501 CMR 20.00: Serialization of Firearms

Authority

G.L. c. 140, § 121C

Issuing Authority: Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (via DCJIS)
Regulatory Authority: G.L. c. 140, § 121C
MA REG. #1557, Dated 9/26/2025

Purpose and Scope (§ 20.01)

Establishes the electronic request process for firearms serial numbers from DCJIS. Applies to all firearms possessed, manufactured, or assembled in the Commonwealth, except those exempted by § 121C and § 20.12.

Definitions (§ 20.02)

Largely mirrors 501 CMR 19.02, with additions:

• Conspicuously: Placed in such a manner as to be wholly unobstructed from plain view.
• Permanently Embedded: Applied in such a way that cannot be easily or readily removed without destroying the part to which it is applied.
• Serialization: The process of conspicuously engraving, casting, or otherwise permanently embedding a unique serial number on a firearm.

Serial Number Request Process

MIRCS Portal (§§ 20.03-20.04)

All requests must be made via the MIRCS portal. Requires internet access, MIRCS account, and agreement to portal terms.

Request Submission (§ 20.05)

Serial number must be requested prior to manufacture or assembly.

Individual requestors must provide:
- Name, address, phone, email
- LTC or FID number
- Type of firearm, manufacturer name/address, model, caliber, barrel length
- Whether privately made; if so, means and manner of production

Dealer requestors must provide the same information (to the extent applicable), substituting dealer credentials and business location.

License Verification (§ 20.06)

DCJIS electronically verifies the requestor has an active, valid LTC, FID, or dealer license before issuing a serial number.

Issuance (§ 20.07)

• DCJIS provides the unique serial number via the MIRCS portal (email notification, then portal login to retrieve).
• No physical copies mailed.
• Issuance does not constitute a determination of legality. The serial number may not be used on a firearm illegal to possess in MA.

Time of Serialization (§ 20.08)

Physical Serialization Requirements (§ 20.09)

Metal Firearms - Serial number conspicuously engraved, cast, or permanently embedded on the frame or receiver - Placed so as not to be readily obliterated, altered, or removed - Depth: not less than .003 inches - Print size: not less than 1/16 inch

Non-Metal Firearms (e.g., 3D-printed) - Serial number engraved/cast/permanently embedded on a metal plate - Metal plate permanently embedded in the material of the frame or receiver

Modifications, Unused Numbers, and Transfers (§§ 20.10-20.11)

• Configuration changes during manufacture/assembly must be reported to DCJIS via MIRCS portal.
• If an assigned serial number is not used, the requestor must notify DCJIS.
• Serial numbers are non-transferable. Using an assigned number on a different firearm than identified in the request is expressly prohibited.

Exemptions (§ 20.12)

Serialization does not apply to:

• Firearms delivered to law enforcement for destruction
• Firearms possessed by common carriers during regular transport
• Firearms possessed by nonresidents lawfully traveling through MA
• US government property
• Firearms produced by federally licensed manufacturers not for sale in MA
• Firearms manufactured prior to October 22, 1968
• Firearms with an existing valid serial number (but must still register under 501 CMR 19.00)
• Any other lawful exemption in 501 CMR 19.00