Massachusetts is one of the states with stringent gun laws. It issues pistol permits based on the discretion of the licensing authority.

However, you must ensure that you understand the requirements to apply, as this will make you stand a chance for an approved application.

Massachusetts Gun Permit Summary

Massachusetts is a May-issue state for the application of pistol permits.

Local police stations are responsible for issuing resident permits, while the state police firearm record bureau is in charge of non-residents permits.

• Recommended Reading: Massachusetts Gun Laws

How To Get A Gun Permit In Massachusetts?

Massachusetts issues gun permits to residents and non-residents of the state that are twenty-one years old or more without a prohibition to use firearms.

Massachusetts Gun Permit Laws

You can open carry in Massachusetts if you have a class B gun permit. But this permit is rarely issued, and in some counties, you are not allowed to apply for it.

Massachusetts prohibits magazines with more than ten rounds of ammunition.

Also, except you are a law enforcement officer, a member of the United States Armed Forces, or a licensed individual, it is prohibited to make use of machine guns and semiautomatic weapons.

Requirements For Concealed Weapon Permit In Massachusetts

To apply for a pistol permit in Massachusetts, the requirements you must meet according to the state’s gun laws include the following:

• You must be at least twenty-one years old.
• You must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
• You must have a good cause to carry a firearm. This includes fear for your life or property and possession of a gun for sport or range shooting.
• You must complete a Massachusetts firearm safety class.
• You must not be a convict for juvenile delinquency or be a youthful offender.
• You must not be a patient in any psychiatric home or mental institution.
• You must not be a narcotic or user of substances under the Drug Enforcement Agency’s control for the last five years before applying for the permit. You must also submit evidence from a qualified physician about your ability to possess a gun.
• You must not be subject to a court restraining order from a guardian or any family member.
• You must not be a fugitive or have any outstanding warrants in your name from a law enforcement agency.
• You must not have gotten a dismissal from the United States Armed Forces due to a dishonorable character.
• You must not be a felony.
• You must meet other federal laws for a CCW permit application.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Massachusetts

A summary of firearms permits issued in Massachusetts includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: Massachusetts issues Firearm identification card as a state permit to purchase long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: Massachusetts issues FID as a state permit to buy guns.
• State permit to open carry: Massachusetts is a licensed state, so permit required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: Massachusetts issues a state permit to conceal rifles and long guns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: Massachusetts issues a pistol permit to conceal carry guns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Massachusetts?

The cost for both initial and renewal permits in Massachusetts is one hundred dollars.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Massachusetts?

The process to apply for Massachusetts gun permit includes the following:

Complete The Firearm Class

Before you begin with the application, make sure that you have a certification from a licensed Massachusetts firearm training course.

The Massachusetts State Police Department must certify the instructor of such training.

Download Application Form

Download the permit application from the police website portal.

Submit Other Documents

Reach out to your county’s permit office to know if they have special requirements for permit application.

Some of the documents you will need include the following:

• A completed application form.
• A certificate to proof firearm training course.
• Your fingerprint cards.
• Your Massachusetts’s proof of residency.
• The Required application fee.

Receive Notification

The licensing authority will notify you after your application has been processed. This will either be by mail or a telephone call.

Your Massachusetts pistol permit is only valid for six years, after which you have to renew it.

The permit renewal process will take place at your county’s local police station.

The renewal application must begin before the expiry date of your permit.

If you apply for a renewal before expiration, you will have the grace to continue using the Massachusetts permit indefinitely until the licensing board finishes processing the renewal.

If your CCW permit expires and you have not applied for a renewal, your license will no longer be valid. Hence, you will have to apply for a new license all over again.

However, the renewal application is different for non-residents permits. The permit expires every year, and there is no grace period whatsoever.

Documents To Submit

Documents you need to submit for Massachusetts permit renewal include the following:

• A completed renewal application.
• The renewal application fee.
• Your training course certificate.
• Your state identification card.
• Your proof of residence.

For resident’s renewal, send the application mail to your county’s licensing board.

For non-residents’ renewal, send the application mail to the state firearm records bureau.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not honor a pistol permit from any other state in the country.

Other aspects of its reciprocity deal include the following:

States That Recognize Massachusetts Pistol Permit

If you have a Massachusetts gun license, you can possess firearms in these states. However, you must abide by every gun laws and regulations, and comply with the requirements to handle firearms in the states. They include:

• Alabama
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Montana
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity

These states will also honor a pistol permit from Massachusetts, but there are specific requirements you must meet as a permit holder to possess a firearm in these states. They include the following:

• Michigan
• Wisconsin

States That Have Permitless Policy

These are constitutional carry states that do not require a pistol permit to possess firearms in their territory. Although there may be other requirements, you have to meet, like minimum age, and off-limit places for permitless carry. They are:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Massachusetts

Some of the most frequently asked questions about gun permit in Massachusetts include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Massachusetts?

