Traveling with Firearms to Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 05/09/2025

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Many responsible gun owners traveling with firearms for various legitimate purposes – hunting trips, competitive shooting events, or simply for personal protection. However, if your travels bring you to Massachusetts, you need to understand the state’s uniquely strict firearms laws that could put you at serious legal risk. If you’ve been arrested for this kind of legal matter, call the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson at (617) 295-7500.

The Bottom Line: Leave Your Firearm at Home

Let me be clear from the start: “If you do not have a Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC), do not bring your firearm into Massachusetts.” This isn’t just friendly advice – it’s about keeping you from facing severe criminal penalties.

Massachusetts does not recognize or honor firearms licenses from any other state. This means that even if you have a valid concealed carry permit from your home state, it holds no legal value once you cross into Massachusetts. Even if your home state doesn’t require a license to carry, Massachusetts law still applies to you while you’re here.

The Consequences Are Serious

Carrying a firearm in Massachusetts without a Massachusetts LTC is a felony offense under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 10(a). If convicted, you face:

A mandatory minimum 18-month jail sentence that cannot be suspended
A permanent felony record
Loss of your right to own firearms in the future
Significant financial costs in legal fees and fines

These consequences can drastically alter your life over what might seem like a simple mistake or misunderstanding of the law.

What About Firearms That Are Legal in Your State?

Massachusetts also has strict regulations on the types of firearms that are legal in the state. Many firearms that are perfectly legal in other states are prohibited in Massachusetts. This creates another potential legal trap for visitors.

Traveling With Firearms Through Massachusetts (Not Stopping)

If you must travel through Massachusetts to reach another state where you can legally possess your firearm, federal law provides some protection through the Firearm Owners Protection Act’s “safe passage” provision (18 U.S. Code § 926A). However, to qualify for this protection, you must:

Have the firearm unloaded
Store the firearm in a locked container
Keep ammunition in a separate locked container
Place both containers in the trunk or otherwise out of reach of all vehicle occupants
Be traveling from one place where you may legally possess the firearm to another place where you may legally possess it
Make only necessary stops (gas, food, restroom breaks) while in Massachusetts

Any deviation from these requirements could expose you to Massachusetts firearms laws. It’s important to note that this federal protection is a legal defense rather than immunity from arrest – you could still be arrested and then need to raise this defense in court.

Moving to Massachusetts

If you’re relocating to Massachusetts and own firearms, there is a 60-day grace period for new residents as established by Massachusetts law. However, you should apply for your Massachusetts LTC immediately upon establishing residency, as the processing time can often approach this 60-day window. During this grace period, your firearms should remain properly secured and not carried outside your home.

Options for Visitors

1. Apply for a Non-Resident LTC: The Massachusetts State Police issue non-resident licenses, though the process can be lengthy and approval is not guaranteed.
2. Temporary Storage: Some federally licensed firearms dealers may offer temporary storage services for visitors.

The Wisest Choice

Despite these options, the simplest and safest advice remains: Do not bring your firearm to Massachusetts unless you already possess a valid Massachusetts LTC.

The risk of misunderstanding or inadvertently violating Massachusetts’ strict gun laws is too high, and the consequences are too severe. Leave your firearm at home, with a trusted friend, or with a firearms dealer in your home state.

No vacation, business trip, or temporary visit is worth spending time in jail and losing your rights as a gun owner.

This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult with a qualified firearms attorney for advice specific to your situation.