Massachusetts requires all firearms to be registered through the electronic firearms registration system established by M.G.L. c. 140, Section 121B[1]. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 created this statutory framework, replacing the administrative system that previously existed without explicit statutory authority.
What Must Be Registered?
Section 121B(a)(1) states: “All firearms possessed, manufactured or assembled in the commonwealth shall be registered.” This includes:
- Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
- Frames and receivers (finished or unfinished)
- Privately made firearms
- Firearms acquired through purchase, transfer, inheritance, or importation
Existing firearms that were already in your possession before the new system launched must be registered by October 28, 2026, per EOPSS Guidance Letter #4.
When to File: Deadlines by Scenario
Purchase from a Dealer
The dealer handles the registration at or before the point of sale. As the buyer, your information is included in the dealer’s submission. You do not need to file separately when buying from a licensed dealer[2].
Private Person-to-Person Transfer
Both parties must report the transaction within 7 days. Section 121B(b) requires “all parties to the transaction” to report via the electronic system. The transfer must also be conducted through the system “prior to or at the point of sale” per Section 128A(g)[1].
Building a Firearm (Privately Made Firearm)
Within 7 days of manufacture or assembly. You must first request and receive a unique serial number from DCJIS through the MIRCS portal before beginning manufacture. The serial number must be applied during assembly, not after completion[3].
Inheriting a Firearm
Within 60 days of acquiring the firearm through distribution of an estate. Heirs and devisees do not need a license during this 60-day window but must either obtain one, transfer the firearms to a licensed person, or transfer to an FFL within that period[4].
Moving to Massachusetts
Within 60 days of importing the firearm into the Commonwealth. You must hold a valid Massachusetts LTC or FID. Handguns purchased out of state must be shipped to a Massachusetts FFL for transfer[1].
Loaning a Firearm
If the loan exceeds 7 days, it must be reported. Loans under 7 days to a licensed or exempt person are exempt from reporting[1].
Loss or Theft
Must be reported within 7 days through the electronic registration system[1].
How to File
All registration is done through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at gunportal.mass.gov[5]. You will need a MyMassGov account.
Important: The old MIRCS system (mircs.chs.state.ma.us and mircsportal.chs.state.ma.us) was disabled in October 2025. Even if you had a prior MIRCS account, you must create a new account on the MyMassGov platform. Your old credentials will not work on the new portal.
Required information under Section 121B(a)(1):
- Your name, address, and contact information
- License/card/permit type, number, and expiration date
- Type of firearm
- Date the firearm was acquired
- Name and address of the source from which the firearm was obtained
- Whether the firearm is privately made
- Signed statement under pains and penalties of perjury that you are properly licensed and not prohibited from possessing a firearm
Save your receipt immediately. The confirmation page cannot be accessed after closing the browser.
Selling to a Dealer
When you sell to a licensed Massachusetts dealer, the dealer handles the transaction reporting in the system. You do not need to file separately, though Section 121B(b) technically requires “all parties” to report. Selling to an out-of-state dealer creates more complexity because the buyer is not in the Massachusetts system.
De-Registration
There is no formal de-registration process. When you sell or transfer a firearm, recording that transaction effectively moves the registration to the new owner. The Firearms Records Bureau offers an E-FA-10 Deletion Request Form for correcting erroneous records (wrong serial number, incorrect ownership details)[6].
You can request your complete firearms transaction history from the Firearms Records Bureau[7].
Common Mistakes
- Assuming only the buyer files: Both parties must report private transfers within 7 days
- Not saving the confirmation: The receipt disappears after closing the browser
- Exceeding the 4-transfer limit: The limit applies per calendar year to private transfers only — dealer and museum transfers do not count
- Forgetting frames/receivers: Under Chapter 135, frames and receivers are “firearms” and must be registered separately. Building a complete firearm from a registered receiver requires a new registration
- Serializing after completion: Privately made firearms must receive a serial number from DCJIS before manufacture begins
- Missing the retroactive deadline: All firearms already in your possession must be registered by October 28, 2026
Penalties for Failure to Register
Section 121B(e) establishes escalating penalties[1]:
- First offense: Fine up to $1,000
- Second offense: Fine up to $7,500 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment
- Third or subsequent: Fine up to $10,000 and/or 1–5 years imprisonment
Failure to report is also cause for suspension or permanent revocation of your firearms license.
Contact
Firearms Records Bureau: 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150 | Phone: (617) 660-4782 | Email: frb@mass.gov