Do I need to declare a gun when shipping?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 17, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Yes, you are legally required to declare a firearm whenever you ship it. Failing to do so is a federal felony.
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.
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.
Is it hard to ship a gun?
Packaging and shipping requirements
Firearms must be packed in a sturdy box or hard case with cushioning. Outer boxes can't have identifying markers. All shipments must include signature delivery. You have two options to choose from: Adult Signature Required (ASR) or Direct Signature Required (DSR).
Can I have a gun shipped to a different state?
Generally, for a person to lawfully transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person who resides out of state, the firearm must be shipped to an FFL within the recipient's state of residence. He or she may then receive the firearm from the FFL upon completion of an ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check.
TSA Guide To Traveling With Guns
What happens if you mail a firearm?
People can mail long guns to dealers, manufacturers, and other federal firearms licensees, but not handguns. Only licensees can mail handguns to each other. It would be OK for people to mail handguns to federal firearms licensees in any state, as long as the package is tracked and a signature is required upon delivery.
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.
Can I ship my gun to a friend?
However, whether you purchase a new firearm or want to gift a gun you already own, keep in mind that some states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State) and the District of Columbia require you to transfer a firearm through a local ...
Can I mail my firearms to myself?
If you plan on hunting outside of your state, you may mail your certified firearm to yourself. The package must: Be Addressed to the owner. Include the “in the care of” endorsement immediately preceding the name of whoever will hold your weapon until you arrive.
What does "Mexican carry" mean?
“Mexican carry” is often misunderstood.
Some people assume the term is racial or insulting, but the historical use of the phrase comes from the old Southwest and Mexican vaquero gun culture. Today, the term usually means one thing: carrying a handgun tucked into the waistband without a holster.
Will USPS xray my package?
Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine.
What cannot be mailed in U.S. Mail?
Domestically Prohibited Items
- Air Bags.
- Ammunition.
- Explosives.
- Gasoline.
- Liquid Mercury.
- Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted.
Can I ship firearms with the USPS?
According to the USPS rulebook, people can currently mail long-barreled rifles and shotguns only if they are unloaded and securely packaged.
What carrier can ship firearms?
Handguns are not allowed to be mailed through USPS. See 18 U.S.C. §§1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), and 922(a)(2)(A). Rather, handguns must be shipped using a common or contract carrier (e.g., UPS or FedEx).
Does UPS xray package?
UPS is not required to inspect packages, but they reserve the right to do so at their discretion. UPS may inspect packages for items that are illegal, hazardous, or restricted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the destination country's customs.
Do firearms have to be shipped overnight?
Most will require that you have tracking and require an adult signature on delivery. UPS requires handguns to be shipped overnight air.
How much does it usually cost to ship a firearm?
Shipping a handgun can be very expensive. In fact many shippers are surprised to find out that their recently sold firearm will cost them as much as $100 to get to their recipient. Ship My Gun offers fixed flat rates to the lower 48 states.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
In 2021, in the most recent data Texas had more registered firearms than any other state. 46% of all Texans own a firearm.
Can I transport a gun from one state to another?
Gun owners transferring firearms between states are covered by the Firearm Owners' Protection Act, which guarantees the right of ordinary citizens to transport guns from one state to another ‒ as long as it's legal for them to possess the gun in both states.
Is it legal to send a gun by mail?
Right now, licensed firearms dealers can ship guns, and long guns like rifles can already be mailed under certain rules. But handguns? Regular people can't legally toss one in a box and send it through the mail.
Can my dad just give me his gun?
Federally speaking, it is okay to give a gun to someone as a gift, as long as the firearm in question is legal, and the recipient is authorized to own it. That said, there are some important considerations you should take into account before just slapping a bow on a Glock.
What is the most armed country in the world?
United States — The Gun Capital of the World
With over 393 million firearms owned by civilians, more than its population, the US tops the list by a massive margin. Gun rights are enshrined in the Second Amendment, and ownership ranges from hunting rifles to military-grade semi-automatics.
What cannot be shipped through FedEx?
Examples of prohibited items
Weapons and swords, medicines, marijuana, narcotics, opium, poppy seeds, etc. Animal and plant quarantine, relics, products and films made in North Korea, and items that infringe patents, utility models, designs, trademarks or copyrights.
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 I mail firearm parts?
UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service all ship firearm parts, but each has its own restrictions. The USPS is one of the most flexible providers for shipping firearm parts. You can mail virtually all components as long as they are not regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.