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.
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.
Firearm laws: MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 128A, MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 129B, MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 131
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: Yes
Registration of firearm: No
License to own: Yes
Assault weapon law: Yes
Magazine capacity restriction: Yes
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: Yes
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
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.
Requirements
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.
Restrictions
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.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
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 guns.
If they do not have the required card or license, they must obtain it within 180 days of the inheritance date.
Registration
Registration is not required by law. However, 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.
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 Permit
Per MA Gen Law ch. 140 § 131, you must be 21 or older and complete a firearms safety course to obtain a firearm license.
You are prohibited if you have been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than two years, a violent crime defined under state law, or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
How to Apply
Take the following steps to apply for a concealed or open carry permit.
Step 1 – Complete Application
Begin the process by completing a firearms permit application.
Step 2 – Get Trained
Complete a firearms safety training course approved in MA Gen L ch. 140 § 131P(a).
Step 3 – Submit Application
Contact your local police department to submit your application.
Open Carry
You must obtain a permit to open carry in the state, however, keep in mind that an individual with a Class A unrestricted license to carry firearms (LTC-A) does not have to conceal a handgun or long gun in public.
Gun 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.
Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Massachusetts firearm bill of sale.
