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Sending firearms through the mail can pose challenges. Without a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL), individuals are not legally authorized to manufacture or sell firearms in the United States. Hence, it's crucial to understand the regulations governing firearm shipments within the U.S. If you do possess an FFL, you'll have more shipping options, but compliance with the law is still necessary. Regardless of your status, familiarity with your legal responsibilities will facilitate the shipping process.
Procedures
Shipping Procedures without an FFL
Determine permissible shipping destinations. Non-licensees can only ship firearms within their state of residence. Sending firearms to other states or countries is prohibited. If you need to ship a firearm out-of-state for repairs, it must be done through an FFL holder. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) defines your state of residence as:
- The state where you're physically present and intend to reside indefinitely.
- The state where you're registered to vote.
- The state(s) where you reside for significant portions of the year.
Identify who you're permitted to ship to. Legally, you're authorized to send firearms to anyone, including other non-licensees. Ensure your recipient presents a firearm license or relevant documentation proving their eligibility to own a firearm. You can also perform a background check to ensure they don't fall into categories such as:
- A felon
- A perpetrator of domestic violence
- Under a domestic restraining order
- A fugitive
- An illegal user of controlled substances
- An undocumented worker
- A dishonorably discharged veteran
- A former U.S. citizen (who has renounced their U.S. citizenship)
- Declared mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.
Explore exceptions to the regulations. You're permitted to ship a firearm to yourself in another state. However, only you may unpack and take possession of the package. If you're moving to another state, you can pack your firearms and ship them along with your other belongings. Prior to this, ensure the firearm type complies with the laws and ordinances of the destination state.
Select an approved shipping provider. Avoid shipping handguns via the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS doesn't accept handgun shipments from non-licensees. To ship a handgun as a non-licensee, you'll need to utilize a commercial carrier such as FedEx or UPS.
- Non-licensees may only ship rifles or shotguns via USPS.
Shipping with a FFL
Investigate where you're permitted to ship. Holding a
Federal Firearms License (FFL), you're authorized to ship to any state within the United States. Avoid attempting to ship firearms internationally without proper authorization. Acquaint yourself with any relevant laws or restrictions in the destination state or locality.
Discover who you're permitted to ship to. When shipping to another state, federal regulations mandate that the recipient holds a valid FFL. You can also ship within your state to both non-licensees and FFL holders.
- If sending out-of-state to an FFL holder, request a copy of their FFL license certificate via fax, email, or mail. Ensure the recipient and address match those listed on the certificate.
- For shipments to non-licensees, conduct a background check to confirm they don't fall into categories such as:
- A felon
- A perpetrator of domestic violence
- Under a domestic restraining order
- A fugitive
- An illegal user of controlled substances
- An undocumented worker
- A dishonorably discharged veteran
- A former U.S. citizen (who has renounced their U.S. citizenship)
- Declared mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.
Determine your permitted shipping methods. Handguns, rifles, and shotguns can be shipped via USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Complete USPS Form PS 1508 when sending a handgun through USPS. Consider engaging a local licensed dealer to assist with USPS handgun shipments.
Domestic Shipping
Select your packaging. Explore gun stores for pre-owned boxes, saving you the trouble of assembling your own and risking rejection by the shipper. Opt for larger boxes to deter theft during transit.
- For UPS shipments, use new corrugated cardboard boxes meeting the Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines.
Securely pack the box. Utilize bubble wrap or quality padding material. Seek advice from your chosen carrier on suitable packing materials for firearms. Inquire at your local gun store for surplus packing material.
- Avoid using newspaper, plastic wrap, or diapers as they may not provide sufficient protection. Inadequate packaging could result in denied claims against the carrier in case of damage during shipping.
Separate the ammunition. Ship it in a different package. Federal regulations prohibit shipping ammunition together with firearms. Pack it securely in separate containers or metal clips that fit snugly inside the main package. Ensure the ammo containers cannot be opened during transit. Clearly mark the package as containing ammunition. Visit UPS.com, FedEx.com, or USPS.gov to print the required ORM-D label or black and white diamond to indicate your package contains explosive materials.
