Massachusetts Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide

Understanding these limitations is critical for any LTC holder who travels.

Massachusetts Recognizes No Other State

Massachusetts does not recognize or honor concealed carry permits, licenses, or authorizations from any other state. Visitors to Massachusetts who wish to carry firearms must obtain a non-resident temporary LTC from the Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau unless a statutory exemption applies. A nonresident may carry a firearm on their person in a vehicle lawfully traveling through the commonwealth if the firearm remains in the vehicle and is stored in accordance with section 131C when outside the owner's direct control^[1]. Merely transporting a firearm through Massachusetts is different. Under federal FOPA (18 U.S.C. §926A), a non-resident who is not prohibited by federal firearms law from transporting, shipping or receiving a firearm and who may lawfully possess and carry it at the start and end of the trip may transport it through the state without a Massachusetts temporary LTC if it is unloaded and neither it nor any ammunition is readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In a vehicle without a separate trunk compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

Who Recognizes Massachusetts?

Utah honors a Massachusetts LTC for concealed carry under its rule recognizing permits issued by any other state or county^[2]. You must verify current reciprocity status before traveling.

Traveling Armed: Practical Advice

• Research the specific laws of every state you will travel through
• Obtain non-resident permits for states that offer them (e.g., Utah, Florida, New Hampshire)
• For FOPA transport, you must not be prohibited by federal firearms law from transporting, shipping or receiving the firearm, the trip must be for a lawful purpose between places where you may lawfully possess and carry it, and the firearm must be unloaded with neither it nor ammunition readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, use a locked container other than the glove compartment or console
• Carry copies of all relevant licenses and permits
• Be aware that some states have magazine capacity restrictions that may affect what you can bring

New England Considerations

New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine allow permitless concealed carry, subject to eligibility and location restrictions. In Maine, you must not be prohibited from carrying a firearm and must be at least 21, or at least 18 and on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or National Guard or honorably discharged from either. Connecticut requires its own permit to carry a pistol or revolver, subject to statutory exceptions. Rhode Island exempts holders of valid out-of-state carry permits who merely transport the firearm through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without intending to remain there. Always verify current laws before crossing state lines.