MGL Chapter 140, Section 122:
License to Sell Firearms and Ammunition

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 122^[1] governs the issuance of licenses to sell, rent, lease, purchase, or otherwise transfer firearms and ammunition, and to be in business as a gunsmith in Massachusetts.

Key Requirements

As amended by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024^[2], the licensing authority acts "in accordance with section 121F," which sets the application, review, denial, and appeal process. Applicants must be:

• At least 21 years old
• Neither a "prohibited person" nor "deemed unsuitable" under Section 121F
• Completed online dealer training classes mandated under Section 125

The license specifies a business address and does not entitle the holder to possess or carry any firearm or ammunition outside of the licensed business premises. Chapter 135 struck the former Section 122 and inserted this text.

Fees

The fee provisions are in Section 121F, not Section 122. Under Section 121F(o), the fee for an application or renewal is $100, with $25 retained by the licensing authority, $50 paid to the General Fund, and $25 paid to the Firearms Fingerprint Identity Verification Trust Fund. A person licensed to sell firearms pays no additional fee for a gunsmith's license.

Penalties

The current text of Section 122 contains only subsections (a) and (b) and has no penalty clause. There is no criminal penalty enumerated within Section 122 for issuing a license in violation of the section.

Appeal

Appeals from a licensing decision under Section 122 run through the Section 121F process, which the licensing authority applies in granting or renewing the license.

Chapter 135 Changes

Chapter 135 struck Section 122 and inserted the current text. The current text bases eligibility on Section 121F's "prohibited person" and "unsuitable" tests, requires the online dealer training that Section 125 mandates, and states that the license does not entitle the holder to possess or carry firearms or ammunition outside the licensed business premises.

Related Provisions

Section 121F sets the application, review, denial, and appeal process for licenses under Sections 122, 122B, 122D, 129B, 131, and 131F. Section 123 establishes the conditions on Section 122 licenses. Section 125 now covers dealer training. Section 121F(u) governs license revocation and suspension. Section 121B establishes the electronic registration system.

Referendum Status

The Chapter 135 amendments are subject to the November 2026 referendum. A No vote on Question 9 would repeal Chapter 135, including its replacement of Section 122.