Can a felon own a gun in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts prohibits firearm possession for any person convicted of a felony. A pardon from the Governor (with the advice and consent of the Governor's Council) is the primary path to restoration. Massachusetts also allows an appeal to the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) for certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions, but felony convictions generally require a pardon.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Massachusetts?

Apply for a gubernatorial pardon (felonies). Appeal to the Firearms Licensing Review Board (certain misdemeanors only).

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Massachusetts?

5 years after sentence completion for FLRB appeal (misdemeanors only). No fixed waiting period for pardon.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Massachusetts?

The FLRB appeal process is available primarily for non-violent misdemeanor convictions — felony convictions generally require a gubernatorial pardon. Massachusetts FID cards allow some limited firearm possession for non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 5 years.

Can a felon own a gun in Massachusetts?

No, not without a governor's pardon. Any felony conviction permanently disqualifies you from obtaining a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC), both of which are required to possess any firearm in Massachusetts. The only way to remove this disqualification is a full pardon from the Governor with the consent of the Governor's Council. Even with a pardon, the local licensing authority retains discretion to deny your application on 'suitability' grounds.

What is the difference between an FID card and an LTC in Massachusetts?

An FID card allows you to possess non-large-capacity rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. An LTC allows you to possess all firearms including handguns, large capacity firearms, and all ammunition. Both require passing a background check and are denied to anyone with a felony conviction. The LTC also includes the 'suitability' standard, giving the police chief broader discretion to deny the application.

How do I apply for a pardon in Massachusetts?

Submit a pardon petition to the Governor's office (through the Advisory Board of Pardons or the Governor's Pardon Unit, depending on the administration). The petition should include a personal statement, rehabilitation evidence, letters of support, and criminal history. The Governor's Council must consent to the pardon. The Governor's guidelines suggest at least 10 years since the last felony conviction or release before serious consideration. The process can take months to years and success is not guaranteed.

What is the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB)?

The FLRB is a state board created in 2004 that reviews appeals by persons denied a firearms license due to certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions. The FLRB can authorize issuance of an FID or LTC if the petitioner shows by clear and convincing evidence that they are suitable. However, the FLRB has no jurisdiction over felony convictions, violent misdemeanors, domestic violence offenses, weapons offenses, or drug offenses. It cannot help anyone with a felony record.

Does sealing my criminal record in Massachusetts restore gun rights?

No. Sealing a criminal record in Massachusetts hides it from most public background checks but does not remove the legal disabilities of the conviction. A sealed felony conviction still disqualifies you from obtaining an FID card or LTC. The licensing authority has access to sealed records for firearms licensing purposes. Only a full pardon removes the disqualification.

What happens if I possess a firearm without a license in Massachusetts?

Possession of a firearm without a license in Massachusetts carries severe penalties. Under MGL Chapter 269, § 10(h), first-offense unlicensed possession of a firearm carries a mandatory minimum of 18 months in jail (up to 2.5 years in a house of correction). For persons with prior convictions, the penalties are even harsher. Massachusetts has some of the strictest unlicensed possession penalties in the country.

Can I appeal a firearms license denial in Massachusetts?

Yes. If your FID or LTC application is denied, you can appeal to the district court within 90 days of the denial. For denials based on non-violent misdemeanor convictions, you may also appeal to the FLRB after 5 years. For denials based on suitability (even after a pardon), the district court reviews whether the licensing authority's decision was arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion. Having a firearms attorney is strongly recommended.

Does a Massachusetts pardon lift the federal firearms ban?

It can. A full, unconditional pardon from the Massachusetts Governor generally satisfies the federal standard for removing the 18 USC 922(g)(1) firearms disability. However, if the pardon is conditional or does not explicitly address firearms, it may not lift the federal ban. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process provides an alternative if the pardon does not fully resolve the federal issue. Consult a federal firearms attorney.

