Firearms Transactions

Learn what Massachusetts law says about firearms transactions, such as private sales and out-of-state purchases.

Private sales & transfers

Massachusetts allows limited private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, but only under certain conditions set out in M.G.L. c. 140 § 128A.

A person holding a License to Carry (LTC) may sell or transfer firearms and ammunition for those firearms, and a person holding a Firearm Identification (FID) may sell or transfer only non-large-capacity, non-semiautomatic firearms and ammunition for those firearms to the following:

• A person with a valid LTC
• an exempt person under §129C, such as certain L.E. or government entities, or
• A person with a valid FID

A private individual may not conduct more than 4 firearm transfers per calendar year. Transfers conducted after exceeding the cap require using a licensed Massachusetts dealer.

Private transfers need to be reported on the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 7 days of the transaction.

Out-of-state purchases & transfers

Federal law governs most interstate firearm transactions, primarily under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. §922). The rules differ significantly depending on whether the firearm is a handgun or a long gun.

Handguns

A Massachusetts resident may not directly purchase a handgun from an out-of-state private seller or dealer and take possession outside Massachusetts. Any handgun purchased from out of state must be:

• Shipped by the seller to a Massachusetts-licensed FFL dealer, and
• Transferred to the buyer through that MA dealer in compliance with federal law and Massachusetts licensing, roster, and consumer-protection requirements.

In practice, this means all interstate handgun purchases end with an in-state FFL transfer.

Long guns

A Massachusetts resident may purchase a rifle or shotgun from an out-of-state FFL dealer, but only if all of the following are true:

• The transaction is legal in the seller’s state, and
• The firearm is legal under Massachusetts law (e.g., no assault-style firearms)
• The firearm is registered on the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at the time it is imported into Massachusetts.

Purchases from out-of-state private individuals are not permitted to be transferred directly. Those firearms must be shipped to a Massachusetts FFL and transferred there.

FAQ

Is there a waiting period to take possession of a firearm after purchasing?

Massachusetts law does not implement a waiting period to take possession of a firearm after purchasing.

Is there a limit to how many firearms I can buy at one time?

Massachusetts law does not set a limit to the number of firearms a person may purchase at one time.