Begin Your Journey in Freemasonry
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization, devoted to making good men better through fellowship, moral instruction, and charity. Membership is never solicited — every Mason chose to ask. Here's how you can too.
Find a Grand Lodge Near You See the StepsHow Joining Works
Three things every prospective member should know before reaching out.
To Be One, Ask One
Freemasons don't recruit. Tradition requires that you come "of your own free will and accord." The first move — asking — is always yours. Contacting a grand lodge or a local lodge is exactly how it's done.
Grand Lodges Govern by Region
Freemasonry has no single world headquarters. Each country (or each U.S. state, Canadian province, Australian jurisdiction) has its own sovereign grand lodge that oversees the local lodges where you'd actually become a member.
The Petition
Membership begins with a written petition (application) to a local lodge, signed by members who recommend you. The grand lodge for your area will connect you with a lodge near your home so you can meet members first.
Who Can Join — the Qualifications
Requirements are set by each grand lodge, but nearly all mainstream ("regular") grand lodges expect the following.
Belief in a Supreme Being
You must profess belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and welcomes men of all faiths — but atheists cannot be admitted in regular lodges.
Of Lawful Age
Most jurisdictions require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old (it varies by grand lodge — the map below links you to the authority for your area).
Good Moral Character
You should be a man of good reputation, recommended by those who know you. A background check or character investigation is a standard part of the process.
Free Will and Sound Judgment
You must come voluntarily, uninfluenced by mercenary motives — not for business gain or social climbing, but from a sincere wish to improve yourself and serve others.
Able to Support Yourself
You should be able to afford the initiation fee and modest annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.
Traditionally, a Man
Regular grand lodges admit men only. Parallel organizations exist for women (e.g., the Order of Women Freemasons) and for both sexes; families can join bodies like the Order of the Eastern Star.
The Steps to Membership
From first curiosity to taking your degrees — the typical path takes a few months.
LEARN ABOUT THE CRAFT
Read about Freemasonry's history, values, and commitments. Make sure its principles — brotherly love, relief, and truth — resonate with you.
FIND YOUR GRAND LODGE
Use the map below to locate the grand lodge governing where you live. Its website or office will point you to lodges in your city or town.
MAKE CONTACT
Email or call the grand lodge or a local lodge, or attend a public open house. Tell them you're interested in membership — they hear it all the time and will welcome the question.
MEET THE MEMBERS
Visit dinners or social events and get to know the lodge. This works both ways: you evaluate them, they get to know you. Two members typically must sign (recommend) your petition.
SUBMIT YOUR PETITION
Complete the petition for the degrees, pay the application fee, and have your recommenders sign it. The lodge appoints a committee to meet you (often with your family) and verify your character.
THE BALLOT
The lodge members vote on your petition by secret ballot. A favorable ballot means you'll be scheduled for initiation.
RECEIVE THE THREE DEGREES
You'll be initiated an Entered Apprentice, passed to Fellow Craft, and raised a Master Mason — three ceremonial degrees, usually weeks or months apart, each with lessons to learn. Then you're a full member.
Find Your Grand Lodge
Zoom and pan the world map, or search below. Click any marker for contact links. Petition through the grand lodge that governs where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions prospective members search for most.
How much does it cost to join?
It varies widely by lodge: a one-time initiation fee (often roughly US$100–$500) plus annual dues (often US$50–$300). Some historic city lodges cost more. Your local lodge will tell you exactly.
How long does the process take?
Typically 3–12 months from first contact to becoming a Master Mason, depending on the lodge's calendar and how quickly you progress through the three degrees.
Do I need to know a Mason to join?
No. Contacting the grand lodge for your area is the normal route if you don't know any members — they'll introduce you to a lodge where you can meet people who may later sign your petition.
Is Freemasonry a religion or a secret society?
Neither. It requires belief in a Supreme Being but teaches no theology and is compatible with many faiths. It's better described as a society with a few private traditions: lodge locations, members, and charitable work are all public.
What if I'm a woman or want a mixed organization?
Regular grand lodges on this map admit men, but women's grand lodges (such as the Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF in the UK) and co-ed orders (such as Le Droit Humain) exist in many countries, along with affiliated bodies like the Order of the Eastern Star.
What does "regular" or "recognized" mean?
Grand lodges recognize each other through treaties of mutual recognition based on shared standards ("regularity"). This map focuses on the mainstream network of mutually recognized grand lodges; verify recognition details with the grand lodge for your area.