It is important to note that the term firearm includes all types of guns and: “…the frame or receiver of any such firearm or the unfinished frame or receiver of any such firearm…”

The biggest question we get at GOAL on this matter is – Do I have to re-register the guns I currently own? Good question.

Prior to August 1, 2024, there was officially no registration mandate and no registry. Prior to that date it was only required to report transfers. Case in point, until now, new residents did not have to register their guns when they moved into the Commonwealth. It is well known that the state created a database from this data with no legal authority to do so. So, the question now is -  do i have to register guns I already own?

The only guidance from the state goes back to:

November 14, 2024 Guidance Letter from the Commonwealth 8a: If you have already registered your firearms on the current transaction portal, you will not have to re-register them when the new system goes live.

While it doesn’t say it, we believe they are referring to the online portal launched in March of 2015. This means that any transfers you reported prior to that is questionable as to whether they will appear on the new registry. For those who are old enough to remember the “blue cards” – good luck.

Even with the new digital state ID and the new “Unified Gun Portal” license holders cannot view what is currently registered in their name. The only current means to do so is to download this form and submit it with a $20 fee: https://www.mass.gov/doc/personal-search-request-form/download

It is important to note that if you acquire your list you will likely see guns on it that you may have sold/transferred in the past. This is because once a gun is in your name on the state database it forever stays in your name regardless of if you no longer own it. This has already caused problems in court when people must surrender their firearms for a variety of reasons. The court is going to look at the state’s records and demand you surrender everything on the list.

According to Chapter 135, any gun owner in possession of a firearm in Massachusetts has one year to comply once the system is made publicly available.

References:

 Chapter 140, Section 121 :"Firearm'', a stun gun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, large capacity firearm, assault-style firearm and machine gun, loaded or unloaded, which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a shot or bullet; the frame or receiver of any such firearm or the unfinished frame or receiver of any such firearm; provided, however, that "firearm'' shall not include any antique firearm or permanently inoperable firearm.

Chapter 140, Section 121B. (a)(1) The department of criminal justice information services shall develop and maintain a real time electronic firearms registration system. All firearms possessed, manufactured or assembled in the commonwealth shall be registered…

Chapter 140, Section 121B - Penalties

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section121B

          (e) Whoever fails to register a firearm in violation of subsection (a), or fails to report a transaction, loss or theft in violation of subsections (b) or (c) shall be punished as follows: (i) by a fine of not more than $1,000 for a first offense; (ii) by a fine of not more than $7,500 or imprisonment up to 6 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for a second offense; or (iii) by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for a third or subsequent offense. Failure to report shall also be a cause for suspension or permanent revocation of a person’s license, card or permit. 

SECTION 157 of Chapter 135. The department of criminal justice information services shall establish the electronic firearms registration system established pursuant to section 121B of chapter 140 of the General Laws, as inserted by section 32, not later than 1 year after the effective date of this act; provided, that all firearms shall be registered in accordance with this act and not later than 1 year after said electronic firearms registration system is completed and publicly available.