Registration & Reporting

Learn what Massachusetts law says about firearm registration and reporting requirements.

Registration

The passage of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 necessitated the creation of a formal electronic firearms registration system. All firearms possessed, manufactured or assembled in the state need to be registered in this system, called the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal, and all firearms transactions, such as purchases, sales, loans or other transfers need to be reported in this system within 7 days unless exempted by specific circumstances.

The MIRCS Unified Gun Portal came online in October 2025 and, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPPS) guidance letter #4, firearms will not be required to be registered into the system until October 28, 2026.

Frames & receiver registration

Of note, is that the passage of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 further expanded the definition of a "firearm" to include frames and receivers, whether they are "unfinished" or not. As such, frames and receivers need to be registered as well.

Exemptions

Registration requirements don't apply to certain people or in certain circumstances. Some of these include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Firearms produced, and not for sale, by federally licensed manufacturers.
• Non residents who are traveling or passing through the state, provided, they properly store the firearms according to Massachusetts transportation and storage requirements.
• Firearms already registered through the legacy Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

Please view the CMR and MGL for the full registration requirements, criteria and exemptions.

Citations

501 CMR 19.00 - Registration of Firearms

Inheriting firearms

The inheritance of a firearm needs to be reported on the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 60 days. A person who inherits a firearm does not need to have an FID or LTC to possess the newly acquired firearm for up to 60 days from the day of inheritance. During this 60 day period, an heir to a firearm may sell or transfer the firearms to the following entities:

• A firearms dealer
• A person with an FID or LTC
• A federal, state, or local historical society or museum

Please note that only up to 4 firearms can be sold or transferred to a person with an FID or LTC in a calendar year. Addtional transfers will have to be done through a firearms dealer.

Lost/stolen firearms

The loss or theft of a firearm needs to be reported on the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal within 7 days. This will send a notification to the licensing authority of the town or city that you reside in.

Loaning firearms

You are allowed to loan or have another properly licensed person borrow a firearm. Please note that if you loan a firearm for 7 days or more, you need to report that event on the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

FAQ

How do I know if my firearms are registered?

According to EOPPS, "If you have an FA10 form from a MA gun dealer or personal registration or transfer, then your firearm has been registered. If you are unsure, you may request the information through the Firearms Records Bureau for a fee: https://www.mass.gov/firearms-services - see “Additional Resources.” Note, there is no penalty for registering your firearm again."

If I have registered a frame or receiver, do I need to re-register the firearm once it’s been built?

Yes.

Do non residents with a Temporary LTC need to register firearms?

The law does not currently provide an exemption to the registration requirements to non resident Temporary LTC holders. Details are still upcoming on how this will work as currently, non resident Temp. LTC holders are unable to register firearms in the MIRCS portal.