Massachusetts has significant carry restrictions, and the legal landscape has shifted substantially since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. New legislation, court rulings, and injunctions continue to affect what is currently enforceable. This page provides a general overview only — verify the current status of any specific provision with Local police chief or a licensed Massachusetts attorney before relying on it.
Massachusetts carry status overview
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry (LTC) to carry a concealed handgun, issued by Local police chief. Massachusetts requires an LTC issued by the local police chief in the applicant's city or town. Post-Bruen, Massachusetts enacted significant revisions to its licensing and sensitive-location framework. Strict training and qualification standards apply.
| Concealed carry | License to Carry (LTC) required |
| Governing law | Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 § 131 |
| Issuing authority | Local police chief |
| Open carry | Generally prohibited |
| Vehicle carry | Strict requirements — verify current rules |
| Post-Bruen changes | Yes — significant sensitive-location and process changes since 2022 |
Applying for a permit
Apply through Local police chief. Be prepared for a more involved process than in most other states — additional documentation, longer processing times, and in some cases an in-person interview may be required. Training requirements are typically more extensive than in shall-issue states.
Application info: https://www.mass.gov/firearms-license-application-and-renewal ↗
Sensitive locations (post-Bruen)
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Massachusetts enacted expanded "sensitive location" restrictions that prohibit carry — even with a valid permit — in a substantially wider range of places than before. Categories commonly include:
- Government buildings and courts
- Schools and educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed)
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transit
- Places of worship (unless authorized)
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
- Public parks and gathering places (varies)
- Polling places
- Private property, unless affirmatively authorized by the owner (varies by state)
These categories are illustrative — the specific list and ongoing litigation status varies. Verify the current, enforceable list directly with Local police chief before carrying anywhere in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions — Massachusetts
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in Massachusetts?
The process in Massachusetts is generally more involved than in shall-issue states — expect more documentation, training requirements, and processing time. Apply through Local police chief for the current specific requirements.
Has Massachusetts's carry law changed recently?
Yes, likely. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, many restrictive states including Massachusetts enacted new legislation addressing "sensitive locations" and permit processes. This area of law is actively litigated and continues to change. Always verify the current status before relying on any specific provision described here.
Does Massachusetts honor permits from other states?
Generally, Massachusetts does not broadly recognize out-of-state carry permits the way many other states do. Verify the specific current reciprocity status — if any — with Local police chief or the state attorney general's office before assuming your out-of-state permit is valid here.