The Massachusetts Firearm Identification Card (FID) authorizes the holder to “purchase, transfer, possess and carry rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic, and the ammunition therefore”[1]. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 made a critical change: the addition of “or semi-automatic” to this limitation. Before October 2, 2024, FID holders could possess non-large-capacity semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. They no longer can.
What Firearms Can You Own with an FID?
An FID permits only manually operated, non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns:
- Bolt-action rifles
- Lever-action rifles
- Pump-action rifles
- Single-shot rifles
- Pump-action shotguns
- Break-action shotguns (single and double barrel)
- Single-shot shotguns
Section 121 explicitly excludes firearms that “operate by manual bolt, pump, lever or slide action” from the “large capacity firearm” definition[2]. This means a pump shotgun with an extended tube magazine holding 8 shells is not a large-capacity firearm and is FID-legal. Similarly, the tubular magazine on a lever-action rifle is excluded from the “large capacity feeding device” definition.
Common Questions: Specific Firearms
SKS Rifle
No — requires LTC. The SKS is a semiautomatic centerfire rifle. Under the pre-Chapter 135 law, an SKS with a fixed 10-round internal magazine was arguably FID-legal because it was non-large-capacity. Under current Section 129B(c), the FID is limited to rifles that are “not large capacity or semi-automatic.” The SKS is semiautomatic regardless of magazine type.
Lever-Action Rifles (Henry, Marlin, Winchester)
Yes — FID-legal. Lever-action firearms are explicitly excluded from the “large capacity firearm” definition. A Henry .22 with a 15-round tube or a Marlin .30-30 are both permitted.
Pump Shotguns (Mossberg 500, Remington 870)
Yes — FID-legal. Pump-action firearms are explicitly excluded from “large capacity firearm,” and the tubular magazine on a pump shotgun is excluded from “large capacity feeding device.”
Semiautomatic Shotguns (Benelli M2, Beretta A300)
No — requires LTC. Any semiautomatic shotgun now requires an LTC, regardless of shell capacity.
What You Cannot Do with an FID
- Own any handgun (requires LTC under Section 131)
- Own any semiautomatic rifle or shotgun (Chapter 135 change)
- Own any large-capacity firearm
- Own any assault-style firearm
- Carry concealed — the FID does not authorize concealed carry
- Own a stun gun — despite being included in the “firearm” definition, stun guns require an LTC
Ammunition
The FID authorizes purchase of “the ammunition therefore” — meaning ammunition for the rifles and shotguns you are permitted to possess. This includes rifle cartridges (e.g., .30-06, .308, .22 LR, .30-30) and shotgun shells. FID holders cannot purchase handgun ammunition. Some calibers like .22 LR are used in both rifles and handguns; the FID authorizes possession for rifle use[1].
Using Semiautomatic Firearms at a Range
Section 129B(c) includes a supervised range exception: an FID holder may use semiautomatic or large-capacity firearms under the direct supervision of an LTC holder at an incorporated shooting club or licensed shooting range[1]. The supervisor must hold a valid LTC — this is not simply a Range Safety Officer requirement. The FID holder cannot rent or use semiautomatic firearms independently at a range.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray (self-defense spray) does not require an FID or any firearms license for persons 18 and older. M.G.L. c. 140, Section 122D establishes a permit system for minors under 18; adults face no statutory licensing requirement for self-defense spray[3].
Upgrading to an LTC
If you want to own handguns, semiautomatic rifles, or large-capacity firearms, you need to upgrade to an LTC. Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must complete a firearms safety course meeting Section 131P requirements
- Must pass the suitability determination
- Application fee: $100 (non-refundable)
You do not need to wait until your FID expires. Apply at your local police department. Once the LTC is issued, it supersedes the FID for practical purposes[4].
Age Requirements
- 18+: May apply for an FID without restriction
- 15–17: May apply with a parent or guardian’s written permission
- 14: May submit an application, but the card is not issued until age 15
Impact of the 2026 Ballot Referendum
Chapter 135 is subject to a veto referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot[5]. If the law is repealed, the semiautomatic restriction for FID holders would revert to pre-Chapter 135 rules, restoring the ability to own non-large-capacity semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with an FID.