Massachusetts Firearm Laws for Nonresidents

Massachusetts firearm law can apply to visitors even when their firearms are lawfully owned in another state.

Whether a nonresident may lawfully possess, transport, carry or use a firearm in Massachusetts can depend on the person's license status, the type of firearm, the firearm's configuration and the reason the firearm is in Massachusetts.

Primary Legal Sources

• M.G.L. c. 140, §121 — firearm and related definitions.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §121B — registration.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §121C — serialization.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §129C — possession exemptions, including certain nonresident provisions.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §131 — License to Carry.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §131C — vehicle possession and transportation provisions.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §131L — firearm storage.
• M.G.L. c. 140, §131M — assault-style firearms and large-capacity feeding devices.
• 501 CMR 19.00 — firearm registration regulations.
• 501 CMR 20.00 — serialization regulations.
• Mass.gov — Firearms License & Transaction FAQ
• MassWildlife — Hunting With a Firearm in Massachusetts

  1. Massachusetts Does Not Recognize Out-of-State Firearm Licenses

  No. A nonresident must determine whether Massachusetts law requires a Massachusetts nonresident License to Carry or whether a specific statutory exemption applies.

  Important: Do not assume that reciprocity rules from another state apply in Massachusetts.

  2. Massachusetts Temporary (Nonresident) License to Carry

  Massachusetts provides a process through which qualifying nonresidents may apply for a Massachusetts Temporary (nonresident) License to Carry (LTC).

  A Temporary LTC provides broader firearm authority than the limited statutory exemptions available to an unlicensed nonresident.

  Temporary LTCs are issued for one year.
  
  Nonresident license holders should monitor the expiration date carefully. Current Massachusetts guidance should be reviewed before relying on any renewal or expiration-period assumption.
  A Massachusetts LTC does not make every firearm, magazine or configuration lawful.
  
  Assault-style firearm restrictions, large-capacity firearm rules, feeding-device restrictions, registration, serialization, prohibited-location laws and other requirements must still be considered separately.

  3. Nonresident Rifle and Shotgun Exemptions

  M.G.L. c. 140, §129C contains limited exemptions that may allow certain nonresidents to possess particular rifles and shotguns without obtaining a Massachusetts firearm license.

  These exemptions are highly dependent on the firearm and the activity involved.

  THE NONRESIDENT EXEMPTIONS ARE NOT A GENERAL FIREARM EXEMPTION.

  The exemptions concern qualifying rifles and shotguns that are:

  • not large-capacity firearms; and
  • not semiautomatic firearms.

  The applicable subsection of §129C must be reviewed for the specific activity and circumstances.

  4. Handguns

  DO NOT APPLY THE NONRESIDENT RIFLE AND SHOTGUN EXEMPTIONS TO A HANDGUN.

  The limited nonresident exemptions for qualifying rifles and shotguns do not create a general exemption for handgun possession.

  A visitor bringing a handgun into Massachusetts should determine whether the person has the Massachusetts licensing authority or other specific legal exemption necessary for possession and transport.

  5. Semiautomatic Rifles and Shotguns

  Current Massachusetts law creates an especially important distinction for semiautomatic firearms.

  The nonresident exemptions in M.G.L. c. 140, §129C that apply to certain rifles and shotguns expressly distinguish firearms that are neither large-capacity nor semiautomatic.

  A NONRESIDENT SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT A SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLE OR SHOTGUN QUALIFIES FOR THE SAME EXEMPTION AS A MANUALLY OPERATED RIFLE OR SHOTGUN.

  6. Large-Capacity Firearms

  Massachusetts separately defines and regulates large-capacity firearms.

  A firearm can fall within the Massachusetts large-capacity definition based on its design, configuration or relationship to a large-capacity feeding device.

  A firearm that is lawful in another state is not automatically lawful to possess in Massachusetts.

  7. Assault-Style Firearms

  MASSACHUSETTS ASSAULT-STYLE FIREARM LAW APPLIES TO NONRESIDENTS.

  M.G.L. c. 140, §131M separately regulates assault-style firearms.

