Click here to view the Massachusetts Concealed Carry Permit Map at the bottom of the page.
If you would like to contribute to this page, please post the information in the State Forums.
Concealed Permit:
May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents.
A Class A license authorizes carrying of handguns, including large capacity handguns, for all lawful purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of handguns as the licensing authority deems proper, and carrying of rifles and shotguns, including large capacity rifles and shotguns, for all lawful purposes, subject to restrictions imposed by the licensing authority. A class A license holder may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle, if it is under his direct control. However, this does not apply to large capacity rifles or shotguns. Such firearms must be carried unloaded, in the locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container.
A Class B license authorizes carrying of non-large capacity handguns for all lawful purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of such handguns as the licensing authority deems proper, and carrying of rifles and shotguns, including large capacity rifles and shotguns, for all lawful purposes, subject to restrictions imposed by the licensing authority. However, a class B license does NOT entitle the holder to carry or possess a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in a public way or place. A class B license holder may not carry a loaded firearm of any type in his vehicle; all firearms must be carried unloaded, in the locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container.
Example Resident Permit:
Issuing Authority:
This is your police chief or state police if you are a resident. If you are not a resident, you will need to contact the Firearms Record Bureau at (617) 660-4780.
NICS check:
Permit Valid For:
Resident – 6 Years
Out Of State – 1 Year
Processing Time:
Receive your license within 40 days. If it is denied, you have 90 days to petition the district court for a review. Click here for the Firearm License Review Board Petition.
Cost:
Resident LTC fee is $100 for 6 years
Non-Residents are $100 per year
The fee for a temporary license is $100
Requirements:
Required Documents:
1. Approved training course given by a Massachusetts state certified instructor within the last year
2. Completed application
3. Copy of driver’s license or ID card
4. Copy of birth certificate or passport
5. You will be required to justify your request in writing. Make your request as detailed and specific as possible. Valid reasons for requesting a concealed handgun include personal threats, being in a high-risk profession or routinely carrying large amounts of cash.
6. Two passport photographs
7. 2 Fingerprint cards
8. Proof of residency ( may be a utility or cable bill)
9. Report from your home state Bureau of Criminal Records listing your arrest record
10. To receive a Non-Resident LTC you must already possess a permit from your home state
or a permit from another state
11. If you’re a Vermont resident, you must get a letter from the Police Chief in your town attesting to your good character
Renewal Information:
Change of Address:
Change Of Address Notification Form
Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:
Automobile carry:
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. This mandatory sentence does not apply to a person holding a valid card but not the required license.
A non-resident may possess a rifle or shotgun in Massachusetts:
1. While hunting and in possession of a valid hunting license.
2. While on a firing or shooting range.
3. While traveling in or through Massachusetts if the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and enclosed in a case.
4. While at a firearms show organized by a “regularly existing gun collector’s club or association.”
5. If he or she has a license or permit to possess any firearm in his or her home state, if its licensing requirements are as stringent as those of Massachusetts, as indicated by a published list of such states promulgated by the colonel of state police.
A non-resident United States citizen with a license to carry a handgun issued by his home state may carry a handgun in Massachusetts for the purpose of taking part in a competition or exhibition of an organized group of firearms collectors, or for hunting provided he has a valid hunting license issued by Massachusetts or the state of his destination.
Places off-limits when carrying:
Alcohol and Drugs:
Waiting For Information. As always, alcohol/drugs don’t mix with firearms. That’s a pretty simple rule of thumb.
Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:
Massachusetts is a Castle Doctrine state and has a stand-your-ground law. Click here for the law.
Open Carry:
Prohibited in most public areas.
Localities with Varying Laws:
Forms & Links:
Mass.gov – Firearms Forms and Appliations
