Last Updated: May 27, 2026
Massachusetts has some of the most complex private gun sale rules in the country — and 2025-2026 brought major changes with the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal and new firearm registration requirements. Every private sale requires both parties to hold valid licenses — an LTC for handguns and large-capacity weapons, or an FID card for standard long guns. The FA10 form must be filed electronically through the MIRCS portal within 7 days of any transfer. Private sellers are limited to 4 transactions per calendar year. This Bill of Sale documents the buyer's LTC or FID number, the agreed price, and the firearm's condition — your private record that supplements the mandatory state reporting.
📄 Bay State Form Blueprint Preview:
Legal Protocol for Massachusetts Private Gun Sales
Generating your official Massachusetts gun bill of sale takes less than 5 minutes using our interactive builder above. Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 140 § 128A, recording the precise serial number, weapon specifications, and verifying the buyer's MA LTC / FID Card Number is your primary line of legal defense should the firearm ever be traced back to you.
Need a field-by-field breakdown on how to legally execute this transfer? Read our comprehensive, nationwide Step-by-Step Firearm Bill of Sale Guide.
💡 Massachusetts 4-Per-Year Cap & Verification
⚠️ MASSACHUSETTS NOTE: This Bill of Sale is a supplementary private record only. Every firearm transfer in Massachusetts still requires an FA10 report filed through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 7 days, and both parties must hold valid LTC or FID licenses. This document does not replace any state-required reporting.
Massachusetts has two license types: the FID card ($100, shall-issue, for non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns) and the LTC ($100, shall-issue post-Bruen, for all firearms including handguns). LTC applicants must be 21 or older and complete a state-approved safety course. Both require fingerprinting and a background check at your local police department. The MIRCS Unified Gun Portal launched October 2025 — private sellers must now register transfers electronically. Firearms must be registered by October 28, 2026. Massachusetts does not recognize any other state's carry permits. All firearm sales must include a state-approved safety device under M.G.L. c. 140, §131K.
🚫 Severe State Prison Felony Risks for MA Sellers
- Not filing the FA10 through the MIRCS portal within 7 days — both buyer and seller have reporting obligations. The buyer must report the purchase within 7 days of a private transfer. Missing this deadline is a criminal offense under M.G.L. c. 140, §128B.
- Exceeding the 4-transaction annual limit — private sellers in Massachusetts are limited to 4 private firearm sales per calendar year under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A. A 5th transaction must go through a licensed dealer.
- Forgetting to include a state-approved safety device — all firearm sales in Massachusetts, including private sales, must include a state-approved safety device under M.G.L. c. 140, §131K. Failure constitutes a breach of warranty and an unfair trade practice.
- Selling to someone with only an FID when the firearm requires an LTC — FID holders can only receive non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns. Any handgun or large-capacity weapon requires the buyer to hold a valid LTC. Verify the license type before proceeding.
- Assuming Massachusetts recognizes out-of-state licenses — Massachusetts does not honor any other state's carry permit. Out-of-state buyers cannot legally receive firearms through a private sale in Massachusetts.
- Not registering firearms by October 28, 2026 — the new MIRCS system requires all firearms to be registered by this deadline. LTC and FID holders must register through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.
Massachusetts Firearm Transfer FAQ
Can I sell a gun privately in Massachusetts?
Yes, but both parties must hold valid Massachusetts firearms licenses — an LTC for handguns and large-capacity weapons, or an FID card for non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns. The transfer must be reported through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 7 days using the FA10 form. Private sellers are limited to 4 transactions per calendar year under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A; a 5th transaction must go through a licensed dealer.
What is the new MIRCS Unified Gun Portal and how does it affect private sales?
Launched in October 2025, the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal replaced older registration systems. All private sale FA10 reports must now be filed electronically through this portal. A critical new deadline: all firearms in Massachusetts must be registered through MIRCS by October 28, 2026. The buyer must also report the purchase within 7 days under M.G.L. c. 140, §128B.
What is the difference between an LTC and an FID card?
An FID card (Firearms Identification Card) covers non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns, with a minimum age of 18 (or 15 with consent). An LTC (License to Carry) requires the applicant to be at least 21 and covers all legal firearms, including handguns. Both licenses cost $100 and are 'shall-issue' post-Bruen. As a seller, you must verify the buyer holds the correct license type for the specific firearm.
Does Massachusetts require a safety device with every firearm sale?
Yes. Under M.G.L. c. 140, §131K, all sales must include a state-approved safety device. While the seller doesn't need to install it, the device must accompany the firearm at transfer. Failure to include one constitutes a breach of warranty and an unfair trade practice under state law.
Can I sell a large-capacity magazine in Massachusetts?
Only if it was manufactured before September 13, 1994 (pre-ban). Massachusetts prohibits the sale or transfer of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (or 5 shotgun shells) manufactured after that date. Pre-ban magazines may only be sold privately between LTC holders. Selling a post-ban large-capacity magazine is a serious felony.
How many guns can I sell privately in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts limits private sellers to 4 firearm transactions per calendar year under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A. This includes sales, gifts, and loans of 7 days or more. Loans under 7 days between licensed individuals are permitted but must still be reported via MIRCS.
Does Massachusetts recognize out-of-state carry permits?
No. Massachusetts does not honor any other state's carry permit. Out-of-state residents cannot receive firearms through a private sale in MA without a non-resident LTC from the State Police Firearms Records Bureau. Non-residents traveling through are only protected by federal FOPA rules if the firearm is unloaded and locked in the trunk.
Who is prohibited from owning a gun in Massachusetts?
Prohibited persons include convicted felons, those with violent crime or drug convictions, and anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order under M.G.L. c. 209A. Local police chiefs can also deny licenses based on 'unsuitability'. Always verify the buyer's license is active through the MIRCS portal before completing any transfer.