Felon Gun Rights in Massachusetts

Pardon only

No, not without a governor's pardon. In Massachusetts, any felony conviction permanently disqualifies you from obtaining a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC), which are required to possess any firearm. There is no court petition process, no waiting period after which rights are automatically restored, and no administrative remedy for felony convictions. The only path is a full pardon from the Governor with the advice and consent of the Governor's Council. Even with a pardon, issuance of a firearms license is not guaranteed — the local licensing authority retains 'suitability' discretion. Federal law under 18 USC 922(g)(1) also applies independently.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Massachusetts is one of the most restrictive states in the nation for felon firearm rights. All firearms possession requires a license — either a Firearm Identification (FID) card for rifles and shotguns or a License to Carry (LTC) for handguns and large capacity firearms. Any felony conviction is an automatic, lifetime disqualification from obtaining either license under MGL Chapter 140, §§ 129B and 131. The only path to restoring firearm rights after a felony conviction is a full pardon from the Governor, which requires the advice and consent of the Governor's Council. The Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) can review certain non-violent misdemeanor denials but has no jurisdiction over felony convictions. Massachusetts pardons are extremely rare — governors typically grant only a handful per term, and some governors have granted none at all.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. In Massachusetts, a governor's pardon may lift both the state and federal prohibitions, since a pardon generally satisfies the federal standard for removing the 922(g) disability. However, this depends on whether the pardon is full and unconditional. A conditional pardon or one that does not explicitly restore firearm rights may not lift the federal ban. Massachusetts does automatically restore voting rights upon release from incarceration, but this alone does not satisfy the federal standard because firearm rights remain restricted. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process provides an alternative federal pathway for relief.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons who receive a full gubernatorial pardon that does not expressly exclude firearm rights — may then apply for an FID card or LTC (subject to suitability review)
✓Persons convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors (not felonies) — may appeal to the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) after 5 years
✓Persons whose felony conviction occurred in another state and was pardoned or expunged in that state — may apply for a Massachusetts firearms license (subject to review)

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of any felony who have not received a gubernatorial pardon — permanently disqualified from FID and LTC
✗Persons convicted of a violent crime, even a misdemeanor — the FLRB has no jurisdiction over violent crime convictions
✗Persons convicted of domestic assault and battery — the FLRB has no jurisdiction; federal law (Lautenberg Amendment) also applies
✗Persons convicted of any offense involving weapons — the FLRB has no jurisdiction
✗Persons convicted of any controlled substance offense — the FLRB has no jurisdiction
✗Persons subject to an active restraining order (209A or 258E) — prohibited regardless of criminal history
✗Persons adjudicated incompetent or committed to a mental institution — separate prohibition
✗Persons prohibited under federal law (18 USC 922(g)) whose federal disability has not been independently addressed

Step-by-Step Process

Understand that the pardon is the only path for felony convictions

In Massachusetts, there is no court petition, administrative hearing, expungement process, or waiting period that can restore firearm rights after a felony conviction. The Governor's pardon is the exclusive remedy. The Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) only reviews certain non-violent misdemeanor cases — it has no authority over felony convictions. Begin by understanding the pardon process and requirements.

Meet the Governor's pardon eligibility criteria

The Governor will give serious consideration to pardon requests where: (1) the petitioner has not been convicted nor confined under sentence for at least 10 years (for felonies) or 5 years (for misdemeanors), and (2) the petitioner has demonstrated the ability to lead a responsible and productive life for a significant period after conviction or release. While these are guidelines rather than strict legal requirements, applications that do not meet them are unlikely to be considered.

Prepare and submit a pardon petition

Submit a pardon petition to the Governor's office through the Advisory Board of Pardons (or the Governor's Pardon Unit, depending on the administration). The petition should include: a detailed personal statement explaining the circumstances of the offense and your rehabilitation, letters of support from employers, community members, and family, documentation of employment history, education, community service, and other evidence of rehabilitation, and a complete criminal history. There is no official standardized form — follow the current administration's instructions.

Await review by the Governor's Council

The Governor's pardon power in Massachusetts requires the 'advice and consent' of the Governor's Council, an eight-member elected body plus the Lieutenant Governor. Your petition will be reviewed, and the Council may schedule a hearing. This process can take months or years. The Council will consider the seriousness of the offense, the time since conviction, your rehabilitation, the opinions of the victim and prosecutor, and public safety.

Receive the pardon (if granted)

If the Governor and Council approve your petition, a full pardon is issued. This removes the legal disability of the felony conviction and may allow you to apply for a firearms license. Note that a pardon does not guarantee a firearms license — you must still apply and pass the suitability review. Keep certified copies of the pardon for your records.