  Classification can depend on:

  • the firearm's action type;
  • whether it accepts a detachable feeding device;
  • specific firearm features;
  • whether it is an enumerated firearm;
  • copy or duplicate provisions;
  • receiver interchangeability;
  • dates of possession; and
  • statutory exceptions.
  A nonresident should determine Massachusetts classification before bringing a potentially affected firearm into the Commonwealth.

  8. Feeding Devices and Magazines

  Massachusetts separately regulates large-capacity feeding devices.

  Under Massachusetts law, a large-capacity feeding device includes a qualifying fixed or detachable magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device capable of accepting:

  • more than 10 rounds of ammunition; or
  • more than 5 shotgun shells.

  The statutory definition contains specific exclusions.

  A MAGAZINE THAT IS LAWFUL IN YOUR HOME STATE IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY LAWFUL IN MASSACHUSETTS.

  The date the feeding device was lawfully possessed can also be important under Massachusetts law.

  9. Traveling Through Massachusetts

  Massachusetts law contains limited provisions addressing nonresidents traveling through the Commonwealth with firearms.

  Federal interstate transportation protections may also be relevant in certain circumstances.

  "TRAVELING THROUGH" MASSACHUSETTS IS NOT THE SAME AS VISITING, STAYING, HUNTING OR PARTICIPATING IN AN EVENT IN MASSACHUSETTS.

  A traveler should separately examine:

  • Massachusetts licensing law;
  • M.G.L. c. 140, §129C;
  • Massachusetts storage and transportation requirements;
  • the firearm's classification;
  • feeding-device restrictions; and
  • applicable federal interstate transportation law.

  10. Transportation and Storage

  Firearms transported in Massachusetts can be subject to specific storage and transportation requirements.

  The applicable rules can depend on:

  • the firearm type;
  • whether the firearm is loaded;
  • whether it is large-capacity;
  • the person's license or exemption;
  • the type of vehicle; and
  • the reason for transportation.
  When a statutory nonresident exemption requires a firearm to be unloaded and secured in a locked container, follow that requirement for the entire applicable trip.

  11. Nonresident Hunters

  Nonresident hunters must comply with both Massachusetts hunting law and Massachusetts firearm law.

  A Massachusetts hunting license does not replace a firearm license when firearm licensing is otherwise required.

  Hunting License
  
  Check current MassWildlife licensing requirements for the species, season and activity.

  Firearm Classification
  
  Determine whether the firearm is semiautomatic, large-capacity, assault-style or otherwise restricted.

  Firearm Licensing
  
  Determine whether §129C provides an applicable exemption or whether a Massachusetts firearm license is required.

  Transportation
  
  Follow the applicable Massachusetts firearm transportation and hunting transportation requirements.

  12. Junior and Youth Hunters

  Massachusetts has separate rules concerning junior hunters, supervision and firearm possession.

  A nonresident youth's ability to hunt in Massachusetts does not automatically establish independent authority to possess a firearm.

  M.G.L. c. 131, §§11 and 14 and M.G.L. c. 140, §129C should be reviewed together with current MassWildlife regulations and guidance.

  13. Shooting Ranges and Competitions

  Massachusetts law contains limited exemptions that may apply to certain nonresidents participating in qualifying shooting activities.

  The specific exemption should be reviewed before entering Massachusetts because firearm type, event type, transportation and possession conditions can matter.

  An invitation to a competition, range or training event does not by itself establish that every firearm or feeding device brought into Massachusetts is lawful.

  14. Registration

  Massachusetts firearm registration is governed primarily by M.G.L. c. 140, §121B and 501 CMR 19.00.

  Current state guidance recognizes registration exceptions for certain qualifying nonresident activities and travel.

  DO NOT ASSUME THAT "NONRESIDENT" MEANS "EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION."

  The applicable firearm-possession exemption and the reason the firearm is present in Massachusetts must be considered.

  15. Serialization

  Massachusetts serialization requirements are separate from registration.

