Information Regarding LTC Restrictions After New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen
On June 23, 2022, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The case involved New York’s requirement that applicants demonstrate “proper cause” in order to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in most public places. The Court held that New York’s “proper cause” requirement violated the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. Although Bruen concerned a New York law, the Court specifically identified the “good reason” provision of a Massachusetts law, G.L. c. 140, § 131(d), as an analogue to New York’s “proper cause” requirement.
Based on this decision, any restrictions appearing on any license holder’s License to Carry (“LTC”)—limiting the license holder to carrying a firearm only for such activities as hunting, target shooting, employment, or the like—are no longer enforceable. As a result, if your LTC has any such restrictions, those restrictions are no longer enforceable. If you would like a new license issued to you to reflect this change before your renewal, you may contact your licensing authority. Otherwise, when you reapply for an LTC in the future, you will be provided a new LTC without any such restrictions provided that the licensing authority does not deem you to be a “prohibited person” or “unsuitable” under the law.
If you have any questions, please contact the firearms licensing officer at the police department or agency that issued your LTC.
General
Q. I am a resident of Massachusetts. How do I obtain a firearms license?
A. Firearms Licenses are issued by the police department where you reside. Additional information about the licensing process can be found HERE.
Q: Can a non-resident obtain a license to carry a firearms in Massachusetts?
A: Yes. The Firearms Records Bureau issues non-resident LTCs as the designee of the Colonel of the State Police. Additional information about the licensing process can be found HERE.
Q: Is a firearms license required to possess an air gun (i.e. bb or pellet guns, so-called air rifles or air pistols, paint ball guns) or applicable ammunition (i.e. bb's, pellets, CO2 cartridges, paint balls)?
A: No firearms license is required to possess an air gun in Massachusetts. However, air guns are regulated by M.G.L. c. 269, §12B which limits their use by minors.
Q: Do I need an FID Card or an LTC to possess a gun in my home?
A: Yes. At a minimum you need an FID Card for non-large capacity rifles and shotguns. For handguns or other large capacity weapons, you need an LTC.
Q: How can I obtain the status of my pending LTC or FID card application?
A: If you applied online via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal, you can check your account for the status of your application.
If you are a Massachusetts resident, you should contact the police department where you applied. You can also call the DCJIS firearms license application hotline at (617) 660-4722 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you are a non-resident, call the Firearms Records Bureau at (617) 660-4782.
Q: How can I retrieve my personal identification (PIN) number?
A: You can obtain your PIN via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal or contact your local firearms licensing officer.
Name/Address Change
Q: I am changing my address. Who do I notify?
A: You must change your address electronically within 30 days of your move in the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.
Q: How do I change my name on my firearms license?
A: You may change your name in the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. Note, reprinted licenses are not provided for name changes.
Transfers and Registrations
Q: How many guns a year can I sell or transfer privately?
A: Under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A, a properly licensed resident who is not a dealer may sell up to four guns in any one calendar year through a private transfer of ownership.
Q: How do I report a private sale or transfer of a firearm?
A: Massachusetts law requires all residents to report any private sale or transfer of a firearm via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at or before the point of sale.
Q: How do I register a privately-made firearm or a firearm that was acquired by a means other than through a private sale/transfer or a Massachusetts dealer?
A: Massachusetts law requires all residents who manufacture a firearm, or purchase or obtain a firearm by any means other than by a personal sale/transfer or through a Massachusetts firearms dealer to register the firearm at the time of import, acquisition, manufacture, or assembly via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. Inherited firearms may also be registered or transferred using the Portal.
Q: How do I report a lost or stolen firearm?
A: Massachusetts law requires all residents to report any lost or stolen firearms to your local licensing authority and to DCJIS via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 7 days of the loss/theft.
Transporting Firearms
Q: Does Massachusetts recognize firearms licenses from other state?
A: No. Massachusetts does not have reciprocity with any other states.
Possession of Firearms
Q: Can I possess a stun gun in Massachusetts?
A: Yes. However you must have a current LTC (FID card holders may not purchase or possess stun guns).
Q: Can I possess an assault weapon in Massachusetts?
A: Please refer to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Assault Weapon Ban enforcement page HERE
Q: Can I possess a large capacity feeding device in Massachusetts?
A: Yes, provided the device was manufactured prior to September 13, 1994. A large capacity feeding device in Massachusetts is capable of accepting, or can be readily converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells.
Q: Can I possess an antique or replica firearm in Massachusetts without a license?
A: Yes, provided it is not designed or redesigned to use conventional ammunition.