Mailing Firearms: Rules And Regulations

Nick Leason

-Oct 11, 2025

Can you mail firearms? The short answer is yes, but with significant restrictions governed by federal and state laws. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to ship a firearm legally within the United States. This guide breaks down who can ship, what types of firearms are permissible, and the complex process involved.

Key Takeaways

Federal Law: Generally, only licensed dealers (FFLs) can mail handguns. Individuals can mail long guns (rifles and shotguns) to another individual in their state or to an FFL out-of-state.
State Laws: Many states have additional restrictions or outright bans on mail-order firearms, which must be adhered to.
Carrier Policies: Major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS have specific rules and prohibitions regarding shipping firearms.
Declaration: Firearms must be declared to the carrier, and all packages must be shipped via specific methods.
Verification: Proper identification and background checks are required when shipping firearms to individuals.

Introduction

The ability to mail firearms is a topic surrounded by legal complexities and misconceptions. While the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms, federal and state laws, along with carrier policies, dictate how these firearms can be transported, including via mail. This article clarifies the conditions under which individuals and licensed dealers can ship firearms, the essential legal requirements, and the practical steps involved. We will explore who is permitted to ship, the types of firearms that can be mailed, the critical regulations that must be followed, and the potential pitfalls to avoid.

What Are the Rules for Mailing Firearms?

The regulations surrounding mailing firearms are primarily governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) and subsequent amendments. These laws differentiate between individuals and Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, as well as between handguns and long guns (rifles and shotguns).

Federal Regulations: Who Can Ship What?

1. Licensed Dealers (FFLs):

Handguns: FFLs can mail handguns via USPS to other FFLs. They can also ship handguns via common carrier (like FedEx or UPS) to another FFL, provided the receiving FFL is authorized to possess such firearms.
Long Guns: FFLs can mail long guns to non-FFLs in other states, provided the recipient is legally permitted to own the firearm. They can also ship to other FFLs.

2. Individuals (Non-FFLs):

Handguns: Federal law prohibits individuals from mailing handguns via USPS. They can ship handguns via a common carrier (FedEx, UPS) ONLY to an FFL in the recipient's state of residence. The firearm must be unloaded, and proper procedures must be followed.
Long Guns: Individuals can mail rifles and shotguns via USPS to another individual residing in the same state, provided both parties are legally allowed to possess firearms. If shipping to another state, the rifle or shotgun must be mailed to an FFL holder.

Key Federal Law: Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(2)(B) and 922(d)(1) are central to these regulations.

State and Local Laws

Beyond federal statutes, each state and often local jurisdictions have their own laws regarding the purchase, possession, and transfer of firearms. These laws can be more restrictive than federal ones. For instance:

Some states prohibit private citizens from shipping firearms directly to other private citizens, even long guns within the same state.
Many states require shipped firearms to be received by an FFL holder, regardless of sender status.
Certain states have restrictions on the types of firearms that can be shipped into or out of their borders (e.g., assault weapon bans).

It is imperative to research the specific laws of both the shipping and receiving states before attempting to mail a firearm.

Carrier Policies

Major shipping carriers have their own internal policies that often exceed federal requirements:

USPS (United States Postal Service): USPS generally prohibits mailing handguns. Rifles and shotguns can be mailed by FFLs and non-FFLs under specific conditions (unloaded, legally permissible, and only to residents within the state or to an FFL out-of-state). All firearm shipments must be declared.
FedEx: FedEx permits FFLs to ship firearms. Individuals can ship firearms (unloaded) only to an FFL in the recipient's state. Specific packaging and declaration requirements apply.
UPS: Similar to FedEx, UPS allows FFLs to ship firearms. Individuals can ship firearms (unloaded) to an FFL in the recipient's state. They also have strict guidelines on packaging and declaration.

Always consult the latest policies directly from the carrier's website or customer service before shipping.

Why Are There Restrictions on Mailing Firearms?

The primary reason for the strict regulations on mailing firearms stems from public safety concerns and the desire to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The historical context of firearm regulation in the U.S. emphasizes control over interstate commerce of weapons.

Preventing Illegal Diversion

Regulations aim to ensure that firearms are transferred only between individuals who are legally permitted to own them. By requiring shipments, especially of handguns, to go through FFLs, law enforcement and regulatory bodies can track the chain of possession and perform necessary background checks. This process helps prevent stolen firearms from being trafficked and reduces the risk of firearms reaching prohibited persons (e.g., convicted felons, domestic abusers).

