Massachusetts Gun Licensing Requirements

Complying with the Gun Control Act of 1998

Effective June 1, 1998, all new firearm license applicants must complete a certified firearms safety course or Basic Hunter Education Course

The new law creates two types of licenses to carry (LTC):

CLASS “A" LTC:  Permits the purchase, possession and carrying of all ammunition, handguns, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices (both large and non-large capacity). This is the only license that allows the carrying of concealed handguns-either loaded or unloaded.

CLASS “B" LTC:  Permits the purchase, possession and carrying of all ammunition, non-large capacity handguns, and all rifles and shotguns (large and non-large capacity).

Definition of Large Capacity Weapon

A weapon is large capacity if it is a semi-automatic handgun or rifle that is capable of accepting (or readily modifiable to accept) any detachable large capacity feeding device that holds more than ten rounds, OR if it is a shotgun capable of accepting more than five shotgun shells, OR if it is an assault weapon.

NOTE:  A .22 caliber rifle with a fixed tubular magazine is not considered large capacity.

Class "A" and Class "B" License to Carry (LTC) Information

Your current LTC will be valid until its stated expiration date.  New applicants must be 21 years of age or older to obtain a Class “A" or Class “B" permit.  New applicants must complete a Mass. certified firearms safety course or a BASIC HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE.  Class “A" and “B" LTC cost $100.00 and are valid for 6 years.

Firearms Identification (FID) Cards

The new FID card permits the purchase, possession and carrying of NON-LARGE CAPACITY RIFLES, SHOTGUNS and AMMUNITION ONLY.  You must be at least 18 years old (or 15 - 17 years old with parental consent) to apply for an FID card.  The fee for an FID card is $100.00 and it is valid for 6 years.  New applicants must complete a Mass. approved firearms safety course or a BASIC HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE.  A restricted FID card is available solely for the possession of mace or pepper spray.  Applicants for the restricted FID are exempt from the education requirement.

Transporting Guns in Motor Vehicles

CLASS “A" LTC:  Allows the holder to transport a loaded or unloaded handgun on his person or in a motor vehicle if the handgun is under their direct control.  Handgun does not have to be in a locked case or container.

CLASS “B" LTC:  Allows the holder to transport a non-large capacity handgun.  Handgun must be unloaded and secured in a locked trunk or locked container.

LARGE-CAPACITY RIFLES AND SHOTGUNS:  No person possessing a large-capacity rifle or shotgun under a Class “A" or Class “B" permit shall possess said rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle unless unloaded and contained within a locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container. 

NOTE:  All rifles and shotguns must be unloaded when in or on a motor vehicle, but only large-capacity rifles and shotguns are subject to the storage requirement.  This also applies to Muzzleloading or other Black Powder arms.

Carrying Rifles and Shotguns upon Public Ways while Hunting

You can carry a loaded or unloaded rifle or shotgun upon or across a public way if you are engaged in hunting and hold a valid hunting license.  You do not need a trigger lock or case on the rifle or shotgun provided you are engaged in hunting with a valid hunting license.

NOTE:  You shall not possess a loaded rifle or shotgun nor discharge same within 500 feet of a building or dwelling in use without the owners or occupants permission.  Also, you shall not discharge same upon or across any state or hard surfaced highway nor within 150 feet of such highway.

Storage of Firearms

All handguns, rifles and shotguns must be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device.  Such weapon shall not be deemed stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user. Primitive firearms are exempt from this storage requirement.

Non-Residents

May possess and carry non-large capacity rifles and shotguns for hunting as long as they have a valid non-resident hunting license and are legally authorized to possess and carry same in their state of origin.  All shotguns and rifles must be unloaded and encased.  For handguns and large capacity rifles and shotguns, contact the Department of Public Safety.

Aliens

Permit required to possess/carry handguns, rifles, and shotguns.  Apply to the Department of Public Safety.