- You must bring packages containing ammunition directly to a staffed carrier location. Do not deposit them in public mailboxes or drop boxes.
Avoid package labeling. Refrain from labeling the package with terms like “Firearm” or any other references to its contents. This prohibition extends to preprinted areas on the box, your business return address, and the shipping address. Remove any words like “gun,” “firearm,” or “boom-stick” from all surfaces.
Include your information. Place a photocopy of your state-issued photo ID inside the package if you are shipping to an FFL holder. They are required to maintain a record of the shipper's identity. It is also courteous to include details from your driver’s license.
Deliver your package to the carrier. Bring your box directly to a staffed post office or commercial carrier. Do not leave it in a public mailbox or drop box.
- If you are an FFL holder shipping out of state, have a copy of the recipient’s FFL license ready to present to the mail carrier upon request.
Track your shipment. Request delivery confirmation to ensure your package reaches its destination. While USPS recommends this service, it is not mandatory. UPS requires the “Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required” service, while FedEx mandates senders choose between “Direct Signature Required” or “Adult Signature Required.”
Verbally declare the contents. Inform the carrier that the package you’re submitting for delivery contains a firearm. Be ready to open your package to confirm there is no ammunition included with the firearm.
- Handgun dealers using USPS for shipment must inform the carrier and complete a form. Private carriers (like FedEx and UPS) typically require notification, although not always.
International Shipping
Consult ATF.gov. International shipment of firearms is only permissible with a valid FFL. The lawful exportation of firearms involves a highly intricate process. Thoroughly review the ATF’s regulations and guidelines to understand your rights and obligations.
Enroll with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). This division of the State Department manages the initial step toward obtaining a firearms export license. Fill out the DS-2032 Statement of Registration Form. The review of forms typically takes 45 to 60 days. Upon submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation along with instructions on how to monitor the status of your application.
Apply for an export permit. Once your registration with the DDTC is approved, proceed to apply for the export license. Complete Form DSP-85 meticulously and adhere to all instructions. Submit it electronically through the DTrade portal. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing guidelines on how to track the status of your application.
Identify additional permits that may be necessary. Assess the items you intend to ship. If they fall under the categories of sporting weapons or assault weapons, you'll require additional licenses.
- Sporting rifles, shotguns, and ammunition are overseen by the Commerce Department. Visit https://www.bis.doc.gov/. From the left drop-down menu, select “Speak to an Export Counselor.” Click Enter, then choose one of the three phone numbers at the top of the page.
- Machine guns, silencers, short-barreled shotguns/rifles, and other firearms categorized as Class 3 weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA) necessitate supplementary documentation. Fill out ATF Form 9, the Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms.
Examine national and local legislation. Before dispatching your package, ensure compliance with the laws of the destination country or locality. Penalties for breaching these laws vary significantly, so conduct thorough research. Some countries restrict the import of specific firearm types or firearm parts, while others completely prohibit private firearm ownership. For instance:
- Canada prohibits the import of firearms listed as prohibited under national law, regardless of the individual's licensing status for that weapon class.
- The United Kingdom bars the import of a broader range of firearms, including “small arms.”
Verify carrier regulations. Most domestic shipping instructions can be followed for international shipments. However, different carriers impose varying restrictions on permissible items and destinations. For example, FedEx prohibits shipping firearms and ammunition to Canada. Inquire about carrier policies regarding:
- Restricted items
- Package contents, such as proof of export licenses or FFL documentation
- Required packing materials for long-distance shipments
- Weight restrictions
- Package labeling
- Delivery confirmation
Recommendations
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You can ship many firearm components to non-licensees—except for parts classified as complete firearms on their own. If a component bears a serial number, it likely qualifies as a complete firearm for shipping purposes.
