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Are you interested in getting into the gun business in Massachusetts? Do you want to know how to get your Massachusetts FFL? Are you overwhelmed by the seemingly heavy-handed government regulations and confusing laws and rules about being an FFL in Massachusetts? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!
If you are ready to find out how to get your Massachusetts FFL in 2021 then just keep reading.
We know Massachusetts is a bad place for gun owners and a worse place for FFL holders. That’s why we’ve written this quick guide to getting your Massachusetts FFL, so you have some idea of what it takes to get started there. Don’t worry about the anti-gun sentiments in Massachusetts though, FFL123 has helped people just like you get their FFL in even the most difficult states to do business in. So let’s take a look at what you need to get started!
As of June 2021, the ATF reported that there are a total of 3,973 FFLs in Massachusetts. In general, Massachusetts is a tricky state, with some places being gun-friendly and others (most, actually) being rabidly anti-gun. That means you have to tread carefully when getting your Massachusetts FFL and you need to make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row in order to get into – and stay in – business.
That’s where we come in. FFL123 is here to make sure you can get that Massachusetts FFL you want and deserve!
The very simple answer is: yes. If you plan on running a business that deals with firearms, you need to have an FFL. This isn’t a state requirement, but rather a Federal requirement. Speaking of which…
Before you can get a Massachusetts FFL, you have to meet some pretty simple Federal requirements. You absolutely must make sure all the following apply to you and any business partners before applying for an FFL in any state.
The ATF has pretty basic requirements to get an FFL. So basic, in fact, we’ll only glance at them.
To get an FFL, the ATF requires that you be a law-abiding US citizen or a permanent resident over 21 years of age who can legally own a firearm. Pretty simple stuff, really. The paperwork is annoying, and you have to demonstrate you are planning to operate a business, but that’s not too hard.
In a nutshell, to get a Massachusetts FFL you have to be:
Basically, you have to show the ATF that you are legally able to own a gun. As long as you can own a gun, you meet the minimal legal requirements to get an FFL. Of course, you also have to show that you can do business at your chosen location, but we’ll get to that.
You also have to submit fingerprint cards and other identifying information to your application. FFL123 customers get step-by-step guided assistance through this entire process.
Yes, you must be registered with the state as some kind of business to get an FFL in Massachusetts. You must be successfully licensed with the state and the local area in which you are doing business. You also have to operate in a correctly zoned area that matches the type of business you are doing.
In addition to your FFL, which will be issued by the Federal government, Massachusetts also requires you to obtain a state Firearms Dealers License. The completed application must be submitted to your local law enforcement agency or police department.
Massachusetts also requires that all transactions be recorded through the Massachusetts Instant Record Check System (MIRCS), which is their version of the NICS system.
Like many states, Massachusetts requires FFL holders to get a state license to sell guns as well. This license is required to sell guns, ammo or to perform gunsmithing services. It is largely redundant to an ATF-issued FFL, but there is a unique twist.
Massachusetts requires that prospective gun dealers also submit two written references. This old-fashioned holdover from days before adequate background check systems is the oddest part of the state license.
There are also strict regulations for where you can conduct business. Massachusetts requires all licensed activities to take place in a commercially zoned location that is not attached to the residence of the license holder. This effectively shuts down small home-based FFL’s but we’ll talk more about that in a minute.
Local zoning requirements are usually one of the biggest problems when applying for an FFL. Most importantly, you’ve got to be absolutely sure that the location you use as a base of operations allows for a firearms business.
In Massachusetts, this strictly excludes home operations. It is required by state law that all firearms businesses operate in a brick-and-mortar location of some kind, not in a residential area. This means that the common “kitchen table FFL” or “tabletop FFL” just isn’t possible in Massachusetts. Sorry. The only slight exception to this is a Type 03 FFL Curios and Relic License, but that’s specifically for collectors and not dealers.
All FFL holders have to be properly licensed where they are doing business. That means local zoning regulations have to be followed.
Massachusetts absolutely without exception prohibits home-based FFL’s. They do not allow FFL’s to operate out of their homes or even out of their garage or other buildings on their residential property. For good measure, they flat out ban all FFL activities other than 03 Curio and Relics license holders in residential areas.
That means you have to have a dedicated storefront in a commercially zoned location. You may face hostile treatment from local business licensing authorities depending on where you are trying to setup shop. Let’s face it, Massachusetts makes it tough to do business as an FFL and you should expect every sort of roadblock possible in some of the larger jurisdictions like Boston.
Fortunately, the FFL123 team of industry insiders and legal experts are here to help our customers navigate even the murkiest of waters, and will be with you every step of the way to ensure you get your FFL and can open up shop.
By now you’ve gone through Federal, state, and local requirements. Massachusetts is a tough nut to crack when it comes to getting an FFL and setting up shop. Local and state regulations are designed to inhibit the ability of FFL’s to do business, not encourage it.
In this sort of anti-gun environment, you’ll want to go above and beyond the bare minimum to do business. Consider getting a good security system, and learn about the finer points of doing business in Massachusetts.
