Carrying
G.L. c. 269, § 10 — a license to carry, or a mandatory 18 months
A mandatory minimum without a license. In Massachusetts, knowingly having a firearm, loaded or unloaded, in one's possession or under one's control in a vehicle, away from one's residence or place of business and without a license to carry or another exemption the statute lists, is punished by two and one-half to five years in state prison or 18 months to two and one-half years in jail. The sentence cannot be reduced below 18 months, suspended, or replaced with probation.
A lawful resident 21 years of age or older may apply to the local licensing authority for a license to carry, which is issued unless the applicant is a prohibited person or found unsuitable. The first application includes a personal interview, and every application a basic firearms safety certificate. A license lasts no more than 6 years.
A license to carry lets the holder buy, possess and carry firearms, but not large capacity feeding devices or assault style firearms except as a separate section allows. A change of address is reported through the electronic registration system within 30 days.
A firearm identification card is available to a lawful resident 18 years of age or older, and from 15 with a parent's or guardian's permission. A rifle or shotgun can also be possessed outside the home under a firearm identification card.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.L. c. 269, § 10 — Carrying dangerous weapons
- G.L. c. 140, § 131 — Licenses to carry firearms
- G.L. c. 140, § 129B — Firearm identification cards
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.