By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 01, 2021
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Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. There are extensive permit and registration requirements to own a firearm in Massachusetts. It is a "may issue" state for concealed carry purposes. The issuing authority is the local police chief for most jurisdictions.
See the table below for a summary of Massachusetts' gun ownership laws. For more general, national information see our articles on gun laws.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Sections 10 through 12F
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|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following items are illegal in Massachusetts:
|
Waiting Period |
Massachusetts has no waiting period between the time of purchase and the delivery of a firearm. |
Who May Not Own |
In order to purchase or possess a gun in Massachusetts, a person must have a Firearms Identification Card or a License to Carry. To obtain either of these, a person must:
|
License Required? |
Massachusetts requires a license for firearms. It has two types of firearm license:
|
Concealed Carry License Required? |
A License to Carry is required to carry concealed handguns in Massachusetts. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Open carried is allowed if the gun owner has a license to carry a firearm. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
To obtain a License to Carry, an applicant must:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
Machine guns are prohibited unless a person holds a special license for a firearm instructor or a bona fide firearms collector. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
Firearm possession laws have a wide range of penalties. They can be misdemeanors that carry a maximum of two years or felonies with potential for several years of imprisonment. For example, illegal possession of a machine gun or sawed-off shotgun carries a penalty up to life imprisonment. |
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
It is illegal to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in any building or on the grounds of any school, college, or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of the school, college, or university. The punishment is a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both a fine and imprisonment. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you are facing criminal prosecution for a gun crime or would like help determining which firearms are legal to own, you should consult with an attorney licensed in Massachusetts.
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