MGL Chapter 140, Section 129C:
Possession and Transfer Requirements

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 129C^[1] sets forth the general rules governing lawful possession and private transfer of firearms in the Commonwealth. This section works alongside the licensing provisions (Sections 129B and 131) to establish the complete framework for legal firearms ownership.

General Possession Rules

No person shall possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun unless that person holds a valid FID card or LTC appropriate to the type of weapon. Possession without a valid license is a criminal offense under both Chapter 140 and Chapter 269, Section 10. Temporary exceptions exist for use at licensed shooting ranges and during supervised instruction.

Private Transfer Reporting

All private transfers (sales, gifts, or other transfers between individuals) must be reported to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) through the Electronic Firearms Transaction (eFA-10) system within 7 days of the transfer. Both the transferor and the transferee are responsible for ensuring compliance. Failure to report a transfer is a criminal offense.

Section 121B Registration System

Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 created a new electronic firearms registration system under Section 121B, distinct from the eFA-10 transfer reporting system. Section 121B requires that all firearms possessed in the Commonwealth be registered through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. The registration deadline is October 28, 2026 (one year after the portal became publicly available). The eFA-10 system reports transfers between parties; the Section 121B system registers the existence and ownership of all firearms regardless of transfer activity. Both systems are accessed through the Unified Gun Portal via MyMassGov.

Loss and Theft Notification

Any person who loses a firearm, or has a firearm stolen, must report the loss or theft to the local police department and DCJIS within a specified timeframe. Failure to report a lost or stolen firearm may result in license suspension or revocation and criminal penalties.

Inheritance and Estate Transfers

Section 129C provides specific procedures for the transfer of firearms through inheritance. An executor or administrator of an estate may temporarily possess firearms for the purpose of transferring them to a lawful heir or licensed dealer. The heir must hold a valid license to receive the firearms.