There are also basic things to consider. What kind of fixtures should you get, how much of the background check and record-keeping process should you digitize? These are all things that have to be examined for each FFL holder for their best interest.
If you have questions or need help at this stage, FFL123 is here for you yet again!
On the Federal level, it costs between $30-$200 to get an FFL for the first three years. Each license type’s cost varies due to the different responsibilities they allow the licensee to perform. There are different kinds of licenses for selling a few handguns versus handling or making NFA items.
You’ll also incur a variety of different state and local costs, which will vary depending on where you’re located.
FFL123 customers enjoy a unique list of preferred vendors who have expressed a desire to do business with our customers. Many wholesalers require large accounts that some small FFL’s simply cannot manage. But we’ll show you where to get all the inventory you need, regardless of the size of your business.
We’ve briefly shown you how to get your Massachusetts FFL for 2020. Some parts are easy, some parts are annoying and some parts really require expert guidance if you want to get your business off to a good start.
FFL123 has been helping Americans just like you get the FFL they want and deserve. No matter if you are a home-based FFL or working towards getting a SOT to build NFA items or anything in between, we’re here for you. For almost 2 decades, FFL123 has been driven to provide the best FFL application service. We are here for you every step of the way, and provide guidance even after you get your FFL.
Are you ready to take the plunge? The best time to apply for an FFL was yesterday. The next best time is right now! Click here and choose the application kit that is right for you, or drop us a line and we’ll help you pick the right one. What are you waiting for? Join the thousands of satisfied Americans who have used FFL123 to get their FFL!
Information for Firearms Dealers: Massachusetts provides detailed information geared toward what is required of firearm dealers in the state.
Starting a New Massachusetts Business: This website will help you navigate everything you need for starting your business in the state.
Massachusetts Firearms Dealer Application: This is a state-specific application that you must complete to be an FFL in Massachusetts.
How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee in 10 Easy Steps: This is the ATF’s own guide to getting your FFL.
US Code § 923: Federal US Code § 923 covers regulations for the import, manufacture, and dealing of firearms and ammunition. This is the law that requires firearms businesses to get an FFL.
US CFR § 478.47 – Issuance of License: This explains how a Federal Firearms License is issued, including who must assign the license number. It requires the ATF to qualify applicants based on a predetermined list of requirements and to issue Federal Firearms Licenses. If a correct FFL application has been submitted, the Chief of the Federal Firearms Licensing Center must issue the license and assign a serial number to the licensee.
Gun Control Act (GCA): The GCA of 1968 established stricter laws on the firearms industry than were already present in the NFA of 1934. This included new regulations regarding firearms offenses, firearms/ammunition sales to “prohibited persons,” and federal jurisdiction for “destructive devices” (bombs, grenades, mines, etc.) These are just some of the things that were created with the GCA.
Truth be told, we’d like a world where any law-abiding American could easily get into the gun business. But we don’t live in that world. We know this, and so does our staff of industry insiders and legal experts. FFL123 has assembled a staff that is dedicated to helping our customers cut through the red tape of getting an FFL.
When you purchase an FFL123 guide, you aren’t just buying a comprehensive step-by-step guide to applying for an FFL. You are also getting decades of combined industry and legal experience that is there when you need it the most.
Every FFL123 customer is entitled to direct, one-on-one customer support for their specific problems in getting an FFL. When you do business with FFL123, we back you up until you get your FFL. In fact, we go beyond that, and keep backing you up for as long as you are in business! Our customers get ongoing support for everything from finding suppliers to keeping abreast with the latest changes in gun laws and regulations.
With just a couple of easy clicks, you can start your journey to your Massachusetts FFL today. Rest easy knowing that you aren’t cast adrift with confusing federal and state paperwork, or left alone to figure out how to fill out and file seemingly conflicting forms. FFL123 is here for you along your entire journey from choosing the FFL that’s right for you, to your first day of business and everything in between.
Are you ready to get your Massachusetts FFL? Choose the guide that is right for you. Not sure which one you need? No problem! Just ask and we’ll help you with that too. What are you waiting for? The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy all the benefits of an FFL!
Find the latest list of Florida gun dealer’s name, email id, phone number and address. You can easily contact the gun dealers. Click here to see class 3 gun dealers in Massachusetts.
I have started the FFL process of signing up with your recommend FFL Dealer only wholesalers, a process which would not be possible without the help of ffl123. Thanks Brandon for a very helpful and insightful program! Made the federal firearms license process very doable and straight ...
Selling guns using the ffl info and dealer connections we got from FFL123. Your wholesaler list was excellent! FFL Dealer License Success!!!
Thanks for the great FFL kit and the fast replies to my requests. We were able to get our FFL license in less than 65 day. Will definitely recommend you to others thinking of getting into this business. FFL License in Massachusetts is always hard, as you know!
Hi Brandon, every website I read and everyone I talked to said an FFL license based from your home was illegal in Massachusetts. I just wanted to let you know that my home ATF visit went great today and the local ATF agent has forwarded my ffl application to the licensing department. ...