Shipping a firearm, whether a long gun, handgun, or antique firearm, requires strict compliance with federal law, state police regulations, and carrier policies. Understanding the legal requirements as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) is essential to avoid committing a criminal offense and to ensure public safety.
Overview of Firearm Shipping Regulations
The transportation of firearms, either by shipping or direct vehicle transport, is heavily regulated in the United States. This includes rules on concealed carry licenses, background checks, and proper use of a secure locking device or locked container.
You must follow firearms laws closely if you are:
- Returning a restricted firearm to a manufacturer
- Shipping a non-restricted firearm for repair
- Completing a sale or registration certificate transfer
Improper shipment, even of an unloaded firearm, can lead to fines, loss of license, or criminal charges.
Federal Firearm Shipping Laws and Regulations
Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, shipping firearms across state lines is strictly regulated. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforces these laws, which vary based on firearm type and the parties involved.
Role of the ATF and GCA
The GCA distinguishes between handguns and long guns like rifles and shotguns. Handguns face stricter controls due to their concealability.
- Handguns must be shipped via common or contract carriers and can only be delivered to an FFL.
- Individuals may ship long guns through USPS, but only to a resident of their own state or an authorized FFL in any state.
Key Shipping Requirements
- Firearms must be unloaded and securely packaged: Firearms must be shipped, unloaded, and packed to prevent movement or damage. Many carriers require a locked, hard-sided container, though this is not explicitly mandated by federal law.
- Must be shipped to an FFL: If you are not an FFL holder, you can only ship firearms to an FFL, typically for transfers, sales, or repairs. You cannot ship directly to a private individual.
- The carrier must be notified that the package contains a firearm: Federal law requires you to inform the carrier that the shipment contains a firearm. Major carriers like UPS and FedEx have specific procedures and restrictions for firearm shipments.
- No markings on the package identifying it as a firearm: The outside of the package cannot have any labels or markings that indicate it contains a firearm, under federal law and carrier policies.
Shipping Firearms: Individuals vs FFL Holders
For Individuals:
- Can ship an unloaded handgun or non-restricted firearm only to an FFL or manufacturer
- Must store firearms in a locked container, not in the glove compartment or driver’s compartment of a vehicle
- Must verify recipient’s licensing and include additional information like reason for shipping and lawful purpose
For FFLs:
- Can legally ship firearms across state lines
- Must comply with background check requirements, keep registration certificates, and log details in a bound book
- Can use USPS, FedEx, or UPS, but must still package firearms securely in a hard-sided container
Choosing a Carrier: USPS, UPS, and FedEx Policies
Each carrier has strict policies that align with federal law and support public safety goals.
USPS
- Only FFLs can ship handguns via Registered Mail
- Unloaded long guns may be mailed by individuals within legal limits
- Firearms must be unloaded and securely packaged
- Check USPS’s current policy when shipping
UPS
- Accepts firearm shipments only from FFLs with an account
- Requires overnight shipping for handguns
- Packaging must be secure with no firearm markings
- Always check the UPS firearms policy before shipping.
FedEx
- Accepts firearm shipments only from licensed FFLs
- Requires overnight shipping for handguns
- Pickup may require ID and lawful purpose verification
- Always check FedEx’s firearms shipping policy for the most current requirements.
Laws for Personally Transporting Firearms
When transporting firearms in a motor vehicle, individuals must meet specific requirements for lawful travel, especially across state lines.
Legal Considerations:
- The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) provides an affirmative defense if:
- The firearm is unloaded
- It is stored in a locked container separate from the passenger compartment
- Glove compartments and vehicle consoles do not meet legal definitions of secure storage
- States like New York and New Jersey require stricter compliance, often needing a non-resident firearm declaration
- Ammunition must also be stored separately unless local laws allow otherwise. Never transport loaded firearms unless you hold a valid concealed carry license or are in compliance with state police regulations.
How FastBound Supports Legal Firearm Shipping
FastBound simplifies compliance with gun laws and federal regulations through its robust firearm compliance platform.
How FastBound Helps:
- Electronic 4473 and Bound Book tracks every firearm transfer and background check
- Digital signatures speed up transfer approvals and reduce paperwork
- Violation prevention tools help avoid issues like improper transfers or shipping restricted firearms
- ATF-compliant digital storage securely stores electronic records for years of age based audits or legal reviews
- Multilingual access available in Spanish and English to support buyers across the United States
- Partnered with FFLGuard to provide guaranteed legal defense if your business ever faces firearms-related legal challenges
Whether you’re managing firearms in transit or assisting customers with transfers, FastBound protects your business and helps you maintain full legal compliance. Explore FastBound’s ATF-compliant solutions and simplify your shipping, tracking, and transfer process today.