Massachusetts Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 10-round magazine limit. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law. Permit to purchase all firearms.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Massachusetts has highly restrictive firearm laws, though its License to Carry became shall-issue after the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision struck down the state's discretionary standard. Assault weapons are banned and magazines are limited to 10 rounds. The state requires a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC) for all firearms, and has a red flag law. A repeal of the 2024 gun law (Chapter 135) is on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot as Question 9.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue LTC required (since 2022) (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131)
• Open Carry: LTC required; generally restricted (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131)
• Permit to Purchase: FID or LTC required for all firearms (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131E)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault weapons banned by name and feature (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131M)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131M)
• Waiting Period: None, but licensing process takes weeks
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131E)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Extreme Risk Protection Order (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131R)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278, § 8A)
• Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to own a gun in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC) to possess or purchase any firearm.

Is Massachusetts a shall-issue or may-issue state for concealed carry?

Massachusetts became a shall-issue state after the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. Applicants who are not prohibited persons and meet the state's objective suitability standards must be issued an LTC.

What is the magazine limit in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts limits magazines to 10 rounds. Magazines lawfully possessed before Sept. 13, 1994 are grandfathered, but only for use and storage in limited places such as your own property or a licensed range.

Does Massachusetts have an assault weapon ban?

Yes. Massachusetts bans assault weapons by name and feature. Assault-style firearms lawfully possessed on Aug. 1, 2024 are grandfathered but must be registered and serialized.

Does Massachusetts have a red flag law?

Yes. Massachusetts has an Extreme Risk Protection Order law allowing family or household members, law enforcement, licensing authorities, and health care providers to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Massachusetts have stand your ground?

Massachusetts recognizes castle doctrine in the home but generally requires a duty to retreat in public if safe to do so.

Does Massachusetts recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

No. Massachusetts does not honor a License to Carry issued by any other state — a non-resident carrying concealed here needs a Massachusetts-issued LTC. Few states recognize Massachusetts' license in return — mainly those that honor every state's permit.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.