What happens if you ship a gun through the USPS?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: July 29, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
The outcome depends on the type of firearm and your status as a licensed dealer. While USPS permits the shipment of long guns under specific conditions, handguns are generally restricted for private individuals.
Can you mail firearms through the USPS?
You can mail certain firearms through the USPS, but it depends heavily on the type of firearm and the sender's license status.
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.
Can you ship a gun as a gift?
To do it by the book, the process requires you to ship the firearm to a federally licensed gun dealer (FFL) in the recipient's state of residence. From there, your giftee must meet with the FFL, fill out an ATF Firearms Transaction Record, and pass an NICS background check to receive the gun, according to the ATF.
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, and have signed a FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement. Standard, non-licensed individuals are generally prohibited from dropping off or shipping firearms with FedEx, with limited exceptions (such as returning a firearm to a manufacturer for repair).
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How are guns shipped?
Firearms must be completely unloaded and shipped via common carriers (like UPS or FedEx) or the USPS, depending on the sender and firearm type. Individual shippers usually must send handguns via priority air service and ship to a licensed dealer, while exterior packaging cannot indicate a firearm is inside.
Do I need to declare a gun when shipping?
USPS Shipping Rules
The handgun must be shipped via USPS Priority Mail Express, and the package must be declared to the postmaster at the time of mailing. Non-licensees may ship rifles and shotguns (unloaded) through USPS to FFLs. Non-licensees may not ship handguns through USPS under any circumstances.
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.
Can my dad just give me his gun?
Under federal law, your dad can legally gift you a firearm, provided it is a bona fide gift, the gun is legal, and you are not legally prohibited from owning one. However, state and local laws dictate exactly how the transfer must take place.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
The answer depends on how you measure it: by total volume or per capita.
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.
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.
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).
What is the USPS form for shipping guns?
For USPS firearm shipping, the required document is PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of Firearms. This form is used strictly by licensed manufacturers, dealers, and importers to certify that the shipment aligns with postal regulations, such as customary trade shipments or repairs.
Are firearms allowed in post office?
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.
Can you mail gun parts?
Yes, you can mail gun parts, but the rules depend heavily on what the part is and which carrier you use.
What is the hardest state to own a gun in?
California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are widely considered the hardest states in the U.S. to legally acquire a firearm. These states require lengthy permitting processes, extensive background checks, mandatory safety courses, and feature strict bans on certain weapon types.
What is the most gun-friendly state?
Determining the "most gun-friendly" state is subjective, as owners prioritize different criteria—such as permitless concealed carry, lack of registration, castle doctrine laws, or no excise taxes. However, Arizona, Alaska, and New Hampshire consistently top the lists published by firearms organizations.
How many guns does the average gun owner have?
The average American gun owner possesses roughly 5 firearms, though ownership is heavily skewed. Roughly two-thirds of gun owners own more than one, but a small percentage of "super-owners" skew the mathematical average much higher.
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 I buy my son a gun as a gift?
Under federal law, it's perfectly legal to give a firearm as a bona fide gift, provided the recipient can legally possess it. But in some states, firearm transfers (even gifts) must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and include a background check. A “transfer” is typically defined as a change of ownership.
What is the most armed country in the world?
The United States is the most armed country in the world by a significant margin. It ranks first both in total number of firearms and per capita, with an estimated 120.5 firearms for every 100 residents.
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 two people move a 400 pound safe?
Two people can move safes under 250 pounds. Those between 250 and 400 pounds require at least three. Gun safes up to 500 pounds require at least four people. Professional safe movers should move ones over 500 pounds.
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.