Massachusetts Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Permit Required Permit Required No Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Massachusetts Gun Laws

Open Carry	Permit Required
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$100
Permit Validity	6 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✕ No
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	10 rounds maximum
Suppressors	Prohibited
NFA Items	Restricted

Open Carry Laws in Massachusetts

Open carry requires a permit in Massachusetts. The same concealed carry permit typically covers open carry. Contact your local law enforcement agency for permit requirements.

Concealed Carry Laws in Massachusetts

Concealed carry in Massachusetts requires a valid permit. Massachusetts requires a License to Carry (LTC) for all handgun carry and purchase. Class A LTC allows concealed carry. Issued by local police chief. 6-year validity.

Where You Cannot Carry in Massachusetts

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Massachusetts. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Police Stations
Airports
Public Transit
Bars
Licensed Premises

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Massachusetts CCW Permit

Massachusetts requires a License to Carry (LTC) for all handgun carry and purchase. Class A LTC allows concealed carry. Issued by local police chief. 6-year validity.

Official Massachusetts Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Massachusetts

States that honor your Massachusetts permit (0)

None

Massachusetts honors permits from (0)

None

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Massachusetts Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Massachusetts gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.