Massachusetts Gun Laws

No
Yes
Yes, with restrictions
Current

Massachusetts is another “May Issue” state. “LTC” or license to carry can be issued to residents and non-residents. If you’re a non-residents you must apply for a temporary permit before traveling to Massachusetts. Applicants need to be 21 and pass a firearms training course to apply. A LTC is required to purchase ammunition and firearms. Applications can be filed at local police stations. If you’re a non-resident, you must apply through the State Police.

 Massachusetts Gun Laws Quick Facts 

             Open Carry Permitted? 
             No
        
             Carry In Vehicle? 
             No 
        
             Carry In State Park? 
             Yes 
        
             Carry In Restaurants? 
             Yes 
        
             Constitutional Carry? 
             No 
        
             No Weapon Sign Enforced? 
             No 
        
             Must Notify Officer? 
             No

Massachusetts CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW

            Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin

          

States NOT Honoring CCW

            California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

Honors These States CCW Permits

How Reciprocity Works In Massachusetts

Unfortunately Massachusetts does NOT honor any other states CCW. If you're a resident you will need to get a license from the state.

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Reciprocity Agreements In Massachusetts

Massachusetts: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

State parks
State and national forests
Road side rest areas
Vehicle
All areas of the state – except those listed below

Places Not Allowed

Courthouses
Elementary or secondary school, college or university
Airports
Logan Airport security zone
When using off highway vehicle such as snowmobile
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Massachusetts: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Without a Permit/License If you do not have a permit/license then you cannot open carry. There are no laws that prevent a permit/license holder carrying a concealed firearm openly. I would be very cautious though, you will definitely attract attention from law enforcement and could end up a test case.

Carry In Vehicle

Without a Permit/License If you do not have a permit you cannot carry a loaded firearm inside any vehicle. Unlawfully carrying a firearm in a vehicle, or in one’s possession outside one’s residence or place of business, without the required license or card, subjects a person to a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year in jail, or 2 1/2 years in prison. A permit/license holder can transport a loaded or unloaded handgun on his person or in a motor vehicle if the handgun is under their direct control.

Carry In State Parks

Yes

You are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas. State wildlife sanctuaries are off-limits.

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.

Constitutional Carry

No Weapon Signs Enforced

“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Massachusetts gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned in the law as being off limits.

Must Notify Officer

Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law There is nothing in Massachusetts gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require you to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.

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Massachusetts Gun Laws