Do you have to tell UPS you are shipping a firearm?
Asked by: Luella Mraz | Last update: April 9, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (58 votes)
Yes, you must verbally notify the UPS driver or clerk when shipping a handgun, and for all firearms, UPS requires shippers to have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) with an approved agreement, meaning most private individuals can't ship them directly anymore; it's a federal law violation to not inform the carrier, and they must be shipped Next Day Air with strict packaging, no external markings, and adult signature required.
Can I mail a gun with 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.
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.
What are the rules for shipping guns?
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 ship firearms via UPS or FedEx on Reddit?
You cannot ship firearms via UPS or FedEx as a non-licensed individual. You cannot ship pistols as a non-licensed person via USPS. You can ship rifles/shotguns via USPS as a non-licensed person. If you wanna ship rifles/shotguns via USPS, you need a copy of the receiving FFL and your government ID in the package.
MAILING YOUR GUNS: What You Need To Know
Do I have to tell FedEx I'm shipping a firearm?
FedEx and UPS require that handguns go by a "Next Day" service. Carrier must be notified that the package contains a firearm. Returns -- Note that you do not have to have an FFL dealer ship for you to ship to another FFL dealer.
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 I mail a firearm 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 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.
Are firearms allowed in the USPS?
No person on U.S. Postal Service® property may carry or store firearms, explosives, or other dangerous or deadly weapons, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes. See Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 232.1.
Does USPS xray your package?
Can USPS XRAY packages? No, USPS does not x-ray packages for shipping domestically or internationally. USPS's scanning equipment only read barcodes and addresses on the package boxes.
What cannot be mailed in U.S. mail?
The USPS prohibits many hazardous, illegal, and restricted items, including explosives, ammunition, liquid mercury, marijuana, flammable liquids (like gasoline), and certain electronics with lithium batteries, with stricter rules for international mail. Alcoholic beverages, firearms, perfumes, nail polish, aerosols, and some tobacco products are also restricted or banned, requiring special packaging or prohibiting altogether, so always check the official USPS website's shipping restrictions page for specific details before mailing.
Does the USPS inspect all packages?
If the package is not classified as Priority Mail Express™ service (domestic or international), Priority Mail® service, First–Class Package Service™, or an international letter package, it may be opened and its contents examined.
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.
What will UPS not ship?
UPS prohibits many items, including hazardous materials, firearms, live animals, perishables, marijuana/CBD, and certain valuables like ivory or large amounts of currency, with variations by country, but generally covers things illegal by law, inherently dangerous, or highly regulated, requiring checking their specific "Prohibited and Restricted Items" page for your location for a complete list.
Are guns allowed to be shipped?
The USPS recommends that long guns be mailed via registered mail and that the packaging used to mail the long gun be ambiguous so as to not identify the contents. 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).
Do you have to notify FFL before ordering?
You don't have to call an FFL dealer, but it's highly recommended as a courtesy to ensure they accept the transfer, know it's coming, and avoid delays or potential returns, as some FFLs (especially smaller ones) might not accept shipments without prior notice or might charge higher fees. Always contact your chosen FFL first to confirm their transfer policy, fees, and to give them a heads-up before ordering online.
What are the shipping restrictions for online gun sales?
Packaging and shipping requirements
- You must use Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required and Direct Delivery Only services for any package containing a firearm.
- Use new corrugated packaging that meets UPS strength guidelines.
- Ammunition has to be shipped separately.
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.
Will FedEx ship my firearm?
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.
What carriers ship guns?
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.
Will the USPS ship firearms?
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.
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.
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 declare that you are shipping a firearm to UPS, but as a private individual, you generally cannot ship firearms directly through UPS anymore, as they now require shipments to be from and to licensed dealers (FFLs) with a specific contract, making private shipments via FFL-to-FFL services like ShipMyGun the primary option, not dropping off a boxed gun yourself. Federal law requires declaration, but UPS's strict policy means private shippers must use an FFL, who handles the UPS contract, or use USPS for long guns (not handguns) if you're a licensee or follow specific rules.