Ensuring Compliance with Transfer Laws

Federal law requires a background check (through an FFL) for the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals in different states. Mailing a firearm directly to another individual out-of-state without involving an FFL bypasses this critical safeguard. The requirement for FFL involvement ensures that the recipient's eligibility to own a firearm is verified.

State Sovereignty and Public Safety

States have a vested interest in regulating firearms within their borders to ensure public safety. Federal laws acknowledge this by allowing states to enact stricter regulations. The restrictions on mailing firearms allow states to maintain control over how weapons enter and are transferred within their jurisdiction, aligning with their specific public safety goals.

Historical Context

The Gun Control Act of 1968 was enacted in response to rising gun violence. It significantly tightened federal regulations on firearms, including interstate transfers and mail order sales. Subsequent laws have further refined these rules, reflecting an ongoing societal debate about gun control and responsible firearm ownership.

How to Legally Mail a Firearm

Shipping a firearm legally requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and the Recipient's Eligibility

Your Status: Are you an individual or an FFL holder? This dictates your options.
Recipient's Status: Is the recipient an individual or an FFL holder? Where do they reside?
Legality: Ensure both you and the recipient are legally permitted to own and possess the type of firearm you intend to ship. Research state and local laws thoroughly.

Step 2: Confirm Firearm Type and Destination

Handgun vs. Long Gun: Rules differ significantly.
Intrastate vs. Interstate: Shipping within your state might have different rules than shipping to another state.
Destination: Are you shipping to an individual or an FFL?

Step 3: Understand Carrier Restrictions

Choose a carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS) that allows the type of shipment you need to make.
Review their specific policies regarding declared shipments, packaging, and prohibited items.

Step 4: Prepare the Firearm

Unload: The firearm MUST be unloaded.
Secure: Place the firearm in a suitable, locked case or container. Many carriers require hard-sided, locked cases for firearms.
Package: Place the locked case inside a sturdy outer box. Ensure the packaging meets carrier requirements.

Step 5: Declare the Shipment

Inform the Carrier: You must declare that you are shipping a firearm. This is not optional.
FFL: If you are an FFL shipping to another FFL, follow the specific procedures for FFL-to-FFL shipments.
Individual: If you are an individual shipping a long gun within your state, or to an FFL out-of-state, you must inform the shipping agent. Be prepared to show identification and potentially proof of eligibility.

Step 6: Complete Necessary Paperwork

FFL Shipments: These typically involve specific forms (e.g., ATF Form 4473 for the receiving FFL).
Individual Shipments: You may need to provide identification. The receiving FFL will handle their required paperwork for any firearm shipped to them.

Step 7: Shipping Insurance and Tracking

Consider purchasing shipping insurance for the value of the firearm.
Always use a shipping method that provides tracking information so you can monitor the package's progress.

Example Scenario: Individual Shipping a Rifle to Another State

Check Laws: Verify that both your state and the recipient's state allow this type of transfer, and that the recipient can legally own the rifle.
Choose Carrier: Select FedEx or UPS, as USPS has restrictions.
Prepare: Unload the rifle. Secure it in a locked hard case, then place the case in a sturdy outer box.
Declare: Inform the FedEx/UPS agent that you are shipping a rifle. Provide your identification.
Recipient: The rifle must be shipped to a licensed FFL in the recipient's state. The recipient will then complete the transfer paperwork and background check at their local FFL.

Example Scenario: FFL Shipping a Handgun to Another FFL

Verify: Confirm the receiving FFL is licensed and authorized to receive the handgun.
Prepare: Unload the handgun and secure it in a suitable package according to USPS or common carrier regulations for FFLs.
Declare: Declare the shipment as a firearm to the carrier (USPS for this scenario).
Paperwork: Ensure all required FFL documentation accompanies the shipment or is handled electronically between FFLs.

Examples and Use Cases

Understanding the practical application of these rules can clarify common scenarios: — Sean William Devoise: Biography, Career, & More

1. Moving to a New State

If you are moving and need to transport your firearms, you generally cannot simply mail them to yourself at your new address. If you are an individual moving out of state, you typically must:

Ship handguns (unloaded) to an FFL in your new state of residence. You will then retrieve them from the FFL after completing the necessary paperwork and background check.
Long guns can sometimes be mailed directly to an FFL in the new state, or if allowed by both states and carrier, potentially to yourself via a method that complies with all laws.
Alternatively, you can transport firearms personally, following state and federal laws for transportation.

2. Gifting a Firearm

Gifting a firearm across state lines is treated as a transfer and usually requires FFL involvement. An individual cannot simply mail a handgun or even a long gun to a friend in another state. The process must involve:

The sender ships the firearm to an FFL in the recipient's state.
The recipient picks up the firearm from the FFL, completes the necessary paperwork (including a background check via ATF Form 4473), and pays any transfer fees.

