I want to buy a firearm, but I don’t know my PIN or lost my PIN. How do I get it?
Fingerprints are no longer used as a verification method to purchase a firearm in Massachusetts and license holders now need to have their PIN number.
If you have lost your PIN or don’t know it, you can now retrieve the PIN number for your active license to carry (LTC), firearms identification (FID) card, or machine gun license through the DCJIS by calling (617) 660-4722 during the normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The following information is required:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Active LTC, FID card, or machine gun license number
- Driver’s license number (for identity verification)
I came in to purchase a firearm and was told I was “delayed” or "denied". What does that mean?
From the FBI’s NICS page:
A Delayed message from the NICS indicates the subject of a NICS background check has been matched with a similar name and similar descriptive information associated with a record containing a potential state or federal firearm prohibition. The NICS Section must obtain additional information before making a final determination of a Proceed or Denied for the firearm transfer. The NICS Section is afforded three business days in which to conduct this research. If the NICS Section is unable to provide either a Proceed or Denied response to the Federal Firearms Licensee within three business days, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 does not prohibit the Federal Firearms Licensee, or FFL, from transferring the firearm; however, the FFL is not required to do so.
You can appeal a denial or obtain a UPIN if you frequently get delayed. The process is outlined on the FBI’s Voluntary Appeals File webpage.
Can I buy a firearm as a gift for someone else?
Yes, you can buy a firearm as a gift for someone else as long as that person is not prohibited or unable to obtain a firearm on their own.
The instructions for Question 11a on the 4473, the federal background check form, state.
However, if Mr. Brown goes to buy a firearm with his own money to give Mr. Black as a present, Mr. Brown is the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm and should anser “YES” to questions 11.a. However, you may not transfer a firearm to any person you know or have reasonable cause to believe is prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), (n), or (s).
Is there a 3 or 7 day waiting period to buy a gun in Massachusetts?
No, there is not a waiting period in Massachusetts to purchase a firearm.
Massachusetts is part of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). As long as your NICS check comes back with a “proceed” status, you can purchase and leave with your firearm. The entire process typically takes around 15 minutes.
However, some people may have a 3 day wait. See the above question on being “delayed” when purchasing a firearm.
I hear the term “pre ban” a lot in Massachusetts when it comes to firearms. What does that mean?
Due to the “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws” in Massachusetts on August 1, 2024 we are currently reworking the answer to this question. Check back soon.
Where can I find the Massachusetts Approved Firearms Roster?
You can find it on the web page for the Executive Office of Public Safety.
Be sure to read the full introduction of the list where it talks about handguns also having to meet the Attorney General’s Handgun Sales Regulations.
Where can I find the Attorney General’s list of approved firearms?
No such list actually exists. The Attorney General’s office has put together a series of regulations that must be followed by gun dealers in Massachusetts and prevents the sale of certain handguns.
Do you offer firearms training?
Please see our Firearms Training page for the latest on this topic.
My relative passed away and left me one or more firearms in their will. Do I need to register those guns?
Yes. Massachusetts state law requires the registration of all transfers of firearms.
To register those firearms you can complete an electronic FA-10 form.
I am selling a firearm in a private sale. What do I need to do?
We have two thoughts the private sale of firearms.
If you are selling your firearm to someone you have little knowledge about, for example, someone from your local shooting club, an internet forum, etc., we recommend you perform that transfer at a gun dealer. A federally licensed firearms dealer will perform a background check on the person purchasing the gun. This will help ensure you are not selling your firearm to someone that is legally prevented from purchasing a gun.
If the person you are selling your gun to is a family member, close friend or someone you have intimate knowledge of and are confident they are not legally prohibited from purchasing firearms, you can use the Massachusetts Gun Transfer Portal to transfer (record the sale) of that firearm.
Individuals are allowed to perform up to sell 4 firearms per year in private sales. Any more than 4 and you are required to go through a dealer.
