How to Ship a Gun Legally: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shipping a gun isn't complicated, but the rules are specific—and getting them wrong can mean a refused package or worse. Whether you're selling online, sending a firearm for repair, or shipping to a dealer, this guide covers exactly how to do it legally.
First: Who Can You Legally Ship To?
This is the rule that trips people up most:
- Across state lines to a non-licensee: not allowed. You cannot ship a firearm directly to a private buyer in another state. It must go to a licensed dealer (FFL) in their state, who completes the background check and transfer.
- To an FFL: yes. Shipping to a licensed dealer is the standard, safe path for any sale.
- To yourself: yes. You can ship your own firearm (for example, to a gunsmith or manufacturer for repair) and have it returned to you.
- In-state private transfer: Follow your state's rules; many in-state sales are done in person rather than shipped.
If you're selling, this is why nearly every online sale ships to the buyer's FFL. See how to sell a gun online for the full sale process.
Step 1: Verify the Destination FFL
Before anything ships, get a signed copy of the receiving dealer's FFL and confirm it's valid. A known scam uses a fake or altered FFL copy to divert a firearm to a non-dealer. Verify the license and address through the ATF FFL eZ Check system or by contacting the dealer directly. Ship only to the licensed premises address on the FFL.
Step 2: Know the Carrier Rules (Handgun vs. Long Gun)
Carrier rules differ by firearm type and by who's shipping:
| Shipper | Handguns | Long guns |
|---|---|---|
| Non-licensee (you) | Common carrier only (UPS/FedEx)—not USPS | USPS permits some long-gun mailings by non-licensees, but UPS/FedEx is the safer, simpler choice |
| Licensed dealer (FFL) | UPS/FedEx; USPS with proper authorization | USPS, UPS, or FedEx |
Bottom line for private sellers: use UPS or FedEx, and you can't go wrong. Carrier policies change and some require firearms to be shipped from a counter (not a drop box)—call ahead and confirm current policy.
Step 3: Declare the Firearm
You are required to tell the carrier the package contains a firearm (verbally and on their forms), even though you should not label the outside of the box as containing a gun—exterior markings invite theft. Declaring it to the carrier is the law; advertising it on the box is a bad idea. There's no contradiction: the declaration is on the paperwork and to the agent, not the packaging.
Step 4: Pack It Right
- Use a sturdy, plain box—no manufacturer logos or gun-brand markings outside.
- Unload the firearm and double-check it's empty. Never ship ammunition with a gun.
- Cushion it so it can't shift; a hard case inside the box is ideal.
- Include a packing slip with the destination FFL details inside.
Step 5: Insure, Track, and Keep Records
- Insure the shipment for the firearm's value and require a signature on delivery.
- Keep the tracking number and your copy of the receiving FFL.
- For a sale, confirm payment has fully cleared before you ship—reversible payments are a classic scam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shipping a handgun via USPS as a non-licensee (not allowed).
- Shipping to a buyer's home across state lines instead of their FFL.
- Not verifying the receiving FFL.
- Shipping before payment clears.
- Including ammo in the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a handgun through USPS? Not as a private individual. Non-licensees must use a common carrier like UPS or FedEx for handguns.
Can I ship a gun to a buyer in another state? Not directly. It must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state for the transfer.
Do I have to tell the carrier it's a firearm? Yes—you must declare it to the carrier. But don't mark the outside of the box as containing a gun.
Can I ship my own gun to a gunsmith and get it back? Yes. Shipping your firearm for repair and having it returned to you is allowed.
Should I ship ammo with the gun? No. Never include ammunition in a firearm shipment.
Bottom Line
Verify the FFL, use UPS/FedEx for handguns, declare it to the carrier, pack it plainly, insure it, and ship only after payment clears. Do that and shipping a firearm is routine. Selling? List your gun on BallisticBid and we'll guide the compliant transfer end to end.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Shipping and firearm laws and carrier policies vary and change often; confirm current rules with your carrier and your state before shipping.