3. Buying from an Out-of-State Seller

If you purchase a firearm from an individual seller in another state, the seller cannot legally mail it directly to you if you are not an FFL. The firearm must be shipped by the seller to an FFL in your state of residence. You will then pick it up from the FFL after undergoing the required background check and completing the ATF Form 4473.

4. Selling a Firearm Locally

If you sell a firearm to someone within your own state:

Handguns: Cannot be mailed by individuals. They must be transferred in person, often through an FFL, depending on state law.
Long Guns: Depending on state law and carrier policy, an individual might be able to mail a long gun to another individual within the same state. However, many prefer or are required to conduct the transfer through an FFL for safety and legal certainty.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Navigating the rules for mailing firearms can be complex. Adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors is essential.

Best Practices

Know the Law: Always be up-to-date on federal, state, and local firearm laws, as well as carrier policies. Ignorance is not a valid defense.
Use an FFL When in Doubt: If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, involving an FFL is the safest route. They are experts in firearm transfers.
Declare Everything: Never attempt to conceal the nature of the shipment. Honesty and transparency with the carrier are paramount.
Document Everything: Keep records of the shipment, including tracking numbers, receipts, and any correspondence with the sender/recipient.
Verify Recipient: Ensure the recipient is legally allowed to possess the firearm, especially when shipping to another individual within your state.

Common Mistakes

Shipping Handguns via USPS: Individuals cannot mail handguns via USPS. Even FFLs must follow specific rules.
Shipping Directly to Individuals Out-of-State: Bypassing an FFL for interstate transfers is illegal.
Failing to Declare: Not informing the carrier that a firearm is being shipped is a serious violation.
Improper Packaging: Not using a locked case or secure outer packaging can lead to rejection or penalties.
Ignoring State Laws: Assuming federal law is sufficient without checking specific state regulations is a common and costly mistake.
Shipping Prohibited Firearms: Attempting to ship firearms that are illegal in the destination state (e.g., certain types of rifles or magazines) can lead to severe penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I mail a handgun to a friend in another state?

A1: No. Federal law prohibits individuals from mailing handguns via USPS. You can ship handguns via common carrier (FedEx/UPS) ONLY to a licensed FFL in the recipient's state of residence. The recipient must then complete the transfer paperwork and background check at the FFL.

Q2: Can I mail a rifle to my son in another state as a gift?

A2: Generally, no, not directly to your son. You must ship the rifle to an FFL in your son's state of residence. Your son will then pick it up from the FFL after completing the required background check and paperwork.

Q3: What if I'm moving and want to mail my guns to my new house?

A3: You typically cannot mail firearms directly to your new residence if it's out-of-state. Handguns must go to an FFL in your new state. Long guns may have slightly more flexibility but still usually require shipment to an FFL or personal transport, adhering strictly to both states' laws.

Q4: Do I have to tell the shipping company I'm mailing a gun?

A4: Yes. All firearm shipments must be declared to the carrier. Failure to declare can result in severe penalties, including fines and loss of shipping privileges. — Automotive Batteries: Hazard Class Explained

Q5: Can I ship a firearm unloaded?

A5: Yes, firearms must be unloaded when shipped. Many carriers also require them to be in a locked case, and the outer packaging must be properly addressed and marked according to regulations.

Q6: How does an FFL ship a firearm?

A6: Licensed FFLs have specific regulations they must follow. They can ship handguns via USPS to another FFL. Both handguns and long guns can be shipped via common carriers (FedEx/UPS) to other FFLs or, in the case of long guns, to non-FFLs (provided the recipient is legally allowed to own it). All shipments must be declared and properly packaged. — Las Vegas Weather Forecast: October Guide

Conclusion and Call to Action

Mailing firearms is permissible under specific, stringent federal and state laws, as well as carrier policies. The core principle is ensuring firearms are transferred legally and safely, primarily through licensed dealers (FFLs) for interstate transactions and for handguns. Individuals have limited options, typically restricted to shipping long guns within their state or to an FFL out-of-state.

Before shipping any firearm, thoroughly research the laws of both the origin and destination states, understand the policies of your chosen carrier, and ensure the firearm is unloaded and properly packaged. When in doubt, always consult with a licensed FFL dealer or legal counsel specializing in firearm law.

If you need to ship a firearm, ensure you understand all federal, state, and carrier regulations. For expert guidance and to ensure compliance, contact a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer to assist with your shipment.

Last updated: July 24, 2024, 10:00 UTC