Moving to Massachusetts with Firearms

If you're a gun owner moving to MA from a different state, chances are good that the laws in MA are more restrictive than what you're accustomed to. The compliance window (grace period) is short, so you'll need to act quickly once you get here (or even start before you get here).

Before you move to MA...

The following items are prohibited in Massachusetts. If you own anything on this list, leave it behind.

Any rifle magazine made after 9/13/1994 that holds more than 10 rounds

Any pistol magazine made after 9/13/1994 that holds more than 10 rounds

Any shotgun magazine made after 9/13/1994 that holds more than 5 rounds

Suppressors (unless you're employed as a law enforcement officer in MA)

Machine Guns*

Any semi-auto pistol made after 9/13/1994 with a magazine that attaches outside the grip (for example, an AR or AK pistol)

* Machine guns are legal in MA once you obtain a License to Possess a Machine Gun. Before applying, you'll need to first obtain a MA License to Carry Firearms (LTC) and a Type 03 (C&R) FFL. It's impossible to do this during the 60-day grace period. Leave it behind until you receive the required permits.

The first thing you will need after moving to MA is a firearms permit. Here's how to get one:

STEP ONE
Review the list of permit disqualifiers to verify that you're eligible to obtain a firearms permit in MA. If you have questions about your eligibility, feel free to contact me to discuss your situation, or for a referral to an attorney that specializes in firearms licensing.

STEP TWO
Obtain a training certificate as quickly as you can. Regardless of your level of firearms experience and training, you must have a "Massachusetts Basic Firearms Training Certificate" from a MA-approved training class in order to apply for a permit. The "grace period" for firearms possession by new residents is only 60 days, so you should take a class as quickly as possible. You don't need to be a MA resident to take the class, so if you're moving here from a neighboring state, you should try to obtain the training certificate before you move. I teach approved classes at my classroom in Littleton, MA.

STEP THREE
Apply for a firearms license. The licensing authority for MA residents is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in the town where you live (or where you plan to move). The state website outlines a procedure for applying for a firearms permit, but minor requirements can and do vary from town-to-town. Contact your local police and inform them that you'd like to apply for a firearms permit, and ask if they have any special requirements. Make sure to ask about proof of residency. A Massachusetts driver's license is the most common proof of residency, and some towns require that you get that first. For others, a utility or tax bill will suffice. Proof of residency is required to apply for a permit.

You will make an appointment for an interview with your town's licensing officer. Some towns will ask you to complete and submit an application before your appointment, while other towns have the licensing officer fill out the application in real time during your interview. Either way, download and complete an application first, even if they'll do it in the interview. It will make the interview more efficient.

Since it's your first time applying for a license, you will be fingerprinted and photographed during your licensing interview.

There are several items on the application that warrant further explanation:

For "License Application Type" check "License to Carry" ( also known as an LTC) if you're 21 years of age or older, or Firearms Identification Card (a.k.a. an FID) if you're under 21 years of age.

Even if you never plan to carry a gun, an LTC is required to possess any handgun or large capacity long gun. The background check, license fee, and term of the license are the same for both. There's no good reason (except for your age) to apply for an FID instead of an LTC.

Question 4 on page 2 of the application asks, "Have you ever been arrested or appeared in court as a defendant for any criminal offense?". If you have, you must answer YES and explain the incident(s) in the space provided. Note that this doesn't ask if you were convicted, only if you were arrested OR appeared in court as a defendant. The disposition is immaterial. Whether you were acquitted, convicted, the case was continued without finding, the record was sealed and/or expunged - even if you were pardoned by the President of the United States - you must answer YES if either of these conditions apply to you.

If you answer "NO" and something comes up on your background check, you can be denied a permit even if the incident was not on the list of disqualifiers. Please note that most traffic offenses are considered civil rather than criminal violations, and need not be mentioned. The exceptions are OUI, driving to endanger, and vehicular homicide.

The first question on page 3 asks, "Have you ever used or been known by another name?" If you changed your name because of marriage or any other reason, answer YES and explain.

The application asks for the names and addresses of two references. These must be adults not living with you. Some towns require letters of reference, others need just the names and addresses. If you take my class, I can be used as a reference, and will provide a letter if necessary. Don't over-think this part. I've been a reference on dozens of applications and I've never been contacted for more information.

The final item on the application is, "Reason(s) for requesting the issuance of a card or license". Check the "Unrestricted" box and in the space provided write "All lawful purposes". If your licensing authority doesn't accept "All Lawful Purposes", in the space provided write every lawful use of a firearm you can think of. Make sure to include "protection of myself and my loved ones both inside and outside my home."

After your interview, ask for a receipt that indicates that you applied for a license. This will help to cover you if the processing time exceeds the grace period. New licenses typically take about 45 days to arrive provided your local PD and the Firearms Records Bureau process it in a timely manner.

STEP FOUR
Ensure that your firearms are stored in accordance with Massachusetts law.The best way to do this is to keep your firearms in a locked container in your home. Only the applicant can have access to the firearms, and they should not be carried outside the home at any time for any reason until you receive your permit.

PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT required to register the firearms you bring in to Massachusetts.

STEP FIVE
Ensure that your are not in possession of any prohibited items as described here. Some prohibited items (AR-15 style rifles for example) can be made MA legal. Contact me for details.

I hope you found this post informative. If you would like to enroll in a class, or have any questions about the permitting process or prohibited items, feel free to contact me here (I'm an FFL and state-licensed dealer), or message me on Facebook (Jim Finnerty).