What does ship to FFL when buying a gun?
Asked by: Ariel Treutel | Last update: March 24, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)
"Ship to FFL" when buying a gun means the firearm, especially from online or out-of-state sellers, must be sent to a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, not directly to your home, for a legal transfer, background check (NICS), and paperwork (ATF Form 4473) before you can pick it up, as federal law mandates this process for all interstate and most online gun sales.
How does FFL work when buying a gun?
An FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer acts as a legal intermediary for gun purchases, especially online, ensuring federal and state laws are followed by conducting mandatory background checks (NICS) and paperwork (ATF Form 4473) before transferring the firearm to you in person, even if bought online, requiring you to visit the local FFL to finalize the transfer.
Should you contact your FFL before buying a gun?
Contact FFL and confirm transfer
Before buying a gun online, it's best to have already contacted and secured an FFL dealer to conduct firearm transfers for you. So when speaking with them for the first time, confirm that they are willing to accept the firearm shipment and that you're comfortable with the dealer's fee.
What does "must ship to FFL" mean?
Federal law requires all modern firearms be shipped to a holder of a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL). Any person who is legally allowed to own a firearm is legally allowed to ship it to an FFL holder for any legal purpose (including sale or resale).
What do you need to pick up a gun from a FFL?
You will be required to complete and pass the ATF and FBI Federal Firearms Acquisition Background Check, Form 4473 in our store, AT TIME OF PICK UP, before finally receiving your item. Transfer fees for all non-NFA items for non-members is $40.00 per item.
How To Buy A Gun Online, Legally? (2023 / 2024 Edition)
How long does FFL approval take?
How long does it take to approve or disapprove a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) application? We would approve or depending on the circumstances deny an application within a 60-day period which begins with the day a "properly executed application" is received at the Federal Firearms Licensing Center.
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.
Does an FFL allow you to carry?
Q: Does an FFL allow you to carry? An FFL is not a concealed pistol license. It is a federal license that depending on the type of license allows you to sell, manufacture or acquire guns for a personal collection. It gives no authority to carry a gun.
Does the USPS ship firearms to FFL?
Rifles and shotguns may be mailed by a non-FFL owner domestically to a FFL dealer, manufacturer, or importer in any state. These items must be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.
What are the biggest risks of buying guns online?
When buying a used firearm online, there are legal and logistical considerations to be aware of. Firearms can only be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, meaning you will need to arrange for a background check and pick up your firearm from a local FFL.
What is the 21b gun question?
21b: “Do you intend to purchase or acquire any firearm listed on this form and any continuation sheet(s) or ammunition, for sale of other disposition to any person described in questions 21(c)-(m) or to a person described in question 21.
What is the 26 pistol rule?
The "26 pistol rule" refers to an old ATF guideline where an AR-style pistol over 26 inches in overall length (OAL) wasn't considered a concealable "Any Other Weapon" (AOW), allowing vertical foregrips without NFA registration; however, this loophole was closed by ATF regulations (2023R-08F) making braced pistols with OAL under 26 inches AOWs, but courts have since blocked enforcement, leaving the legality of braced firearms in flux and generally requiring NFA registration or modification to avoid being classified as an SBR if under 26 inches.
Why do you have to wait 7 days to buy a gun?
Waiting period laws give law enforcement additional time to perform an accurate background check and create a “cooling off” period to prevent acts of violence or suicide attempts.
Should I call FFL before ordering?
Yes, you should always call your FFL (Federal Firearms License) dealer before ordering a firearm online to confirm they'll accept the transfer, understand their fees, check if the gun is compliant with local laws, and arrange logistics, as it's common courtesy and prevents major headaches, even if some dealers are okay without a heads-up. It ensures the dealer has your FFL info, knows the firearm is coming, and minimizes delays when you go to pick it up and complete your paperwork (ATF Form 4473).
Do you have to tell UPS you are shipping a firearm?
Yes, you must declare that you are shipping a firearm to UPS, but only if you are a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder with a specific, pre-approved contract, as private individuals are generally prohibited from shipping firearms through UPS after their 2022 policy change. You must present the unloaded firearm in person at a UPS Customer Center (not The UPS Store), declare its contents, show ID, and use Next Day Air for handguns, with no firearm markings on the box.
Does FFL run background checks?
Thirteen states are full point-of-contact states, in which the FFLs contact the state for all firearm background checks. States with this option include Hawaii, California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
What do you need to pick up from FFL?
At the time of pick up, you will need to arrive with all proper identification and documentation / licenses to show that you can legally purchase and possess the gun. The FFL Dealer will complete a background screening using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as required.
What disqualifies you from getting an FFL?
FFL disqualifiers prevent individuals from getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL) due to criminal history (felonies, domestic violence), certain mental health adjudications or commitments, unlawful drug use, being a fugitive, or lacking U.S. citizenship/permanent residency, with additional state/local issues like zoning also being factors. Key disqualifiers include felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, illegal drug use, being under indictment for serious crimes, and mental health adjudications.
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.
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.
Can I mail my firearm to myself?
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 does having a gun shipped to FFL work?
To ship a handgun, federal law requires you to use a common carrier (not USPS) and ship only to a licensed FFL dealer. Most major carriers, including UPS and FedEx, now restrict firearm shipments to FFL holders only, meaning individuals must work through a licensed dealer to legally and compliantly ship a handgun.
What is the hardest state to get a gun license?
The hardest states to get a gun license often include California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, due to strict permit-to-purchase requirements, comprehensive background checks, mandatory training/interviews, waiting periods, and local police discretion, with California often cited as the strictest overall for its broad regulations. These states have extensive laws covering everything from firearm types to safe storage and training, making the process lengthy and selective, especially for concealed carry permits.
How long does a background check take for FFL?
Under federal law, the FBI has three business days (excluding weekends and federal holidays) to approve or deny your license. If a decision is not made within three business days, the FFL dealer has the discretion to proceed with the firearm transfer.