What Makes a Person a Freemason? 7 Requirements You Must Meet

You have seen the square and compass symbol on car bumper stickers. You have heard that George Washington was a Mason. Perhaps you have even walked past a Masonic lodge in your city and wondered: What makes a person a Freemason? Is it wealth? Family connections? A secret invitation?

The answer is simpler – and more surprising – than most people think.

What makes a person a Freemason is not money, fame, or political power. In fact, Freemasonry explicitly forbids recruiting for commercial or political gain. Instead, becoming a Mason requires meeting seven specific qualifications – and then being invited by no one, but asking of your own free will.

This guide will walk you through every requirement, from the unchangeable (belief in a Supreme Being) to the character-based (being “well-recommended”). By the end, you will know exactly whether you qualify to join the world’s oldest fraternal organization.

 www.ugle.org.uk/become-a-freemason

H2: The Short Answer – 7 Things That Make a Person a Freemason

Before we dive into details, here is the checklist. A person becomes a Freemason if and only if they meet all seven of these requirements:

Let us examine each requirement in detail.

H2: Requirement #1 – Belief in a Supreme Being

This is the most famous – and most misunderstood – requirement.

What makes a person a Freemason starts with God. An atheist cannot be a Mason. An agnostic who says “I don’t know if God exists” cannot either. Every candidate must affirm, under oath, that they believe in a Supreme Being.

But here is where it gets nuanced. Freemasonry does not care which Supreme Being. A Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Sikh, and a Zoroastrian can all sit in the same lodge, pray to the same Great Architect of the Universe (each using their own name for God), and work together in harmony.

Important: Freemasonry does not believe all religions are “the same.” It simply requires that you already have your own faith before joining. The lodge is a meeting place for men of different faiths – not a church that replaces yours.

What disqualifies you? Atheism. Explicit denial of any divine being. Also, belonging to a religion that forbids Masonry (e.g., Roman Catholicism officially bans it, though millions of Catholics are Masons anyway – that is between you and your conscience).

 www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/cofe/freemasonry_1.shtml

H2: Requirement #2 – Be a Free Man

This requirement sounds archaic because it is archaic – but it is still enforced.

The phrase “free man” dates to the 17th century when stonemasons’ guilds only accepted men who were not indentured servants, serfs, or prisoners. Today, it means:

• You cannot be incarcerated in a prison (some lodges have special “prison lodges” for inmates, but those are exceptions)

• You cannot be bound by a court order that restricts your freedom (e.g., parole with travel bans may be an issue)

• You cannot be a minor under the legal guardianship of parents who object (see age requirement below)

In practice, for 99% of adult men, “free man” simply means “not a convicted felon currently serving time.”

www.grandlodgescotland.com/become-a-mason

H2: Requirement #3 – Be of Lawful Age

The minimum age varies by country and Grand Lodge:

No maximum age. Men in their 80s and 90s have been initiated. The only age-related restriction is that you must be mature enough to understand the obligations you are taking.

H2: Requirement #4 – Be of Good Moral Character (No Felony Record)

Freemasonry is a fraternity that prides itself on taking “good men and making them better.” But they will not take a man who has proven himself bad.

What disqualifies you?

• Conviction for a violent felony (murder, assault, robbery)

• Conviction for fraud or financial crimes (embezzlement, forgery)

• Conviction for sexual offenses

• Currently on probation or parole (you may apply after completion)

What does NOT disqualify you?

• Minor misdemeanors (traffic tickets, disorderly conduct)

• Crimes committed as a juvenile (sealed records)

• Political protests (unless they involved violence)

Each lodge performs a background check – either formally through police records or informally through references. Lying about your criminal history will result in automatic rejection.

 www.msana.com/join.php

H2: Requirement #5 – Apply of Your Own Free Will (No Recruitment)

This is one of the most distinctive rules in Freemasonry, and it surprises most outsiders.

Freemasons do not recruit. They do not hand out flyers. They do not knock on doors. They do not ask their friends to join. In fact, it is a Masonic offense to solicit someone for membership.

Instead, the system works in reverse: A man must ask to join. He must walk into a lodge (or email them) and say, “I wish to become a Freemason. What do I need to do?”

This rule exists for two reasons:

1. To ensure sincerity. If you ask, you want it. If you are asked, you might say yes out of politeness.

2. To avoid the appearance of conspiracy. If Masons were recruiting judges and police officers, critics would cry foul. By requiring men to come forward voluntarily, Masonry protects itself from accusations of power-seeking.

