Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Massachusetts has among the strictest firearm laws in the nation. All firearm owners must possess either a Firearms Identification Card (FID) for rifles and shotguns or a License to Carry (LTC) for all firearms including handguns. All private sales must be reported to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) within 7 days.
Private sales must be reported through the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal (eFA-10 system). Both buyer and seller must hold valid FID or LTC cards. The buyer's license type must authorize them to possess the type of firearm being purchased. Dealers must process transfers through the portal and conduct background checks.
Massachusetts has an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, and a roster of approved firearms for sale. The state's licensing process involves local police approval, safety training, and fingerprinting. Massachusetts law treats firearm ownership as a privilege requiring licensing.
Yes
Private sale BG check
None (but licensing process takes weeks)
Waiting period
Yes
Registration required
Yes
Permit to purchase
Massachusetts Firearm Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know about firearm transfers in Massachusetts:
Important: Background Check Required
Massachusetts requires background checks for private firearm sales. All transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in criminal penalties. Even with a background check, it is illegal to sell to a known prohibited person.
Seller Requirements
- FFL Transfer: Massachusetts requires private sales to go through a licensed dealer for a background check
- Both Parties Present: Both buyer and seller must appear at the FFL with valid identification
- Bill of Sale: Complete a bill of sale documenting the firearm and transaction details
- No Prohibited Buyers: Do not sell to anyone you know or suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms
Buyer Requirements
- Massachusetts Residency: Must be a current Massachusetts resident with valid state ID
- Purchase Permit: Yes (FID or LTC required) — obtain before initiating the purchase
- Background Check: Must pass a background check processed through the FFL
- Not Prohibited: Must not be a prohibited person under federal or state law
- Retain Bill of Sale: Keep your copy as proof of legal purchase and ownership
How to Fill Out a Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Massachusetts firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Massachusetts and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Massachusetts mailing address, date of birth, and government-issued ID number (driver's license or state ID). This information is critical for establishing a clear chain of custody for the firearm.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current Massachusetts address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Massachusetts resident — selling to an out-of-state resident in a private sale is a federal crime.
Describe the Firearm
Record the firearm's make (manufacturer), model, serial number, caliber or gauge, type (handgun, rifle, shotgun), barrel length, and finish/color. The serial number is the most important identifier — verify it matches the physical firearm exactly.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method. If the firearm is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." If a trade, describe the items exchanged.
Include Eligibility Statement
The buyer should sign a statement affirming they are legally eligible to purchase and possess firearms under both federal and Massachusetts law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Massachusetts.
Sign, Date, and Keep Copies
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Keep your copy indefinitely as there is no statute of limitations on ATF firearm traces. Remember that the transfer must also be processed through an FFL with a background check.
Massachusetts Firearm Transfer Process
Massachusetts requires private firearm transfers to include a background check. Here's the step-by-step process:
Verify Both Parties' Eligibility
Check IDs to confirm both parties are Massachusetts residents and of legal age. The seller should have no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person.
Visit a Licensed Dealer (FFL)
Both parties must appear at an FFL. The dealer will process the background check as required by Massachusetts law.
Complete Background Check
The FFL will run a background check. There is a None (but licensing process takes weeks) waiting period before the buyer can take possession.
Complete and Sign the Bill of Sale
Fill in all fields including the serial number, both parties' information, and the sale price. Both parties sign and date.
Exchange Payment and Firearm
Complete the payment and transfer the firearm. Each party keeps their signed copy of the bill of sale.
Store Your Records Securely
Keep your copy of the bill of sale in a safe place indefinitely. This is your proof of legal transfer if the firearm is ever traced.
Massachusetts Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Massachusetts:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check Fee | Varies ($10-$40 typically) |
| FFL Transfer Fee | $10-$75 (set by dealer) |
| Registration Fee | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Carry Permit | Varies — contact issuing agency |
Sample Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Massachusetts-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Massachusetts and federal law.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Massachusetts Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Massachusetts Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
FIREARM INFORMATION
Make: [Manufacturer] Model: [Model]
Serial #: [Serial Number]
Caliber: [Cal/Gauge] Type: [Handgun/Rifle/Shotgun]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Massachusetts Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Massachusetts firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Massachusetts Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Massachusetts firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Other Massachusetts Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Massachusetts? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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