Massachusetts does not recognize firearms licenses issued by other states. Limited exemptions exist for certain nonresidents, but they depend on your age, firearm type, activity, transportation method, and other factors. Do not assume that because you can lawfully possess a firearm in your home state you can lawfully possess it in Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts Non-Resident Firearm Navigator
Answer the following questions to identify the Massachusetts laws that may apply to your situation.
1. Massachusetts Does Not Have Firearm License Reciprocity
An out-of-state firearm license does not automatically authorize firearm possession or carrying in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts currently states that it does not recognize firearms licenses issued by other states.
2. Limited Nonresident Exemptions
M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C contains several limited exemptions from Massachusetts firearm licensing requirements.
Under § 129C(j), a nonresident who is at least 18 years old may, subject to the statute, possess rifles and shotguns that are:
- not large-capacity; and
- not semiautomatic.
The statute identifies several qualifying activities.
Certain qualifying nonresidents may possess qualifying rifles and shotguns for hunting during hunting season.
The statute contains an exemption for qualifying nonresidents while on a firing or shooting range.
The statute contains a travel provision for qualifying rifles and shotguns, subject to unloading and locked-container requirements.
The statute contains an exemption for qualifying activity at certain firearm shows or displays organized by an existing gun collectors' club or association.
3. Semiautomatic Firearms
The exemptions in M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C(i) and (j) are written for rifles and shotguns that are not large-capacity or semiautomatic.
A nonresident should therefore not assume that the hunting, range, or travel exemption authorizes possession of a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun.
Additional Massachusetts restrictions may also apply if the firearm meets the statutory definition of an assault-style firearm.
4. Handguns
The rifle-and-shotgun exemptions in § 129C(i) and (j) should not be treated as general authorization for a nonresident to possess or carry a handgun in Massachusetts.
Nonresidents intending to possess or carry handguns should review Massachusetts LTC requirements before entering the Commonwealth.
5. Transportation
Transportation requirements depend upon the firearm and the legal authority under which it is being possessed.
For the qualifying nonresident rifles and shotguns addressed in § 129C(j), the statute requires applicable firearms to be unloaded and in a locked container when traveling in or through Massachusetts.
6. Registration
M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C(m) expressly states that the exemptions contained in § 129C do not supersede Massachusetts firearm registration and serialization requirements.
Massachusetts firearm registration requirements are governed by M.G.L. c. 140, § 121B and 501 CMR 19.00.
501 CMR 19 establishes the electronic firearm registration system operated through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.
7. Serialization
Massachusetts serialization requirements are governed by M.G.L. c. 140, § 121C and 501 CMR 20.00.
These rules are especially important for privately made firearms, frames, receivers, and unfinished frames or receivers.
8. Large-Capacity Feeding Devices
Massachusetts separately regulates large-capacity feeding devices. The Massachusetts definition generally includes a fixed or detachable feeding device capable of accepting more than 10 rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells, subject to statutory exceptions.
9. Muzzleloaders and Antique Firearms
Do not assume that every muzzleloader or antique firearm is exempt from Massachusetts firearm licensing requirements.
Chapter 135 created a specific Massachusetts definition of “antique firearm.” Firearms incorporating certain frames or receivers, firearms converted into muzzleloaders, and firearms readily convertible to conventional ammunition may require separate analysis.
10. GOAL's Recommendation to Nonresidents
Before Entering Massachusetts
Handgun, manual-action rifle/shotgun, semiautomatic, muzzleloader, frame or receiver.
Determine whether the firearm or feeding device is considered large-capacity in Massachusetts.
Hunting, range use, travel, firearm display, or another statutory exemption.
Determine whether a Massachusetts Non-Resident LTC is required.
Review M.G.L. c. 140 §121B and 501 CMR 19.
Review M.G.L. c. 140 §121C and 501 CMR 20.
Review unloading, locked-container, vehicle, storage, and magazine rules.
Review GOAL's latest nonresident and Chapter 135 information before travel.
Primary Sources
- M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C — firearm possession exemptions.
- Massachusetts Firearm Licensing — Non-Resident LTC information.
- 501 CMR 19.00 — firearm registration.
- 501 CMR 20.00 — firearm serialization.
- GOAL — Non-Resident Firearm Information
- GOAL — Registration & Serialization
- GOAL — Chapter 135 Information