Massachusetts Dealer License Requirements

Operating as a firearms dealer in Massachusetts requires compliance with both state and federal licensing requirements. Massachusetts imposes additional restrictions beyond the federal FFL framework. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024^[1] amended several provisions affecting dealer operations.

State Dealer License

Under MGL Chapter 140, Section 122^[2], as amended by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, the local licensing authority may grant a single license, in accordance with section 121F, to sell, rent, lease, purchase, or otherwise transfer firearms and ammunition, or to be in business as a gunsmith. The old Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 designations and the Colonel-issued Class 1 license were eliminated.

Single License (Class Scheme Repealed)

• Chapter 135 replaced the former Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 system with a single dealer license issued by the local licensing authority under section 121F.
• The single license authorizes selling, renting, leasing, purchasing, or otherwise transferring firearms and ammunition, or operating as a gunsmith.
• There is no longer a separate Colonel-issued Class 1 license.

Federal Requirements

In addition to the state license, dealers must obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)^[3]. The FFL requires a background check, compliance inspection, and payment of applicable fees.

Record-Keeping

Massachusetts dealers must maintain detailed records of all transactions, including electronic FA-10 forms for every transfer. Under the current system, all FA-10 submissions are electronic (eFA-10) through the state portal. These records are subject to inspection by both state and federal authorities. Dealers must also submit electronic sales records to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

Chapter 135 Changes for Dealers

Chapter 135 updated dealer obligations including enhanced compliance with the new definitions of assault-style firearms, untraceable firearms (ghost guns), and covert firearms. Dealers must not sell any firearm prohibited under Section 131M(a) and must verify that all firearms bear valid serial numbers under Section 121C.