Apply for an FID card or License to Carry

After receiving a pardon, apply for a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC) through your local police department. You must pass a background check and the 'suitability' assessment. Under the suitability standard, the licensing authority (your local police chief) has discretion to deny the application if they determine you are not a 'suitable person' to possess firearms, even if you are no longer legally disqualified. The 2022 gun reform law (Chapter 135) expanded suitability review requirements.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period after which felony firearm rights are automatically restored — the prohibition is permanent unless a gubernatorial pardon is granted. For the pardon process itself, the Governor's guidelines suggest a minimum of 10 years since the last felony conviction or release from confinement before the application will receive serious consideration. For the FLRB (misdemeanors only), a 5-year waiting period after conviction or release from supervision is required. Even with a pardon, the local licensing authority's suitability review adds an additional discretionary step.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
MGL Chapter 140, § 129B — Firearm Identification (FID) Card	Part of Massachusetts General Laws; amended periodically	Governs issuance of FID cards, required for possession of rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. Lists disqualifying conditions including any felony conviction, certain misdemeanor convictions, restraining orders, mental health commitments, and substance abuse. Any person convicted of a felony is permanently disqualified unless pardoned.
MGL Chapter 140, § 131 — License to Carry (LTC)	Part of Massachusetts General Laws; amended periodically	Governs issuance of LTC licenses, required for possession of handguns, large capacity firearms, and feeding devices. Includes the same disqualifying conditions as § 129B plus the 'suitability' standard, which gives the licensing authority (local police chief) broad discretion to deny applications. Felony convictions are permanently disqualifying unless pardoned.
MGL Chapter 127, § 152 — Governor's Pardon Power	Part of Massachusetts General Laws	Establishes the Governor's power to grant pardons with the advice and consent of the Governor's Council. A pardon removes the legal disabilities of the conviction and can restore eligibility for firearms licensing. The Governor's Council is an eight-member elected body that must consent to each pardon.
Firearms Licensing Review Board (MGL Chapter 140, § 131½)	2004	Established in 2004 to review appeals by persons denied an FID or LTC due to non-violent misdemeanor convictions. The FLRB may grant a petition if the petitioner demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that they are a suitable person. The FLRB has no jurisdiction over felony convictions, violent misdemeanors, domestic violence offenses, weapons offenses, or controlled substance offenses.
Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2022 — Massachusetts Gun Reform	2022	Comprehensive gun reform legislation that, among other changes, expanded the suitability standard for firearms licensing, strengthened background check requirements, and enhanced licensing authority discretion. This means that even pardoned felons face significant additional scrutiny when applying for a firearms license.
18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Felon-in-Possession Prohibition	1968 (Gun Control Act)	Federal law prohibiting any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing firearms or ammunition. A Massachusetts governor's pardon may lift this federal prohibition if the pardon is full and unconditional.

Edge Cases

Can the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) help me if I have a felony conviction?

No. The FLRB only has jurisdiction over persons denied a firearms license due to certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions. The FLRB explicitly cannot review petitions from persons convicted of a felony, assault and battery on a family or household member, any crime involving use or possession of weapons, or any crime regulating controlled substances. For felony convictions, the Governor's pardon is the only path.

What is the 'suitability' standard and how does it affect pardoned felons?

Under MGL Chapter 140, § 131, the licensing authority (local police chief) may deny a firearms license to any person they determine is not 'suitable' to possess firearms, even if the person is not otherwise legally disqualified. This means that even after receiving a pardon, the police chief can deny your LTC or FID application based on the underlying conduct, even though the legal disability has been removed. The 2022 gun reform law expanded this discretion. You can appeal a suitability denial to the district court.

How common are pardons in Massachusetts?

Extremely rare. Massachusetts governors have historically granted very few pardons. Some governors have granted none during their entire terms. Governor Healey submitted a small number of pardons in 2025 for the Governor's Council's consideration. The practical likelihood of receiving a pardon is low, and the process can take years. This effectively makes Massachusetts one of the most restrictive states for felon gun rights restoration.

Can I possess a firearm without a license in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts requires a license (FID or LTC) to possess ANY firearm, including in your home. There is no exception for home possession, inherited firearms, or antique firearms (with very limited exceptions for pre-1899 antiques). Possession of a firearm without a license is a serious criminal offense carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months in jail for the first offense under MGL Chapter 269, § 10(h).

What if my felony conviction was in another state?

An out-of-state felony conviction disqualifies you from obtaining a Massachusetts firearms license just as a Massachusetts felony would. However, if the conviction has been pardoned or expunged in the state where it occurred, you may no longer be disqualified under Massachusetts law — but the licensing authority will still conduct a suitability review and may consider the underlying conduct. Consult a Massachusetts firearms attorney for your specific situation.

