requires an LTC or FID card to purchase any firearm. All sales (including private) must be reported to the state through the Electronic Firearms Transaction System. Massachusetts has an assault weapons ban, a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds (pre-ban magazines grandfathered), and comprehensive firearms registration through the state transaction system. There is no explicit waiting period beyond licensing. The 2024 reform added a ban on ghost guns and strengthened red flag law provisions.
Citations
M.G.L. Chapter 140 (firearms licensing); M.G.L. Chapter 269 (weapons crimes); HD 4420 (2024 comprehensive reform).
Look up statutes at Massachusetts Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Massachusetts statutes
Massachusetts Legislature →This link goes to Massachusetts's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.