Can a gun be shipped from one state to another?
Asked by: Aditya Kulas | Last update: March 3, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (18 votes)
Yes, a gun can be shipped from one state to another, but it's strictly regulated: handguns must go through a licensed dealer (FFL), while long guns (rifles/shotguns) can sometimes be shipped directly to yourself or an FFL, but must still follow carrier rules (like USPS for long guns) and state laws, often requiring a FFL for final transfer, with NFA items needing prior ATF approval, and all shipments requiring careful packaging and adherence to federal and state laws.
Can you ship a gun to a different state?
A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another state. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of their own state or to a licensee in any state.
Can firearms be shipped through the USPS?
Yes, you can ship firearms through USPS, but with strict regulations: unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable by individuals (within the same state or to a licensee, with no marking on the outside), while handguns are generally restricted to licensees (manufacturers, dealers, government agents) and require specific affidavits, though a recent DOJ opinion found an old ban unconstitutional, creating uncertainty. All shipments must be unloaded, securely packaged without indicating contents, and comply with all federal and state laws, often requiring a carrier like UPS or FedEx for handguns if you're a non-licensee.
Do I have to tell UPS I'm shipping a firearm?
Yes, you must verbally declare that you are shipping a firearm (unloaded) when dropping it off at a UPS Customer Center (not a UPS Store), as private individuals generally cannot ship firearms via UPS unless using a licensed dealer's contract, and you must provide ID, with delivery requiring an adult signature; otherwise, it's against policy and potentially illegal for individuals, with long guns sometimes shippable via USPS with specific procedures, but handguns are restricted.
Can you order guns online and have them shipped?
Firearms cannot be ordered online (except for antique firearms) and shipped directly to the buyer. This is isn't California specific, it's federal law.
Can I Buy a Gun In Another State? In-Person Interstate Firearm Transfers and Purchases.
What carrier will ship firearms?
Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and the USPS all ship firearms, but with strict federal regulations, requiring FFL (Federal Firearms License) involvement for most transactions, especially handguns and interstate shipments; private individuals generally can't ship handguns via common carriers, while FFLs have specific agreements, and the USPS allows licensed individuals to send rifles/shotguns but not handguns (unless via specific FFL channels).
Can firearms be shipped by FedEx?
The FedEx Service Guide prohibits firearm shipments. However, customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) may work with their FedEx account executive to obtain approval to ship firearms with FedEx. This will require customers holding an FFL to execute a FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement.
How do firearms get shipped?
UPS will allow you to ship both rifles and handguns, but not machine guns. The US Postal Service will only allow rifles and shotguns to be shipped. FedEx will allow any types of guns to be shipped so long as they are shipped to the appropriate person.
Can you ship a gun as a gift?
You can only ship a handgun by common carrier (but not U.S. mail) and a long gun by U.S. mail or common carrier to a federally licensed retailer, but not to a non-licensed individual in another state. With all carriers, federal law requires you to declare that your package contains an unloaded firearm.
Do I need to declare a gun when shipping?
To prevent theft, your parcel should NOT have any visible markings that it contains a firearm. Declaring. To comply with federal law, you MUST declare when a package contains a firearm. That means you should complete the carrier's firearm declaration form.
Can a gun be transported across state lines?
Yes. A person who lawfully possesses a firearm may transport or ship the firearm interstate when changing their state of residence. If using a moving company, you must notify the mover that firearms are being transported.
Can you carry a gun that is not in your name?
In many states, the law does not require firearms to be registered, which means that even if a gun is not registered to you, you may still legally possess and carry it if you meet specific criteria. However, it is crucial to ensure that the firearm is not stolen and that you have the owner's permission to carry it.
Can I give my son one of my guns?
Yes. However, persons less than 18 years of age may only receive and possess handguns with the written permission of a parent or guardian for limited purposes, e.g., employment, ranching, farming, target practice or hunting.
How much is a typical gun transfer fee?
A typical gun transfer fee (FFL transfer) usually ranges from $20 to $75, but can be higher depending on the dealer, location, firearm type, and membership status, with costs covering the dealer's time, handling, and mandatory background checks. For example, you might see $40-$50 for standard handguns/long guns plus a background check fee (often $10-$35), while NFA items (like suppressors) have much higher fees, sometimes $100-$190 plus the tax stamp.
Can I ship my gun to myself in another state?
Yes. A person may ship a firearm to him or herself in care of another person in the state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner “in the care of” the out–of–state resident.
Do I have to tell UPS I'm shipping a firearm?
Yes, you must verbally declare that you are shipping a firearm (unloaded) when dropping it off at a UPS Customer Center (not a UPS Store), as private individuals generally cannot ship firearms via UPS unless using a licensed dealer's contract, and you must provide ID, with delivery requiring an adult signature; otherwise, it's against policy and potentially illegal for individuals, with long guns sometimes shippable via USPS with specific procedures, but handguns are restricted.
Can firearms be shipped through the US mail?
Yes, you can mail a gun in the U.S., but rules vary significantly by carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx), firearm type (rifle/shotgun vs. handgun), and sender/recipient (individual vs. FFL licensee), with private individuals generally restricted to sending long guns (rifles/shotguns) via USPS within their own state or to an FFL, while handguns almost always require common carriers like UPS/FedEx and must go through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, with strict declarations of contents and signature requirements.
What is the best carrier to ship guns?
When in doubt, work through a local FFL dealer. Understand Interstate vs. Intrastate: Shipping across state lines always requires an FFL at the receiving end for handguns. Choose the Right Carrier: UPS and FedEx allow certain handgun shipments, while USPS only accepts shipments from FFLs and other authorized shippers.
Does the USPS check packages for guns?
The Postal Service may require the mailer to open packages containing firearms or air guns or give written certification that the weapon is unloaded and not concealable. Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable.
Can you ship firearms via UPS or FedEx on Reddit?
I mean right now you have to pay an FFL to ship a pistol or do it secretly (I don't recommend doing this but it happens all the time). UPS and Fedex don't allow firearms at all now unless the shipper has an FFL and a special account. This was not the case a few years ago.
Does UPS transport firearms?
Shipments containing Firearm Products are accepted for transportation only from shippers who are federally licensed and have an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of Firearm Products.
Do you have to register inherited firearms?
Yes, you often have to register inherited firearms, but it depends heavily on your state and local laws, as federal law generally doesn't require registration for standard firearms, only certain NFA items like machine guns or silencers. Some states, like California and Hawaii, require registration for most inherited guns, while others, like Florida, generally don't, though you must still follow federal rules and your state's licensing/permit requirements for possession.
Is it illegal to keep a gun you found?
If a real firearm is simply lying on the ground, it's likely that it was used in a crime, so don't touch it, move it or disturb the area in any way. Depending on the state, if the firearm is clear and the legal owner cannot be found, a “finders keepers” law may apply, where you can claim ownership.
Can you give guns to friends?
Yes, you can buy a gun as a gift for a friend, but it must be a bona fide gift (no reimbursement, genuinely your money) and the friend must legally qualify to own a firearm; additionally, many states require the transfer to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) for a background check, even for gifts, so you must follow all federal and state laws, which vary significantly.
How many acres to shoot on your property?
The parcel should also be a minimum of 40 acres, although simple home handgun ranges require less acreage. If your goal is long-range shooting, the number goes up, with 500 acres being the minimum land you should look for to ensure success and safety.