Yes, In Massachusetts, you can only conceal carry with a state license to carry.

What Is The Cost For Massachusetts Gun Permit?

Both initial and renewal permits in Massachusetts cost one hundred dollars.

How Long Is Massachusetts Concealed Weapon Permit Valid?

Massachusetts gun license is valid for six years, after which you have to apply for a renewal.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Massachusetts Pistol Permits?

Yes. Massachusetts pistol permit application is open to both residents and non-residents of the state.

The process is similar to that of the state’s residents with an in-person appearance for the initial application.

However, unlike residents’ valid permits for six years, Massachusetts’ non-resident licenses are valid for just one year.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Massachusetts Gun License?

To change details on you Massachusetts pistol permits like name and address, send a mail to the following:

• The licensing unit that issued your Massachusetts gun license.
• The police chief of any county, district, or city of the new address.
• The state department of criminal justice.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Massachusetts Pistol Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For cases of theft or missing permits, contact your local licensing unit.

How Soon Can I Apply For Massachusetts Weapon Permit After Moving To The State?

You can apply for a Massachusetts pistol permit upon establishing residency in the state. But you may have to prove that you have a residence or a personal business in the state before applying.

Can I Make Use Of Massachusetts Weapon Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Upon moving out of the state, your Massachusetts pistol permit expires immediately, unless you contact the licensing authority about a change of address, as explained above.

If you inform about a change of address, the pistol permit will become valid until its expiry date.

Do I Need A Permit To Open Carry In Massachusetts?

Massachusetts used to issue Class B licenses for the open carry of weapons, except large capacity firearms.

Even though some of these licenses are still valid in the state, Massachusetts no longer issues these permits for open carry.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Massachusetts Pistol Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a gun license in Massachusetts.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Massachusetts?

Yes, you must have a firearm identification card before you can purchase a gun in Massachusetts.

Does My Massachusetts Pistol Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In The State?

No. Every buyer must have a firearm identification card for the dealer to check its validity before buying guns in the state.

Do I Need A Massachusetts Pistol Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

Yes, only those with a permit and right to possess firearms in the state can do so in their home, personal business, or any private property.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Massachusetts Gun License?

To obtain a pistol permit or a firearm identification card, you must complete a firearm safety course.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts licensing department will process a permit in at least forty days.

Does Massachusetts Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, the state prohibits large-capacity firearms and ammunition with more than ten rounds.

Also, assault weapons are illegal except for licensed individuals and government workers.

Is Massachusetts A Preemption Gun Law State?

No, there are no preemption gun laws in Massachusetts. Local municipalities can enact laws to regulate the use and possession of firearms within their boundaries.

Can I Use Handguns For Hunting If I Have A Massachusetts Pistol Permit?

No, it is a prohibition to make use of handguns while hunting in Massachusetts, even if you have a pistol permit or not.

What Is The Age Requirement For Possession Of Firearms In Massachusetts?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to possess firearms in Massachusetts.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In Massachusetts

Some Massachusetts gun laws that have to do with the use of pistol permit and possession of firearms within the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

According to [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131], if you have a Massachusetts license to carry, you can possess your weapon in a car.

Without the gun license, the possession of a firearm in a vehicle is illegal, and it does not matter if it is loaded or not.

The only way you can possess a firearm in your car without a license is if you are in your residence or your place of business.

Possession Of Firearm In Roadside Areas

Massachusetts gun statute indicates that It is legal to possess firearms in roadside areas of the state as long as you are with your pistol license.

Possession Of Firearms In Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Areas

Massachusetts gun laws, [302 CMR § 12.04(5) & 321 CMR § 3:01], allow the possession of firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife areas for only those that have a pistol permit.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas

Massachusetts does not prohibit the possession of firearms in restaurants and bar areas for those who have the pistol permit.

The only exception is if there is a post prohibiting the possession of a firearm within the premises.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Massachusetts does not have any law controlling the possession of firearms in hotels or similar establishments within the state.

Each hotel can develop gun laws and privacy policies to regulate the possession of firearms within their premises. Some may even entirely prohibit it.

Hence, you have to visit a hotel website to check out information about this.

Additional Resources

Massachusetts Gun Laws
Massachusetts Concealed Carry Laws
Massachusetts Gun Permit Laws