Nonresident Firearm Registration Exemptions in Massachusetts

A nonresident possessing a firearm under a Massachusetts temporary License to Carry issued under Section 131F is exempt from the registration regulations. The exemption appears expressly in 501 CMR 19.09(8). The earlier version of this article incorrectly said that these license holders had to register but could not comply because of the portal.^[3]

The regulations also exempt non-large capacity, non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns possessed by nonresidents under Section 129C. That is a separate exemption in 501 CMR 19.09(7), with its own limits. It should not be confused with the exemption for firearms possessed under a Section 131F license.^[3]

These are registration exemptions. A nonresident still needs lawful authority to possess and carry the particular firearm and must follow the applicable transport and storage requirements. A Section 131F temporary license cannot be used to purchase firearms in Massachusetts. Registration, or an exemption from registration, does not make an otherwise prohibited firearm lawful.^[4][2]