Legal Templates

Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a firearm bill of sale form that is customized for Massachusetts.

Updated March 18, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Selling a firearm in Massachusetts? Document the purchase and sale of a gun with a Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale form.

Table of Contents

What is a Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale Form?

A Massachusetts firearm bill of sale form is a document a seller and buyer sign to record a gun sale and ownership transfer.

This form is helpful in private-party firearm transactions where state law regulates the sale and requires specific documents on record.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has strict laws controlling the sale of firearms.

Anyone who wants to carry or possess a firearm in Massachusetts must have either a Firearm Identification Card (FID) or a License to Carry a Firearm (LTC) issued by their local police precinct.

In addition, individuals must report the sale through the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

Before agreeing to sell your firearm, it’s essential to understand Massachusetts laws concerning firearm sales.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents may sell up to four firearms per calendar year through private sales, per MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 128A.  

However, if a seller plans to sell more than four firearms yearly, they must have a firearms dealer license, according to MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 122.

To obtain a dealer license, a person must undergo an investigation by their local police precinct. The precinct will check criminal and residency history.

They’ll also request fingerprints. 

Does the Law in Massachusetts Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

Massachusetts requires parties in a private firearm transaction to report the sale through the online Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

The portal requires both parties to provide their FID or LTC license number and identifying personal information. The system generates a firearms transaction (EFA10) form and receipt upon completion. 

You should use a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale to document the sale and transfer its information into the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in Massachusetts

Under MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 129C(n), anyone who inherits a firearm following its owner’s death must possess a firearm identification card or a license to carry firearms.

If they do not have the required card or license, they must obtain either the card or license within 180 days of the inheritance date. 

Documents Needed To Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Massachusetts

To complete a Massachusetts firearm transfer form, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Firearm identification card or license to carry firearm license number. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issues either card or license following a successful application and background check with the individual’s local police precinct.
  • Driver license or state ID for the full name of both buyer and seller
  • Information about the firearm, including its make, model, caliber, and serial number 

You can complete a Massachusetts firearm transfer form and register the sale in the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal by entering the applicable information.

Additional Massachusetts Firearm Laws

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Massachusetts?

No one can purchase a firearm in Massachusetts without obtaining an FID or LTC, per MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 129B and MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 129C.

There are extensive limitations on individuals seeking to obtain either license. 

Does Massachusetts Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

No, there is no waiting period for firearm sales in Massachusetts.

Can You Buy a Firearm in Massachusetts Without Registering It?

Under MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 129C, sellers must report all sales or transfers of firearms to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services via the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal within seven days. 

Does a Gun Bill of Sale Have To Be Notarized in Massachusetts?

There are no specific requirements to notarize a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale.

However, notarizing the document provides a legal witness to the transaction, which can be beneficial if you encounter difficulties later on. 

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Massachusetts?

The Firearms Record Bureau is a repository for all firearm sales and transfer information.

The information stored in the Firearms Record Bureau is accessible to the police. 

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in Massachusetts

How To Apply To Carry a Firearm in Massachusetts

Per MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 131, you must be 21 or older and complete a firearms safety course to obtain a license to carry a firearm. 

You are prohibited if you have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years, violent crime defined under state law, or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

You’ll begin the process by completing and submitting a firearms license application to your local city police precinct.

Massachusetts Firearm Reciprocity

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not recognize any other state’s concealed weapons permits per MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 131F.

However, Massachusetts allows non-residents to apply for a Non-Resident Temporary License to Carry Firearms through the Firearms Records Bureau.

How To Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Massachusetts

You’ll need to follow several steps before selling a firearm in Massachusetts.

Step 1 – Research Your Local Firearm Laws

Before engaging in a private sale to an individual in Massachusetts, research your local laws to ensure you fulfill all legal requirements.

You must have a valid firearm identification card or license to carry a firearm to sell a gun in Massachusetts, and your buyer must have one, too. 

If you don’t fully understand the firearm sales law, contact the Firearm Records Bureau or your local police precinct. They can clarify the answers to any questions you have. 

Step 2 – Meet With the Potential Buyer

Meeting with a potential buyer before agreeing to sell your firearm is a good idea.

That way, you can check their identification to ensure they’re a resident of Massachusetts and have a license to possess a gun before making the sale. 

Step 3 – Complete a Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale

If your buyer agrees to purchase the firearm, complete a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale. 

You should note your and your buyer’s contact information, firearm license numbers, and pertinent information concerning the firearm, including its make, model, caliber, and serial number.

Both you and the buyer should sign the form. 

It’s advised to complete the Massachusetts firearm bill of sale in the presence of a notary. 

Step 4 –  Report the Sale on the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal

Following the sale of the firearm, you must report it through the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

The portal will ask you for the information included in your bill of sale, such as your FID/LTC license number and information concerning the firearm.

Summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has strict laws concerning the sale of firearms, so it’s critical to fully understand them before participating in a firearm sale.

Ensure you and your buyer have a valid FID or LTC number and are residents of Massachusetts before proceeding.

If you have questions concerning firearm sales in Massachusetts, contact the Firearm Records Bureau or your local police precinct.

Do you need help creating a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale? Use our convenient LegalTemplates builder to facilitate the process.

Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale looks like.

massachusetts firearm bill of sale