Massachusetts Gun Laws

If you wish to buy, possess, own, carry, or transport a large- or non-large-capacity handguns, shotguns, rifles, and feeding devices in Massachusetts, you must first obtain a License to Carry (LTC) if you are at least 21 years of age or a Firearm Identification (FID) card if you are at least 18 years old. Open carry and concealed carry are both legal in the state for individuals with a Class A unrestricted license to carry firearms (LTC-A).

Residents can get an LTC at their local police station, while non-residents can get it from the Firearms Records Bureau in Chelsea. Before you can obtain an LTC, you must take a state-approved firearms training course.

The police or licensing authority may issue an LTC to those who meet the following requirements:

  1. A lawful resident or business owner in the city or state
  2. At least 21 years old
  3. A U.S. citizen
  4. Hasn’t been convicted of a felony or adjudicated as a delinquent child or youthful offender
  5. Hasn’t been issued a restraining order
  6. Hasn’t been discharged from the U.S. military due to dishonorable reasons
  7. Not subject to a warrant or considered a fugitive

The police station or the licensing authority has 40 days from the date an application was submitted to approve or deny an LTC application. Additional training is not required to renew an LTC.

Possessing a handgun, shotgun, or rifle at home or work without an LTC or FID carries a maximum five-year jail sentence. Possessing a loaded firearm while under the influence is punishable by a maximum two-and-a-half-year jail sentence, while carrying a loaded shotgun or rifle in public results in maximum two-year jail term.

If you have been charged with a gun crime in Boston, contact Brad Bailey Law today at (617) 500-0252 and request a free consultation.

Categories

Nationally Recognized

As Seen On: 
  • Super Lawyer 2022
  • Avvo Rating 10
  • AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers 2022 - Brad Bailey
  • WGBH
  • 790 KABC
  • 7 WHDW
  • CNN
  • WCVB5 ABC
  • FOX 25
  • NBC Nightly News
  • NBC
  • iHeart Radio
  • 90.9 wbur
  • NPR
  • KTLA
  • Boston 25
  • New England Cable News

Free Consultation

See How Our Award-Winning Attorney Can Fight for You
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.