Section 11C of MGL Chapter 269[1] was completely rewritten by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[2], Section 138, effective October 2, 2024. The old version targeted serial number defacement. The new version broadly targets "untraceable firearms" (ghost guns).
Pre-October 2024 Version
The original Section 11C prohibited removing, defacing, altering, or obliterating serial or identification numbers, and receiving firearms with knowledge of such defacement. Penalties included a fine up to $200 or imprisonment of 1 month to 2.5 years. Possession of a defaced-serial-number firearm was prima facie evidence of guilt.
Post-October 2024 Version
The rewritten section prohibits anyone who:
- Knowingly manufactures, assembles, imports, sells, or transfers ownership of an untraceable firearm
- Knowingly participates in such activities
- Purchases or receives a firearm with knowledge it is untraceable
An "untraceable firearm" (commonly known as a ghost gun, and defined in the amended Section 121) is a firearm that has never been serialized, or whose serial or other identification number has been removed, defaced, altered, obliterated, or mutilated. A privately made firearm that has been properly serialized under Section 121C is not untraceable.
PenaltiesImprisonment of not less than 12 months and not more than 2.5 years. There is no fine-only option, which is a significant increase from the prior $200 fine alternative. Possession of an untraceable firearm remains prima facie evidence of guilt, rebuttable by showing no knowledge of untraceability.
Disposal
Upon conviction, the firearm is forwarded to the Colonel of State Police for destruction.
Related Provisions
Section 11A provides definitions. Section 11B establishes the enhanced offense for possessing a defaced-serial-number firearm during a felony. Section 121D regulates 3D printing equipment. Section 121B requires registration of all firearms through the electronic system.
Referendum Status
This is one of the most significantly transformed sections under Chapter 135. A successful repeal would restore the version of Section 11C that Chapter 135 struck out and eliminate the untraceable firearm prohibition framework.
Verification
5 of 5 factual claims on this page were matched to their source text as of 2026-10-07.
Show the claims
| Claim | Type | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGL Chapter 269, Section 11CSource text: # § 11C Manufacture, assembly, import, sale or transfer ownership of an untraceable firearm; prima facie evidence; punishment; destruction Section 11C. Whoever | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-07 |
| Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024Source text: # St. 2024, c. 135: An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws ## SECTION 1. Section 172M of chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is | SESSION_LAW | verified against source | None | 2026-10-07 |
| MGL Chapter 269, Section 10(j)Source text: ## (j) For the purposes of this paragraph, "firearm'' shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be disch | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-07 |
| MGL Chapter 269, Section 10(k)Source text: # § 10 Carrying dangerous weapons; possession of machine gun or sawed-off shotguns; possession of large capacity weapon or large capacity feeding device; punish | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-07 |
| MGL Chapter 269, Section 10(h)Source text: # § 10 Carrying dangerous weapons; possession of machine gun or sawed-off shotguns; possession of large capacity weapon or large capacity feeding device; punish | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-07 |
Sources
[1] Massachusetts Legislature. MGL Chapter 269, Section 11C
Chapter 269, Section 11C