Do I need a permit to carry in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Massachusetts honor out-of-state permits?

No. Massachusetts does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check Massachusetts's official rules?

Check Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau. The controlling law is Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131.

Carry laws · 2026

Massachusetts concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permit with added requirements
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131

Carrying in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does issue carry permits to adults 21 and older, but the process asks more of you.

Expect in-person training and review by a state or local agency.

License to Carry is issued by the local police chief. In-person safety course and live-fire qualification required.

Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131. Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Massachusetts?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Massachusetts does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Massachusetts honors some other permits.

Getting Massachusetts's own permit

Massachusetts requires in-person training and processing by a state or local agency. Online-only training does not satisfy Massachusetts's rules.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Massachusetts?: Yes. Massachusetts requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Massachusetts honor out-of-state permits?: No. Massachusetts does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check Massachusetts's official rules?: Check Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau. The controlling law is Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131.

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Sources and verification

MA: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131. Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.