Do guns get shipped to your house?

Asked by: Claudia Mosciski  |  Last update: July 15, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (50 votes)

No, in the United States, you cannot have new, modern firearms shipped directly to your house. They must be shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), such as a local gun store, where you will complete a background check and paperwork (ATF Form 4473) to legally take possession.

Can you own a gun on methadone?

One such prohibition, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), forbids any person "who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance" from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Can you order a gun and have it shipped to you?

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 firearms be shipped through the US mail?

Yes, firearms can be shipped through the US Mail, but with strict limitations as of May 2026. While long guns (rifles/shotguns) are generally mailable by individuals, handguns are typically restricted to licensed dealers (FFLs), though a proposed rule change is currently under review to potentially allow wider, secure mailing of handguns.

Can you get a gun barrel shipped to your house?

Yes, in most U.S. states, you can have a gun barrel shipped directly to your house because it is considered a firearm part rather than a complete firearm. However, this does not apply to California, where new laws prohibit direct-to-home shipping of barrels, effective January 1, 2026.

MAILING YOUR GUNS: What You Need To Know

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What race had guns first?

The Chinese were the first to have guns, developing the earliest firearms in the 10th century following their invention of gunpowder.

What is the most heavily armed state in America?

The answer depends on how you measure it: 

Do I have to tell UPS I'm shipping a firearm?

If you're shipping firearm products, you'll need to open a dedicated account and provide us with licenses and a signed UPS agreement. Log in to your profile and we'll walk you through the process.

Will FedEx ship firearms?

Yes, FedEx will ship firearms, but only if you hold a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) or are a government agency. Non-licensed individuals are strictly prohibited from shipping firearms through FedEx.

Can I mail my firearm to myself?

Federal law states that you may ship it to yourself to a location where you will be hunting or engaged in other lawful activities. The gun must be legal to possess in the state where you are shipping it.

What guns can be shipped?

Non-licensees may ship rifles and shotguns through USPS but may not ship handguns through USPS (18 U.S.C. § 1715). Non-licensees may ship handguns and long guns via UPS or FedEx to an FFL. No one may ship a firearm to a non-licensee in another state — all interstate transfers must go through an FFL.

What does "Mexican carry" mean?

"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.

Can guns be sold on Amazon?

No, Amazon does not sell real firearms (handguns, shotguns, or rifles) or ammunition. Federal law requires these to be shipped through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), which Amazon does not do.

Can I own a gun if I take Adderall?

The criminal penalties for possession of Adderall and a firearm in California are two to four years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000.00, or a combination of both. Additionally, there are collateral penalties that come with being convicted of possessing a firearm and Adderall simultaneously.

What is red flagged at pharmacy?

Red flag is a DEA term describing “circumstances surrounding a prescription that cause a pharmacist to take pause, including signs of diversion or the potential for patient harm.” The DEA says: The presence of a red flag itself does not mean that a pharmacist cannot fill a prescription.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in the US?

Under federal law, a person is generally prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms if, among other things, they have been convicted of certain crimes or become subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

Which carrier loses the most packages?

In the United States, USPS physically loses the highest total volume of packages because it handles the greatest number of shipments overall (billions annually). However, FedEx has historically shown a higher rate of reported package loss and delayed deliveries relative to its volume compared to its primary competitors.

Can you carry a gun as a FedEx driver?

No, FedEx drivers are generally prohibited from carrying guns while on duty, as company policy forbids firearms in company vehicles, buildings, or on company property. While some drivers may consider personal protection due to safety concerns, violating this policy can lead to termination.

What cannot be shipped through FedEx?

FedEx prohibits shipping hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, live animals, cash, and illicit drugs globally. Other restricted items include alcohol, tobacco, perishables, and specific electronics. Prohibited items also include items worth over $20,000, unrefined hemp/marijuana-derived CBD, and items with a strong odor.

Can you order guns online and have them shipped?

Did you know you could purchase firearms online? In fact, yes you can! While you can make the purchase online, it's not like buying a coffee maker on Amazon and having it shipped right to your front door. Federal law requires firearms be shipped to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in your state of residence.

Does ship my gun send you a box?

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!

Does UPS xray package?

Short answer is no. Long answer is maybe depending on how you define scan and safety. If by scan you mean airport style xray machines, we don't have them. On the other hand, we're not a good choice for slipping things in fir nefarious purposes.

What is the hardest state to own a gun in?

California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are generally considered the hardest states to legally purchase and own a gun due to strict permit-to-purchase laws, mandatory training, universal background checks, and long waiting periods. California often ranks #1 for strictest laws, including 10-day waiting periods and bans on certain firearm types.

Which state owns the least guns?

Based on 2026 data, Massachusetts and New Jersey have the lowest gun ownership rates in the U.S., with only approximately 14.7% of residents reporting firearm ownership. Other states with very low ownership include Rhode Island (14.8%) and Hawaii (14.9%), generally driven by strict state laws and high population density.

What state has the most military?

California has the highest total number of active-duty military personnel, with over 162,000 troops. However, Virginia hosts the most total military personnel when factoring in reserves, and Hawaii has the highest military presence on a per capita basis.