How to Register a Firearm in Massachusetts

1. When You Need to Register

Not every firearm transaction requires you to personally file an eFA-10. If you buy a gun from a licensed dealer, the dealer handles the registration paperwork. But there are several situations where the responsibility falls on you.

You built a firearm from a frame or receiver

If you assemble a functional firearm from a stripped frame or receiver, you must register it within 7 days of the firearm becoming functional. This applies to handguns, rifles, and any other firearm assembled from parts.

You bought a firearm through a private sale

Both the buyer and the seller must file an eFA-10 for any private party transfer. The buyer files a registration, and the seller files a record of sale. Both filings must happen within 7 days of the transfer.

You inherited a firearm

If you inherit a firearm from a deceased family member or through an estate, you have 60 days to register it. You still need a valid License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID) to possess the firearm legally.

You moved to Massachusetts

New residents have 60 days from establishing residency to register any firearms they bring into the state. This applies to every firearm you own, not just one. Each firearm needs its own registration.

If you purchased the firearm from a licensed dealer in Massachusetts, the dealer files the eFA-10 on your behalf as part of the sale. You do not need to file separately in that case.

2. What You Need Before You Start

Before you sit down to file, make sure you have the following ready. Missing information will stall the process or force you to start over.

• Valid LTC or FID card: Your license must be current and not expired, suspended, or revoked. An expired license means you cannot legally possess the firearm, let alone register it.
• Your PIN: This is the PIN associated with your firearms license. If you have never set one or have forgotten it, you will need to contact your local police department.
• A MyMassGov account: This is the state portal where all firearms transactions are now filed. If you had an old MIRCS login, it does not carry over. You need a new MyMassGov account.
• Firearm details: You need the make, model, caliber, serial number, barrel length, and finish of the firearm. This information is typically found on the firearm itself, on the box it came in, or in the manufacturer documentation.

Self-manufactured firearms

If you built the firearm yourself, you must apply for a serial number before you can register it. Under Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, all self-manufactured firearms in Massachusetts must be serialized. You cannot register a firearm that does not have a serial number.

3. Step-by-Step Registration Process

Follow these steps exactly. The portal can be finicky, and skipping steps or navigating backward can cause errors.

1. Go to MyMassGov Open your browser and navigate to mymassgov.state.ma.us. This is the only valid URL for filing. Do not use old bookmarks or links to the legacy MIRCS system.
2. Create an account (if you have not already) Click the registration link and create a new account with your email address. Even if you had a MIRCS login before October 2025, you need a brand new account on the MyMassGov platform. Your old credentials will not work.
3. Log in Once your account is verified and active, log in with your new credentials.
4. Select the Firearms Transaction Portal From the MyMassGov dashboard, find and select the Firearms Transaction Portal. This is where all eFA-10 filings, transaction records, and license-related services are managed.
5. Select the correct transaction type Choose the transaction type that matches your situation: private sale (buyer or seller), inheritance, personal manufacture, or new resident registration. Selecting the wrong type can create compliance problems that are difficult to fix.
6. Enter firearm information Fill in all required fields: make, model, caliber, serial number, barrel length, and finish. Double-check every field. Typos in serial numbers or caliber designations are among the most common errors, and they can flag your record for review.
7. Review and submit The portal will show you a summary of everything you entered. Read through it carefully. Once you hit submit, the record is filed. Editing after submission may not be possible through the portal.
8. Print or save the confirmation immediately This is the most important step people skip. As soon as you see the confirmation page, print it or save it as a PDF. The portal does not guarantee you will be able to access this confirmation again later. This is your proof that the firearm was registered on time.

4. Timeline Note: Unified Gun Portal Transition

Massachusetts launched the Unified Gun Portal through MyMassGov in October 2025, replacing the legacy MIRCS (Massachusetts Instant Records Check System) portal. This transition has a few implications you should know about.

• Existing firearms registration deadline: If you own firearms that were previously unregistered or registered through the old system, you have until October 28, 2026 to ensure they are registered in the new portal.
• New acquisitions still follow the 7-day rule: Regardless of the portal transition, any firearm you acquire through a private sale or build yourself must be registered within 7 days.
• eFA-10 records are being migrated: The state is in the process of migrating historical eFA-10 records from MIRCS into the new system. If you filed an eFA-10 through the old system, your record should eventually appear in MyMassGov, but it may take time.
• Old MIRCS logins do not work: You must create a new MyMassGov account. There is no migration of user credentials from the previous system.

If you are unsure whether a previously registered firearm appears in the new system, log into MyMassGov and check your records. If it is missing, re-registering is the safest path.

5. Special Case: Building a Handgun from a Frame

Building a firearm for personal use is legal in Massachusetts, but there are specific rules you need to follow. Here is the typical process for building a handgun from a stripped frame.

1. Buy the stripped frame from a licensed dealer. The frame is the serialized, regulated component. The dealer handles the 4473 (federal background check form) at the point of sale, just like any other firearm purchase.
2. Buy the remaining parts separately. Slides, barrels, springs, and other components are generally unregulated parts. You can purchase them online or from a dealer without additional paperwork.
3. Assemble the firearm yourself. Assembling a firearm from parts for personal use is legal. You do not need a manufacturer FFL to build a gun you intend to keep for yourself.
4. Register within 7 days of becoming functional. Once the firearm is assembled and capable of firing, you have 7 days to file the eFA-10 through MyMassGov.

Important restrictions

• Massachusetts assault weapons restrictions still apply. You cannot build a firearm that would be classified as an assault weapon under state law.
• You cannot build a firearm with the intent to sell it. Manufacturing firearms for sale or distribution requires a federal manufacturer FFL (Type 07).
• All self-manufactured firearms must be serialized under Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024. Apply for a serial number through the state before registering.
• You must have a valid LTC to build and possess a handgun. An FID is not sufficient for handgun possession.

6. Common Mistakes

We see the same errors over and over. Avoid these and you will save yourself a headache.

7. Helpful Links

• Unified Gun Portal (MyMassGov): File your eFA-10 here.
• Mass.gov Firearms Services: Official state resource for firearms licensing and registration information.
• EOPSS (Executive Office of Public Safety and Security): Guidance letters and policy updates related to Massachusetts firearms law.

8. Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Massachusetts firearms laws are complex and subject to change. We make every effort to keep this guide accurate and up to date, but we are firearms dealers, not attorneys. If you have a specific legal question about your situation, consult a qualified firearms attorney licensed in Massachusetts.

Information in this guide reflects our understanding of Massachusetts law as of February 2026. Laws, regulations, and portal procedures may have changed since this guide was last updated.