Massachusetts FID Card:
What You Can and Cannot Do

Under current MGL Chapter 140, Section 129B, a Firearm Identification Card authorizes its holder to purchase, transfer, possess, and carry rifles and shotguns that are neither large capacity nor semiautomatic, together with ammunition for those firearms.^[1]

Current FID Scope

The current rule generally covers qualifying manually operated rifles and shotguns, including bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and single-shot designs. Section 121 excludes manual bolt, pump, lever, or slide-action firearms from the large-capacity-firearm definition and excludes a tubular magazine contained in a lever-action firearm or on a pump shotgun from the large-capacity-feeding-device definition.^[2] A firearm must still satisfy every other applicable state and federal rule.

Semiautomatic and Other Firearms

A newly issued or renewed FID does not authorize independent possession of a handgun, semiautomatic rifle or shotgun, large-capacity firearm, assault-style firearm, or stun gun. Those categories generally require an LTC when possession is otherwise lawful.

Transition for Existing Cards

Section 153 of Chapter 135 states that an FID or LTC valid when the Act took effect remains valid until expiration, suspension, or revocation and entitles the holder to possess firearms authorized when the license was last issued or renewed.^[3] This transition language concerns continued possession. It should not be treated as authorization for a new semiautomatic acquisition under a current FID.

Supervised Range Use

Section 129B(c) allows an FID holder to possess or carry otherwise excluded firearms under the direct supervision of an LTC holder at an incorporated shooting club or licensed shooting range. The exception is limited to the stated setting and supervision.

Ammunition

The FID authorizes ammunition for the rifles and shotguns the card permits. The intended and lawful use matters when a cartridge can be used in more than one firearm type.

Age and Application

An adult Massachusetts resident may apply through the local licensing authority. A person aged 15 through 17 may apply with the written permission required by Section 129B. A person aged 14 may submit an application but cannot receive the card before age 15. Current licensing instructions and fees should be confirmed before applying.

2026 Referendum

Chapter 135 is scheduled for a statewide referendum on November 3, 2026. Until the law changes, the current statutory text and its transition provisions remain the governing rules.