  M.G.L. c. 140, §121C and 501 CMR 20.00 regulate qualifying firearms that do not bear a valid serial number.

  A firearm's lawful acquisition or serialization status in another state does not eliminate the need to determine whether Massachusetts serialization law applies.

  16. Frames, Receivers and Unfinished Frames or Receivers

  Massachusetts' statutory definition of firearm includes certain frames and receivers.

  The law also separately defines unfinished frames and receivers.

  A nonresident should not assume that an incomplete firearm or receiver is outside Massachusetts firearm law merely because it is not capable of firing ammunition in its present condition.

  17. Ammunition and Components

  Massachusetts defines ammunition broadly.

  The statutory definition can include:

  • complete cartridges;
  • cartridge cases;
  • primers or igniters;
  • bullets; and
  • propellant powder designed for use in a firearm, rifle or shotgun.
  DO NOT ASSUME THAT AN UNASSEMBLED RELOADING COMPONENT IS OUTSIDE THE MASSACHUSETTS DEFINITION OF AMMUNITION.

  18. Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Firearms

  Some muzzleloading firearms can qualify as antique firearms under Massachusetts law, while others may be treated as modern firearms.

  Classification can depend on whether the muzzleloader:

  • uses fixed ammunition;
  • incorporates a firearm frame or receiver;
  • was converted from another firearm; or
  • can readily be converted to fire fixed ammunition.

  Nonresident hunters using muzzleloaders should separately review Massachusetts firearm classification and current MassWildlife hunting regulations.

  19. Bringing a Firearm to a Massachusetts Residence

  SIMPLY KEEPING A FIREARM AT A HOTEL, VACATION HOME, FRIEND'S HOUSE OR OTHER TEMPORARY LOCATION CAN CREATE DIFFERENT ISSUES THAN PASSING THROUGH THE STATE.

  A nonresident staying in Massachusetts should determine the applicable licensing, possession, storage, registration and firearm-classification requirements before bringing the firearm into the Commonwealth.

  20. Moving to Massachusetts

  A person who becomes a Massachusetts resident is subject to different rules from a visitor or temporary nonresident.

  New residents should promptly review:

  • Massachusetts firearm licensing;
  • the 60-day registration provision applicable to qualifying imported firearms;
  • serialization;
  • assault-style firearm restrictions;
  • large-capacity firearm restrictions;
  • feeding-device restrictions; and
  • storage requirements.

  21. Before Bringing a Firearm Into Massachusetts

  1. Identify the Firearm
  
  Handgun, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, frame, receiver or other regulated item.

  2. Check the Action
  
  Determine whether the firearm is semiautomatic or manually operated.

  3. Check Capacity
  
  Determine whether Massachusetts considers the firearm or feeding device large-capacity.

  4. Check ASF Status
  
  Determine whether Massachusetts classifies the firearm as an assault-style firearm.

  5. Check Your Authority
  
  Determine whether you have a Massachusetts nonresident LTC or qualify for a specific statutory exemption.

  6. Identify the Activity
  
  Travel, hunting, competition, range use, training, temporary stay and moving into Massachusetts can involve different rules.

  7. Check Registration
  
  Determine whether §121B and 501 CMR 19.00 require registration or provide an applicable exception.

  8. Check Serialization
  
  Determine whether §121C and 501 CMR 20.00 apply to the firearm.

  22. GOAL Guidance for Nonresidents

  GOAL INFORMATION
  
  Massachusetts firearm laws can differ substantially from the laws of neighboring states and from federal firearm law.
  
  Before bringing a firearm or feeding device into Massachusetts, GOAL recommends determining:

  • exactly what firearm or regulated item you have;
  • whether it is semiautomatic;
  • whether it is large-capacity;
  • whether it is an assault-style firearm;
  • whether its feeding device is lawful;
  • whether you need a Massachusetts nonresident LTC;
  • whether a specific §129C exemption actually applies;
  • whether registration is required;
  • whether serialization is required; and
  • what storage and transportation requirements apply.

  Do not rely solely on the fact that the firearm is lawful in your home state.