Permit guides › Massachusetts
Massachusetts concealed carry permit guide
Permit required Last verified November 1, 2026
Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Carry laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every requirement with the issuing agency before you apply or carry.
Permitless (constitutional) carry
No. A license to carry is required.
Permit types
- License to carry (LTC)
- Non-resident temporary LTC
Issuing agency and how to apply
Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents)
Residents apply to the local licensing authority; non-residents apply to the Firearms Records Bureau.
Eligibility and minimum age
- Minimum age
- 21
- Eligibility
- Check with Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents)
Fees
- Resident (new)
- $100
- Non-resident (new)
- $100
- Renewal
- Check with Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents)
Training requirements
Check with Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents)
Processing time, validity and renewal
- Processing time
- Licensing authority must act within 40 days of a complete application (M.G.L. c. 140 s. 121F); the state says resident processing may take up to 60 days and non-resident up to 90
- Valid for
- Resident LTC: 6 years; non-resident: 1 year
Non-resident permits
Available to non-residents. Issued by the Firearms Records Bureau as the State Police designee.
Reciprocity
Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state licenses.
Sources
- www.mass.gov/info-details/firearms-license-and-transaction-frequently-asked-questions
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section131f
- www.mass.gov/info-details/gun-ownership-in-massachusetts
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section121F
- www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license
Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.