Shipping firearms can be difficult due to detailed regulations and restrictions. Individuals who sell, manufacture, import, or repair firearms — also known as dealers — must hold a Federal Firearms License or FFL.
Ultimately, the most accessible carrier is USPS, unless you are shipping to or from a licensed manufacturer or a form of military or law enforcement.
Below are some guidelines for shipping firearms and ammunition, along with notes related to specific shippers. We encourage you to review the specific shipper’s web site as shippers have different guidelines.
You must ship to an FFL holder:
Federal law requires all modern firearms be shipped to a holder of a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL). Any person who is legally allowed to own a firearm is legally allowed to ship it to an FFL holder for any legal purpose (including sale or resale).
Here is what the ATF “Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide”‘ (ATF P 5300.4) says:
B9) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by carrier to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 178.31, 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]
(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state. The Postal Service recommends that longguns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms.[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]
The section of the US Code governing modern firearms is called Commerce in Firearms and Ammunition (CFA). This code is available online: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_09/27cfr478_09.html
When in doubt, we suggest arranging for transfer through a licensed dealer. Violation of the CFA is a felony, and penalties for violation are severe.
If you do not have a Federal Firearms License:
Any shipper who does not have an FFL is considered to be an unlicensed person. Unlicensed persons must ship modern firearms to a licensed FFL dealer only. If the buyer is not licensed, they will need to make arrangements to have the item shipped to a licensed FFL dealer in their state.
Before you ship a gun, the buyer must fax or mail you a copy of the dealer’s signed FFL license. You can only ship the gun to the address on the license. You should take the copy of the signed FFL with you when you take the item to be shipped in case the shipper wants to see it.
Antique firearms:
Antique firearms need not be shipped to a licensed dealer. They can be shipped directly to the buyer. Click here for a definition of Antique firearms.
Click here for C&R policy – Why are C&Rs not accepted for the Dealer Network
Knives, air guns, accessories, and most gun parts:
These items need not be shipped to an FFL holder. Note, however, that each firearm contains at least one part the ATF considers a firearm, typically the part containing the serial number. This part must be treated as a complete firearm when shipping the item.
Ammunition:
Ammunition must be shipped separately from packages which contain firearms (including handguns). Special labeling is required. Some shippers treat ammunition as dangerous or hazardous materials. Guidelines vary by carrier, so please check directly with the carrier for specific details. Ammunition CAN NOT be shipped through the USPS.
Shipping Firearms with USPS
US Mail – unlicensed persons:
- Unlicensed persons can ship a rifle or shotgun by US Mail.
- Unlicensed persons cannot ship a handgun by US Mail. Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (for example, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles) are defined as handguns.
- Postal regulations allow the Post Office to open your package for inspection.
- Ammunition cannot be shipped by US Mail.
You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition (Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Matter).
- Licensed persons can ship rifles, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest you use the USPS, as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun.
- To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office the package contains a firearm.
- A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped.
You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations.
Shipping Firearms with FedEx
FedEx will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968 between certain areas served in the US.
- Licensed importers
- Licensed manufacturers
- Licensed dealers
- Licensed collectors
- Law enforcement agencies of the U.S., any department or agency
- Law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency, or political subdivisions thereof.
When shipping, the person shipping the firearm is required to notify FedEx that the shipment contains a firearm.
Shipping Firearms with UPS
UPS has special restrictions on who individuals can ship firearms to and who an individual can receive them from. Currently, shipping and receiving are limited to:
- Licensed Importers
- Licensed Manufacturers
- Licensed Dealers
- Licensed Collectors
Only the above-licensed personnel can use UPS to ship firearms to government agencies. In addition, these transactions are subject to federal, state, and local law.
- UPS Scheduled Pickup Account
- UPS Customer Center using the following services:
- US Next Day Air Services, specifically
- UPS Next Day Air® Early
- UPS Next Day Air®
