Massachusetts Gun Laws

• Permit to purchase rifles and shotguns? Permits limited to persons over 21 with firearm ID card.

• Registration of rifles and shotguns? No. Permits limited to persons over 21 with firearm ID card.

• Licensing of owners of rifles and shotguns? Yes.

• Permit to carry rifles and shotguns? Police record made of transfers.

Handguns

• Permit to purchase handgun? Yes.

• Registration of handguns? No. Permits limited to persons over 21 with firearm ID card.

• Licensing of owners of handguns? Yes.

• Permit to carry handguns? Yes.

Other Requirements

• Is there a State waiting period? Up to 30-day wait to acquire Firearm Identification Card to purchase any gun.

• Is there a FBI *NICS check for firearm transactions? Yes.

• Permit to carry a concealed weapon required? Yes.

• Record of sale: Yes.

*NICS - National Instant Check System

Caution: This summary is meant for general purposes only. Firearm laws frequently change.

Source: Department of the Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms - State Laws And Published Ordinances - Firearms (23rd Edition – 2001)