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.
Shipping firearms, particularly handguns, involves navigating a complex web of federal regulations, state laws, and carrier policies. Unlike shipping standard consumer goods, firearm shipments are heavily regulated to ensure public safety and prevent illegal trafficking. Whether you’re sending a handgun for repair, returning it to the manufacturer, or facilitating a sale, understanding the proper procedures is essential not just for compliance but to avoid potentially serious legal consequences.
The regulations surrounding handgun shipping are designed to maintain accountability for firearms in transit and to prevent prohibited persons from accessing them. With penalties that can include hefty fines and even imprisonment for violations, this isn’t an area where improvisation or assumptions are acceptable.
Is It Legal to Ship a Handgun?
The legality of shipping a handgun depends on who you are, where you’re shipping from and to, and which carrier you plan to use. Carrier policies can also change frequently, so it’s important to verify requirements before shipping a firearm.
Federal Regulations
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforces the Gun Control Act (GCA), which establishes the foundational rules for firearm transfers. Under federal law, the shipment of handguns is more strictly regulated than long guns (rifles and shotguns).
- Interstate vs. Intrastate: Handgun transfers between states must involve a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) at the receiving end. Handguns cannot legally be shipped directly to non-licensed individuals across state lines under any circumstances.
- GCA Requirements: Federal law requires that all firearms shipped in interstate commerce must be shipped to a licensed importer, dealer, or collector.
- Documentation: Proper record-keeping and transfer forms are required for all handgun shipments, creating a paper trail that allows for tracking the firearm’s movement.
Many people mistakenly believe that federal law completely prohibits individuals from shipping handguns, but the regulations are more nuanced. However, there is a difference between who can ship and who can receive.
Who Can Ship a Handgun?
FFLs have the most flexibility in shipping handguns. FFLs can:
- Ship handguns to other FFLs in any state
- Return repaired handguns directly to their customers, even across state lines
- Ship handguns to law enforcement agencies
- Send handguns to other individuals within the same state, depending on state law
- Use common carriers (UPS, FedEx) or the U.S. Postal Service
For FFLs, shipping handguns is a routine part of business operations. They maintain detailed records of all firearms shipped, including serial numbers, recipient information, and tracking data.
Private Individuals
Non-licensed individuals face more restrictions when shipping handguns:
- Interstate Shipments: Private individuals cannot ship handguns directly to other individuals in different states. If you sell a handgun to someone in another state, you must transfer it through an FFL in the recipient’s state.
- Intrastate Shipments: In most states, private individuals can ship handguns to other individuals within the same state, though this depends on state law. However, carrier policies often make this difficult in practice.
- Shipping for Repairs: If you need to ship a handgun to a manufacturer or gunsmith for repair, you can typically ship directly to their FFL, though some carriers may still require you to start the process at a local FFL’s location.
- Returns to Manufacturers: Individuals can generally ship handguns directly back to manufacturers for warranty work or repairs.
Carrier Limitations: Private individuals cannot use the US Postal Service to ship handguns under any circumstances. UPS and FedEx also have significant restrictions on individual handgun shipments.
Choosing a Shipping Carrier
Not all shipping carriers handle firearms, and those that do have specific policies for handguns that differ from their standard shipping procedures.
United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS allows handgun shipments under the following conditions:
- Handguns must be shipped using UPS Next Day Air service only
- Only FFL holders can ship handguns to other FFL holders
- Individuals can ship handguns to FFL holders for repair or transfer using UPS, but must:
- Present in person at a UPS Customer Center (not UPS Stores, which are franchises)
- Declare the package contains an unloaded firearm
- Present government-issued identification
- Adult signature is required for delivery
- No indication on the outer package that it contains a firearm
UPS reserves the right to refuse any firearm shipment at its discretion, and policies can change. Always check the UPS firearms policy before shipping.
FedEx
FedEx’s handgun shipping policies are similar to UPS:
- Handguns must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight service
- Only licensed manufacturers, dealers, importers, or collectors can ship handguns
- Individual customers must ship from a FedEx location, not a drop box
- Delivery requires direct signature
- The package cannot be labeled as containing a firearm
FedEx also requires proper identification and may request to see a copy of the recipient’s FFL. Consult FedEx’s firearms shipping policy for the most current requirements.
USPS (United States Postal Service)
The U.S. Postal Service has the most restrictive policies for handgun shipments:
- Only FFL holders, manufacturers, dealers, and certain government officials can ship handguns via USPS
- Private individuals cannot ship handguns through the mail, even to FFLs
- Shipments must be sent using USPS Registered Mail with return receipt and restricted delivery
Attempting to ship a handgun via USPS as a non-eligible shipper is a federal felony, regardless of your intent or whether the handgun is unloaded and securely packaged.
