Is a Montana Non-Resident Permit Valid in Massachusetts?

Why

• Montana does not issue carry permits to non-residents (permit requires at least 6 months' montana residency, us citizenship or lawful permanent residence, and montana id (mca 45-8-321; mt doj). no non-resident permits are issued).

Mass.gov firearms FAQ: 'No. Massachusetts does not have reciprocity with any other states.' The former MGL c.140 §131G exemption letting non-residents with home-state permits carry for competition/hunting was REPEALED by Ch. 135 of the Acts of 2024, effective Oct 2, 2024 — no out-of-state permit is valid in MA for any purpose.

Carry rules in Massachusetts

Whatever your permit status, Massachusetts law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• No Massachusetts statute imposes a proactive duty to tell an officer you are carrying; carry the LTC when carrying and present it on lawful demand.
• Massachusetts limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• Massachusetts is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Massachusetts recognizes.
• An LTC is required to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle, and MGL c.140 §131C requires it to be under the licensee's direct control or secured in a locked container.

Off-limits places in Massachusetts

• Elementary/secondary schools, colleges and universities without written authorization (MGL c.269 §10(j))
• Government administrative, judicial/court and correctional buildings, including grounds and parking areas (MGL c.269 §10(k), added by Ch. 135 of 2024)
• Polling places, early voting sites (within 150 ft of entrance) and ballot storage/tabulation locations in use (MGL c.269 §10(k))

Frequently asked questions

Is a Montana non-resident permit valid in Massachusetts?

None issued, so none recognized. Montana keeps its permits resident-only (permit requires at least 6 months' Montana residency, US citizenship or lawful permanent residence, and Montana ID (MCA 45-8-321; MT DOJ). No non-resident permits are issued). Your route to carrying in Massachusetts runs through a permit you are eligible to obtain elsewhere.

Do I have to tell police in Massachusetts that I am carrying?

No Massachusetts statute imposes a proactive duty to tell an officer you are carrying; carry the LTC when carrying and present it on lawful demand.

Does Massachusetts limit magazine capacity?

Massachusetts limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

Does Montana issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Montana issues carry permits to residents only (permit requires at least 6 months' Montana residency, US citizenship or lawful permanent residence, and Montana ID (MCA 45-8-321; MT DOJ). No non-resident permits are issued). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.