How to File an eFA-10 in Massachusetts: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Massachusetts treats dealer sales, private transfers, inheritance, and self-built firearms differently. Here is how to use the state transaction portal without mixing up the rules.

Guide Last updated: February 15, 2026 12 min read

Key Takeaway

Massachusetts uses different reporting workflows for dealer sales, private transfers, inheritance, import, manufacture, and assembly. Private sales and transfers are reported through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at or before the point of sale. For manufacture, assembly, import, or other acquisition events, start from the official Mass.gov transaction page and follow the current portal instructions.

1. When You Need to Register

Not every firearm transaction requires you to personally file through the state portal. If you buy a gun from a licensed Massachusetts dealer, the dealer reports the transaction. Other situations, including private transfers, inheritance, import, manufacture, or assembly, may require you or the seller to use the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal / MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

You built a firearm from a frame or receiver

If you manufacture or assemble a firearm from a frame, receiver, or parts, Mass.gov directs residents to register the firearm at the time of manufacture or assembly through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

You bought a firearm through a private sale

For a private party transfer, Mass.gov says the private sale or transfer must be reported through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at or before the point of sale. The transaction record includes both parties and the firearm details.

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. During that 60-day window, you can legally possess the inherited firearm without a license. After 60 days, you need a valid License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID) to continue possessing it.

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. Mass.gov says you can obtain it through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal or by contacting your local firearms licensing officer.
  • Portal access: Use the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal / MIRCS Unified Gun Portal from the official Mass.gov transaction pages. Avoid saved third-party links or stale bookmarks.
  • 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. Start from Mass.gov Open the official Mass.gov page for recording a private firearms sale or registration, then follow its link to the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal / MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. This avoids stale bookmarks and unofficial URLs.
  2. Sign in to the portal Use the sign-in flow provided by the official state portal. Portal login procedures can change, so follow the current Mass.gov instructions on the day you file.
  3. Log in Once your account is verified and active, log in with your new credentials.
  4. Select the correct transaction workflow Choose the workflow that matches your situation, such as private sale or transfer, inheritance, personal manufacture, or new resident registration. Selecting the wrong type can create compliance problems that are difficult to fix.
  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

Mass.gov currently presents the state transaction system as the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal / MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. Because portal labels and login screens can change, begin from the official Mass.gov transaction pages instead of relying on old bookmarks.

  • 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.
  • Private transfers are point-of-sale reports: Mass.gov says private sales and transfers must be reported through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at or before the point of sale.
  • Other acquisition events are handled at the time of the event: For import, acquisition by other means, manufacture, or assembly, Mass.gov describes registration as due at the time of import, acquisition, manufacture, or assembly.
  • Lost or stolen firearms are different: The 7-day timing Mass.gov describes applies to reporting lost or stolen firearms, not to ordinary private-sale reporting.

If you are unsure whether a past transaction is recorded correctly, request your firearms transaction history or contact the Firearms Records Bureau before filing a duplicate record.

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 at the time of assembly. Mass.gov describes registration for a manufactured or assembled firearm as due at the time of manufacture or assembly through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

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.

This is the number one mistake. People submit the form, see the confirmation, and close the browser. Then they have no proof of when they registered. Always print or save the confirmation page as a PDF before navigating away. There is no guarantee you can retrieve it later.
Start from the official Mass.gov transaction pages and follow the current link to the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal / MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. Do not rely on old bookmarks or unofficial portal links.
Private sales and transfers are reported at or before the point of sale. Other qualifying acquisition, import, manufacture, or assembly events should be handled at the time of that event. Do not treat the lost-or-stolen 7-day rule as the deadline for ordinary transfers.
Under Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, every self-manufactured firearm must have a state-issued serial number. If you build a firearm and try to register it without a serial number, the registration will not go through. Apply for the serial number first, then register.
The portal offers several transaction types: private sale, inheritance, personal manufacture, and new resident. Choosing the wrong one can create a record that does not match your actual situation. If you realize you filed under the wrong type, contact the Firearms Records Bureau for guidance on how to correct it.

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.

Need help with your registration?

Stop by the shop and we will walk you through the process. If you are buying a firearm from us, we handle the eFA-10 for you as part of the sale.

Visit Our Shop in Tewksbury