Can I mail my own gun to myself?
Asked by: Kaden Metz | Last update: February 24, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)
Yes, you can mail your own firearm to yourself, but rules vary by gun type (handgun vs. long gun) and carrier, requiring careful adherence to federal, state, and local laws, especially for interstate shipping where you often ship to yourself "in care of" someone at the destination for lawful activities like hunting. Long guns (rifles/shotguns) have more options via USPS, while handguns must go through a licensed dealer (FFL) for interstate transport, often requiring carriers like UPS, and all shipments must be unloaded, securely packed without identifying markings, and only opened by you.
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 mail a firearm 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.
Can an individual ship a firearm through 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.
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.
How To Mail Your Gun Legally and Safely
Can I have my gun shipped to me?
In almost all cases, it is not legal to receive a gun at your home or transfer a gun across state lines without the involvement of a dealer. Having an FFL dealer receive your online purchase is what keeps this process secure, safe, and legal.
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.
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 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.
Can I ship my firearm to myself for use 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.
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.
What items cannot be shipped by FedEx?
FedEx prohibits many items, including weapons, narcotics, cash, live animals, human remains, hazardous materials (explosives, corrosives, flammables), illegal/counterfeit goods, and certain foods/perishables, with specific restrictions varying by country and service, requiring you to check FedEx's global/country lists for details on dangerous goods, high-value items (art, jewelry, bullion), and items like tobacco, batteries, and liquids that need special handling or approval.
Can a firearm be shipped via UPS?
UPS Services for Your Firearm Products Shipment
Handguns, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921, will be accepted for transportation only via UPS Next Day Air Services, specifically: UPS Next Day Air® Early. UPS Next Day Air.
Will moving companies ship firearms?
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 I ship a firearm 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.
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.
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 you mail a gun as a gift?
The U.S. Postal Service recommends that long guns 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. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
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.
Does FedEx Xray all packages?
Yes, FedEx requires a government-issued ID before shipping a package. This practice is meant to prevent fraud. Does FedEx X-ray all packages? No, FedEx doesn't X-ray all packages before shipping.
What is the purple rule of FedEx?
The FedEx Purple Promise is the company's core service philosophy: "I will make every FedEx experience outstanding," a commitment to exceptional customer service, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement, symbolized by the color purple representing shared values and the company's brand. It's a guiding principle for all team members, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and dedication to customer satisfaction, reinforced through programs like the Purple Promise Quality Award (PPQA) for exceptional performance.
What will disqualify you from FedEx?
FedEx disqualifications often stem from serious criminal offenses (theft, fraud, violent crimes), recent DUIs or poor driving records for driving roles, unresolved major medical issues (especially for drivers), failed drug/alcohol tests, or significant inconsistencies/red flags in your background check, with the specific rules varying by role and location. While some misdemeanors might not disqualify you, especially if old, violent or fraud-related crimes are major barriers.
Can a gun be shipped from one state to another?
Yes. A Firearms Shipment Approval number is required for each shipment/transfer of firearms to a California FFL.
How does ShipMyGun work?
Shipping your gun through ShipMyGun.com is quick and easy! We send you a prepaid label and even a shipping box in some cases, and provide you all the information on where to drop off your package—all for one low price. We ship thousands of guns a year, so we can offer the best possible rates on firearm shipments!
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.