How to Register a Firearm in Massachusetts: Step-by-Step on the New MIRCS Gun Portal

1 day ago

3 min read

Massachusetts moved firearm transactions onto the new MIRCS Unified Gun Portal, and the login now runs through MyMassGov. If you need to register a firearm — one you acquired out of state, moved into Massachusetts with, built yourself, or simply own that isn't already on file with the Firearms Records Bureau — this is the exact process, start to finish. It's not complicated once you've seen it.

Step 1 — Create or log into your MyMassGov account

Go to the Massachusetts Gun Portal and sign in with MyMassGov. Already have an account? Just log in. If not, click Create an Account.

Heads up: creating an account requires BOTH phone and email verification, so have an accessible email inbox and your phone ready — you'll enter codes sent to each.

MyMassGov login screen for the Massachusetts Gun Portal

Step 2 — Open the Firearms Transaction Portal (FA-10)

Once logged in you'll land on the Applications list (the main menu). Click Firearms Transaction Portal (FA-10).

MIRCS Applications list — select Firearms Transaction Portal (FA-10)

Step 3 — Choose Registration

Inside the FA-10 menu you'll see all the transaction types. Click Registration.

FA-10 transactions menu — select Registration

Step 4 — Confirm your firearms license

You'll be asked, "Do you have an active firearms license?" Click Yes and enter your information.

Do you have an active firearms license? Select Yes

Step 5 — Seller / Acquired Information (read this carefully)

This page trips people up. If you acquired a frame from a dealer — or manufactured the frame yourself — and are registering that frame as a pistol you built, the only field you fill out here is "Date Firearm Acquired." Leave everything else blank.

Why: in that scenario YOU are the manufacturer. Putting anyone else's name or business into the seller fields creates a mismatch in your paperwork. Only fill out the seller section when you're recording a direct private sale or transfer where a known individual handed the firearm to you.

Seller/Acquired Information — only Date Firearm Acquired is required when you are the manufacturer

Step 6 — Firearm Information

Fill in all the relevant fields for the firearm: type, make, model, serial number, caliber, barrel length, and finish.

When do you check "Large Capacity"? Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 140, § 121), check this box if the firearm is a "large capacity weapon" — generally meaning it is semiautomatic and capable of accepting (or can be readily modified to accept) a magazine or feeding device holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition (or more than 5 shotgun shells); OR it has a fixed feeding device over those limits; OR it uses a rotating cylinder that holds more than 10 rounds; OR it is defined as an assault weapon under Massachusetts law. In short: over 10 rounds (rifle/handgun) / over 5 shells (shotgun), or an assault weapon, means Large Capacity. If it meets none of those, leave it unchecked.

Firearm Information form with the Large Capacity checkbox

Step 7 — Review & Submit

Confirm every field is correct, check the attestation box, and click Submit. (The personal details below are blacked out for privacy — yours will show your own information.)

Review and submit registration screen with personal information redacted

Step 8 — Download your FA-10 (do NOT skip this)

IMPORTANT: Once you reach the FA-10 download screen, download the FA-10 before you leave that page. Once you navigate away, there is no way to retrieve your FA-10. Save it, back it up, and keep it with your records.

This guide is provided for general informational purposes by Bay State Surplus and is not legal advice. The MIRCS portal and Massachusetts firearms law can change — always follow the on-screen instructions and verify requirements with the portal, the applicable statute (M.G.L. c. 140), or your licensing authority. Questions? Stop in or give us a call.