Does expungement exist in Massachusetts for felonies?

Massachusetts has a limited expungement statute (MGL Chapter 276, § 100K, enacted 2018) but it is extremely narrow. Expungement is available only when the court finds that the charges resulted from false identification, unauthorized use of identity, or other very specific circumstances. General felony expungement based on rehabilitation or time elapsed is not available. Sealing a record (which is more broadly available) does not restore firearm rights — a sealed felony still disqualifies you from licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon own a gun in Massachusetts?: No, not without a governor's pardon. Any felony conviction permanently disqualifies you from obtaining a Firearm Identification (FID) card or License to Carry (LTC), both of which are required to possess any firearm in Massachusetts. The only way to remove this disqualification is a full pardon from the Governor with the consent of the Governor's Council. Even with a pardon, the local licensing authority retains discretion to deny your application on 'suitability' grounds.
What is the difference between an FID card and an LTC in Massachusetts?: An FID card allows you to possess non-large-capacity rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. An LTC allows you to possess all firearms including handguns, large capacity firearms, and all ammunition. Both require passing a background check and are denied to anyone with a felony conviction. The LTC also includes the 'suitability' standard, giving the police chief broader discretion to deny the application.
How do I apply for a pardon in Massachusetts?: Submit a pardon petition to the Governor's office (through the Advisory Board of Pardons or the Governor's Pardon Unit, depending on the administration). The petition should include a personal statement, rehabilitation evidence, letters of support, and criminal history. The Governor's Council must consent to the pardon. The Governor's guidelines suggest at least 10 years since the last felony conviction or release before serious consideration. The process can take months to years and success is not guaranteed.
What is the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB)?: The FLRB is a state board created in 2004 that reviews appeals by persons denied a firearms license due to certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions. The FLRB can authorize issuance of an FID or LTC if the petitioner shows by clear and convincing evidence that they are suitable. However, the FLRB has no jurisdiction over felony convictions, violent misdemeanors, domestic violence offenses, weapons offenses, or drug offenses. It cannot help anyone with a felony record.
Does sealing my criminal record in Massachusetts restore gun rights?: No. Sealing a criminal record in Massachusetts hides it from most public background checks but does not remove the legal disabilities of the conviction. A sealed felony conviction still disqualifies you from obtaining an FID card or LTC. The licensing authority has access to sealed records for firearms licensing purposes. Only a full pardon removes the disqualification.
What happens if I possess a firearm without a license in Massachusetts?: Possession of a firearm without a license in Massachusetts carries severe penalties. Under MGL Chapter 269, § 10(h), first-offense unlicensed possession of a firearm carries a mandatory minimum of 18 months in jail (up to 2.5 years in a house of correction). For persons with prior convictions, the penalties are even harsher. Massachusetts has some of the strictest unlicensed possession penalties in the country.
Can I appeal a firearms license denial in Massachusetts?: Yes. If your FID or LTC application is denied, you can appeal to the district court within 90 days of the denial. For denials based on non-violent misdemeanor convictions, you may also appeal to the FLRB after 5 years. For denials based on suitability (even after a pardon), the district court reviews whether the licensing authority's decision was arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion. Having a firearms attorney is strongly recommended.
Does a Massachusetts pardon lift the federal firearms ban?: It can. A full, unconditional pardon from the Massachusetts Governor generally satisfies the federal standard for removing the 18 USC 922(g)(1) firearms disability. However, if the pardon is conditional or does not explicitly address firearms, it may not lift the federal ban. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process provides an alternative if the pardon does not fully resolve the federal issue. Consult a federal firearms attorney.

Take Action — Direct Links

Massachusetts Firearms Licensing Review Board
Official state page for the FLRB, which reviews certain non-violent misdemeanor firearms license denials. Note: the FLRB has no jurisdiction over felony convictions.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, § 131 — License to Carry
Full text of the LTC statute including all disqualifying conditions, the suitability standard, and the application process.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, §§ 121-131Q — Firearms Licensing
Complete compilation of Massachusetts firearms licensing statutes, covering FID cards, LTC licenses, licensing authority powers, and all firearms regulations.
CCRC — Massachusetts Restoration of Rights & Record Relief
Comprehensive overview of all rights restoration mechanisms in Massachusetts, including the pardon process, FLRB, record sealing, and expungement.
ATF — State Laws and Published Ordinances (Massachusetts)
Federal ATF guide to Massachusetts firearms statutes, covering both state and federal law interactions.