What this means for you: If you want to be a Mason, no one will come to you. You must go to them. Find a lodge near you, fill out their contact form, and say, “I am interested in joining.”

www.vrijmetselarij.nl/word-vrijmetselaar

H2: Requirement #6 – Be Recommended by Two Existing Masons (In Most Jurisdictions)

This requirement varies by jurisdiction, but in most mainstream lodges (England, US, Canada, Australia, Netherlands), you must be proposed and seconded by two Masons who already know you.

What does “proposed and seconded” mean?

• One Mason (the proposer) formally nominates you at a lodge meeting.

• A second Mason (the seconder) supports the nomination.

• Both must vouch for your character and confirm that you meet all other requirements.

But what if you do not know any Masons? This is the classic chicken-and-egg problem. The solution: Most lodges have a “petition without a proposer” process. You can contact the lodge secretary, attend an open house or dinner, get to know members over several months, and then they will offer to propose you.

Do not try to join a lodge where you know no one. It rarely works. Instead, spend 3–6 months attending lodge social events (many are open to the public) and building genuine friendships.

 www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ballot.html

H2: Requirement #7 – Pass a Unanimous Secret Ballot

This is the final – and most nerve-wracking – step.

After you have submitted your petition, been interviewed by a lodge committee, and had your background checked, the lodge votes. The vote is conducted with black and white balls (or electronic equivalent):

• White ball = yes, accept

• Black ball = no, reject

Here is the crucial rule: In most Grand Lodges, a single black ball rejects the candidate. Some lodges require three black balls. A few allow one black ball to be challenged (the objector must explain why). But in the traditional system, one “no” vote is enough.

Why such a strict rule? Because Freemasonry values harmony above all else. If even one Mason believes you would disrupt the lodge, you are not admitted.

What if you are blackballed? You can usually reapply after one year, but the odds are low. The lodge has told you, quietly, that you are not welcome.

 www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm

H2: What Does NOT Make a Person a Freemason?

Now that you know what does qualify a man, let us clear up what does not matter:

H2: The Process Step-by-Step (How to Become a Mason)

If you meet all seven requirements, here is exactly what you do:

Step 1: Find a lodge near you. Use the lodge locator on your country’s Grand Lodge website.

Step 2: Attend an open house or “information evening.” Many lodges hold these monthly. Dress business casual. Ask questions.

Step 3: If you feel comfortable, ask for a petition form. Fill it out honestly.

Step 4: Find two Masons to propose and second you. If you do not know any, ask the lodge secretary to introduce you to members.

Step 5: Submit your petition with the application fee (typically €50–€100 / $60–$120).

Step 6: Attend an interview with the lodge’s investigation committee. They will ask about your beliefs, character, and motives.

Step 7: Wait for the ballot. The lodge votes in secret.

Step 8: If accepted, schedule your Entered Apprentice degree (first initiation ceremony).

Step 9: Take your obligation (oath) and receive your apron, gloves, and Masonic “due guard and sign.”

Step 10: Attend lodge meetings regularly, pay your dues, and begin the journey through the three degrees.

: www.ugle.org.uk/become-a-freemason

H2: Frequently Asked Questions

H3: Can a woman become a Freemason?

Not in mainstream (UGLE-recognized) lodges. However, there are separate women’s Grand Lodges (e.g., Order of Women Freemasons in England) and co-Masonic orders (Le Droit Humain) that accept both men and women.

H3: Can an atheist lie and say he believes in God?

He could. But he would be taking a solemn obligation on a Volume of Sacred Law that he does not believe in. Most atheists find this dishonest and refuse.

H3: Do Masons have to be rich?

No. Annual dues in most lodges are under €300 / $350. Some lodges offer reduced dues for students or men with financial hardship.

H3: How long does the process take?

From first inquiry to initiation: typically 3 to 12 months. The fastest is 2 months (if you already know Masons). The slowest is 2 years (if you need to build relationships).

H3: Can a convicted felon ever become a Mason?

Yes – but only after completing their sentence (including parole) and demonstrating rehabilitation. The lodge votes on each case individually.

H2: Conclusion – Are You What Makes a Person a Freemason?

What makes a person a Freemason is not secret handshakes or family connections. It is seven things:

1. Belief in a Supreme Being

2. Being a free man

3. Being of lawful age

4. Good moral character

5. Applying of your own free will

6. Being recommended by two Masons

7. Passing a unanimous secret ballot

If you meet these requirements – and you are willing to ask – the door is open.

Your next step: Find the Grand Lodge website for your country or state. Look for “Become a Mason” or “Petition for membership.” Fill out the contact form. Attend an open house. And then – if it feels right – ask.

Freemasonry has been making good men better for over 300 years. You could be next.