How to Package a Handgun for Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial not only for protecting the handgun during transit but also for legal compliance. Follow these guidelines:
- Unload the Firearm: Remove all ammunition from the handgun, including from the magazine and chamber. Ammunition must be shipped separately from firearms.
- Secure the Action: Use a cable lock or other device to secure the action in an open position where possible.
- Use Appropriate Packaging:
- Place the unloaded handgun in a hard-sided case
- If the case has provisions for locks, secure it with non-TSA locks
- Wrap the case in bubble wrap or similar cushioning material
- Place everything in a sturdy cardboard box with additional cushioning
- Package Discretion: The outer packaging should give no indication that it contains a firearm. Do not mark the box with text or symbols indicating a gun is inside.
- Sealing: Use quality packing tape to securely seal all seams of the box.
Most carriers prohibit shipping ammunition and firearms in the same package. Ammunition must be shipped separately according to the carrier’s hazardous materials guidelines.
Where and How to Ship a Handgun
Shipping to an FFL
When shipping a handgun to an FFL (for transfer to another person, for example):
- Verify the Recipient’s License: Confirm the receiving FFL is valid. You can ask for a copy of their license or check their status through the ATF’s FFL eZ Check.
- Communicate in Advance: Contact the receiving FFL to inform them of the incoming shipment and confirm their willingness to accept it.
- Include Documentation: Inside the package, include a note with:
- Your full name and address
- The handgun’s make, model, and serial number
- Purpose of the shipment (transfer, repair, etc.)
- Your contact information
- Ship from the Right Location: Follow carrier requirements for where you can initiate the shipment (usually a staffed shipping center, not a drop box).
- Declare Properly: Inform the carrier the package contains an unloaded firearm when required by their policies.
- Obtain Tracking and Insurance: Always use tracking services and consider insuring the shipment for its full value.
- Require Signature: Ensure the package requires an adult signature upon delivery.
Completing Required Forms
Depending on the nature of the shipment, different paperwork may be required:
- For Transfers to Another Person: The receiving FFL will complete ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) when the recipient picks up the handgun.
- For Returns to Manufacturers: Include a letter describing the issue and any relevant warranty information.
- For Repairs to Gunsmiths: Include a detailed description of the work to be performed.
Keep copies of all documentation, including shipping receipts, tracking numbers, and any correspondence with the recipient FFL.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
The most serious errors in shipping handguns typically involve misunderstanding or disregarding the legal requirements:
Don’t Ship Through USPS as a Non-FFL
This bears repeating: private individuals cannot ship handguns through the US Postal Service under any circumstances. Doing so is a federal felony that can result in up to five years in prison, regardless of intent.
Don’t Ship Directly to Out-of-State Recipients
Never ship a handgun directly to another individual in a different state, even if they have a carry permit or other firearm credentials. Interstate transfers must go through an FFL in the recipient’s state.
Avoid Vague or Incomplete Documentation
Poor record-keeping can lead to confusion, delays, or legal issues. Always document:
- The firearm’s complete identifying information
- The specific purpose of the shipment
- Your contact information
- The recipient’s FFL number (when applicable)
Check Destination State Laws
Some states have additional restrictions beyond federal requirements. For example, handguns legal in your state might be prohibited in the destination state due to magazine capacity limits or other features. Always verify that the handgun complies with the destination’s state and local laws.
Never Ship Loaded Firearms
This seems obvious, but it’s critically important—never ship a loaded firearm under any circumstances. Double-check that both the chamber and magazine are empty before packaging.
Don’t Use Generic or Reused Boxes with Markings
Avoid shipping in boxes with labels or markings that might indicate contents (like manufacturer logos or model information). Use plain, unmarked boxes whenever possible.
Shipping a handgun isn’t as simple as dropping a package in the mail, but by following proper procedures, you can legally and safely transport firearms when necessary:
- Know Your Role: FFLs have more shipping options than private individuals. When in doubt, work through a local FFL dealer.
- Understand Interstate vs. Intrastate: Shipping across state lines always requires an FFL at the receiving end for handguns.
- Choose the Right Carrier: UPS and FedEx allow certain handgun shipments, while USPS only accepts shipments from FFLs and other authorized shippers.
- Package Properly: Unloaded firearms, secured in appropriate containers, with no external indications of contents.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all shipping information, recipient details, and tracking numbers.
- Stay Updated: Regulations and carrier policies change. Verify current requirements before each shipment.
When in doubt about any aspect of shipping a handgun, consult with a local FFL dealer or attorney specializing in firearms law. The minor inconvenience of additional verification is far preferable to the serious consequences of inadvertent violations.
Remember that responsible gun ownership includes understanding and following the laws governing the transportation and transfer of firearms. By adhering to proper shipping procedures, you help ensure that firearms remain in the hands of authorized individuals and maintain the integrity of the legal firearm market.
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