Stun Gun and Taser Laws in Massachusetts

Until 2018, Massachusetts prohibited anyone who wasn't a law enforcement officer from having a stun gun or Taser. After that total ban was struck down as unconstitutional, the state changed its laws to include stun guns in the legal definition of a firearm. That means that Massachusetts residents who want stun guns must obtain a firearms license and meet the state's other requirements for gun possession and use.

What are Stun Guns and Tasers?

Under Massachusetts law, a stun gun is any portable device designed to use electricity to injure, disable, or kill someone.

Some states have different rules for:

• weapons that deliver an electric shock through direct contact, and
• weapons that shoot darts attached to wires that carry an electrical charge (often called "Tasers," after the most popular brand).

But Massachusetts law does not treat these weapons differently, and the term "stun gun" refers to both devices. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §121 (2025).) In 2024, the state legislature updated its laws to clarify that electronic weapons disguised as other objects are still defined as stun guns.

Are Stun Guns Legal in Massachusetts?

Stun guns have been legal for civilians in Massachusetts since 2018. Until that year, the state limited the use of stun guns to law enforcement officers. But the state's highest court found that the absolute ban on civilian possession of these weapons, even in one's own home, violated the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms. (Ramirez v. Commonwealth, 94 N.E.3d 809 (Sup. Jud. Ct. Mass 2018).)

How Do You Get Permission to Own a Stun Gun?

In response to the Ramirez decision, Massachusetts ended its stun gun ban but applied many of its existing firearm regulations to these weapons. For example, anyone who wants to own, possess, or use a stun gun must first get a Massachusetts firearms license. The state describes the licensing requirements on its website. They include:

• completing an application
• paying a fee, and
• taking a firearms safety course.

Anyone applying for a firearms license in Massachusetts must also agree to a background check. This includes:

• a fingerprint check
• checking state and federal law enforcement records, and
• checking with the state's Department of Mental Health.

(Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §131 (2025).)

Who Is Prohibited from Getting a Stun Gun?

As with other types of firearms, Massachusetts law prohibits certain people from getting licenses for stun guns, including those who:

• are under 21
• have been convicted of a felony, violent crime, weapons violation, or domestic violence offense
• are subject to domestic violence protection order, or
• are subject to an "extreme risk protection order" (ERPO) which prohibits gun possession by those who pose a risk of injuring themselves or others with firearms.

The state's background check requirement is designed to identify anyone who should be denied a license to carry a stun (or other firearm).

In addition, people can lose their right to possess a stun gun if they commit a crime or are subject to a restraining order. For example, anyone served with an ERPO must surrender their license, along with any stun gun (or other firearm) they own or possess.

(Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §131(d) (2025); Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §131S (2025).)

Laws Change

Although we update this information regularly, states can change their laws at any time. For the most up-to-date information, you can search Massachusetts' General Laws on the state legislature's website.

When Can I Use a Stun Gun in Self-Defense?

You're entitled to use force to defend yourself, and can use a stun gun to protect yourself in certain situations. But it's important to understand the limits Massachusetts places on this right. You can only use nondeadly force to defend yourself if you:

• have a reasonable concern for your personal safety
• have done everything you reasonably could to avoid a physical confrontation, and
• don't use more force than necessary to protect yourself.

To use deadly force in self-defense you must reasonably believe that you're in danger of death or serious bodily harm.

(Commonwealth v. Toon, 55 Mass. App. Ct. 642 (2002); Commonwealth v. King, 460 Mass. 80 (2011).)

Proper Storage of Stun Guns

Also in response to the Ramirez decision, Massachusetts added a law requiring the safe storage of stun guns. A stun gun must be stored in a locked container that can only be opened by the owner or someone else who's legally authorized to use the weapon. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §131L (2025).)

No Stun Guns in Airports or Planes

It's illegal to enter to or try to enter a secure area of an airport or plane cabin with a stun gun, even if you have a firearms license (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 12F (2025)).

Getting Legal Help

If you have legal questions about buying or owning a stun gun, a Massachusetts attorney may be able to help. The state's licensing requirement is handled by local police departments, so an officer in your city or town should be able to answer questions about the application process. If you're facing criminal charges for stun gun violations, including licensing and storage requirements, you should speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.