How to Ship a Firearm Legally: Complete Guide

Whether you're sending a firearm to a buyer, shipping to a manufacturer for repair, or transferring between your own FFLs, knowing the legal rules for shipping firearms is essential. The rules differ by carrier, firearm type, and the parties involved. Here's everything you need to know.

By Dwight Ringdahl — GunExpos.com

Who Can Ship Firearms?

FFL to FFL

Licensed dealers can ship firearms to other licensed dealers using any common carrier (FedEx, UPS, USPS for long guns). This is the standard method for online sales, transfers, and wholesale distribution. The receiving FFL must have a valid, current license.

FFL to Individual (Buyer Pickup)

An FFL ships a firearm to the buyer's chosen local FFL. The buyer then picks it up at the receiving FFL after completing Form 4473 and passing NICS. This is how all online gun purchases work.

Individual to FFL

A non-licensed individual can ship a firearm to an FFL for repair, consignment, or transfer. You do NOT need an FFL to ship a firearm you own — but you must follow carrier rules.

Individual to Individual (Same State)

In most states, a non-licensed individual can ship a firearm to another non-licensed individual in the same state without going through an FFL, provided the transfer itself is legal under state law. However, universal background check states require all transfers — including shipped ones — to go through an FFL.

Individual to Individual (Different States)

All interstate transfers between non-licensed individuals MUST go through an FFL. The sender ships to the buyer's local FFL, and the buyer picks up after a 4473 and NICS check. Direct individual-to-individual interstate shipping of firearms is a federal felony.

Carrier Rules

USPS (United States Postal Service)

Handguns: USPS prohibits non-licensees from shipping handguns through the mail. Only FFL holders may ship handguns via USPS.

Long guns (rifles and shotguns): Non-licensed individuals MAY ship unloaded long guns via USPS to a resident of the same state, or to an FFL anywhere.

Ammunition: USPS allows domestic shipment of small arms ammunition (ORM-D) with proper packaging and labeling.

FedEx

Policy: FedEx accepts firearms shipments from FFLs and individuals shipping to FFLs (for repair, etc.). As of recent policy updates, FedEx requires an FFL on at least one end of the transaction.

Requirements:

  • Ship via FedEx Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2Day, or Express Saver only — Ground is NOT permitted for firearms
  • Must declare the shipment contains a firearm at the time of shipping
  • Must ship to a specific street address (no P.O. boxes)
  • Signature required upon delivery
  • Adult signature required

UPS (United Parcel Service)

Policy: UPS accepts firearms from FFLs and from individuals shipping to FFLs or manufacturers for repair.

Requirements:

  • Ship via UPS Next Day Air only for handguns
  • Long guns may ship via Ground or Air services
  • Must notify UPS at shipping that the package contains a firearm
  • Ship only to licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors
  • Adult signature required

Important: Both FedEx and UPS update their firearms shipping policies periodically. Always verify current policy at the carrier's website before shipping.

Packaging Requirements

Proper packaging protects the firearm during transit and helps ensure legal compliance:

Firearm Preparation

  1. Unload completely — Remove all ammunition from the firearm, chamber, and magazine
  2. Remove or secure accessories — Detach optics, bipods, and lights that could break or damage the firearm during transit
  3. Apply a trigger lock or cable lock if possible (not legally required for shipping but adds security)

Inner Packaging

  1. Place the firearm in a hard-sided gun case — Plastic, foam-lined cases work well
  2. Secure the firearm so it doesn't move inside the case — Use foam inserts or padding
  3. Include no ammunition in the same package (ship ammo separately if needed)

Outer Packaging

  1. Use a plain, unmarked cardboard box — Do NOT use the original manufacturer's box with firearm branding visible on the outside. This is an invitation for theft.
  2. Size the box so the gun case fits snugly with minimal movement
  3. Fill void space with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper
  4. Seal all seams with strong packing tape
  5. Do NOT label the exterior with any indication that the package contains a firearm (no "FIREARM" labels, no brand names visible)

Labeling

  • Return address: Your name and address
  • Ship-to address: The FFL's business name and address (verify this is correct before shipping)
  • Carrier-specific labels: As required when you declare the shipment at the counter

Insurance and Declared Value

Always insure your shipment for the full value of the firearm:

  • FedEx: Declared value coverage available up to $50,000
  • UPS: Declared value coverage available (limits vary)
  • USPS: Insurance available up to $5,000 for most packages

The small cost of insurance ($5–$30 depending on value) is trivial compared to the risk of a lost or damaged $500–$2,000 firearm.

Step-by-Step: Shipping a Firearm You Sold Online

  1. Verify the buyer's FFL — Confirm the receiving FFL's license is valid and current. You can verify at the ATF's FFL database.
  2. Get a copy of the FFL — The receiving dealer should email or fax you a copy of their license.
  3. Package the firearm properly per the guidelines above.
  4. Take the package to the carrier's retail location — FedEx Ship Center, UPS Customer Center, or Post Office.
  5. Declare the contents to the carrier representative. Tell them the package contains a firearm.
  6. Select appropriate service level — Overnight for handguns via FedEx or UPS.
  7. Purchase insurance for the declared value.
  8. Get a tracking number and monitor the shipment.
  9. Notify the receiving FFL with the tracking number.
  10. Save all shipping records — Tracking number, receipt, copy of the receiving FFL's license.

Shipping for Manufacturer Repair

You can ship your own firearm directly to the manufacturer for warranty repair or service without going through an FFL. The manufacturer must ship it back to you (an individual) via common carrier, typically at their expense.

Tips:

  • Contact the manufacturer first and get a Return Authorization (RA) number
  • Ship via the carrier the manufacturer recommends
  • Include a letter describing the issue and your contact information
  • The manufacturer ships the repaired firearm back to your home address (they're an FFL)

Common Shipping Mistakes

  1. Using the manufacturer's branded box as the outer shipping container — The gun-brand logos on the outside tell every handler in the shipping chain that there's a firearm inside, dramatically increasing theft risk.
  2. Not declaring the firearm to the carrier — Required by all carriers. Failure to declare can void insurance and potentially violate carrier terms of service.
  3. Shipping a handgun via USPS as a non-licensee — This is illegal. Only FFLs can ship handguns through USPS.
  4. Not verifying the receiving FFL's license — Shipping to an expired or invalid FFL is a problem. Always verify.
  5. Shipping ammunition in the same package as a firearm — While not always illegal, some carriers prohibit it. Ship ammo separately to avoid complications.
  6. Forgetting to insure the shipment — A lost firearm with no insurance coverage is a total financial loss.
  7. Using Ground shipping for handguns — Both FedEx and UPS require overnight or express service for handguns.

Shipping Costs

Typical shipping costs for firearms:

Service Handgun Long Gun
FedEx Overnight $30–$60 $40–$80
UPS Next Day Air $35–$65 $45–$85
USPS Priority (long guns only) N/A $15–$30
Insurance ($500 value) $3–$10 $3–$10

Prices vary by origin, destination, weight, and package dimensions. Always get a quote before committing.

Record Keeping

For every firearm you ship, retain:

  • Copy of the receiving FFL's license (if applicable)
  • Shipping receipt with tracking number
  • Insurance documentation
  • Communication with the buyer or receiving party
  • Date of shipment and carrier used

These records protect you in case of disputes, loss, or ATF inquiries.

Learn more about the FFL transfer process in our transfer guide and find FFL dealers near you in our dealer directory. Browse firearms for sale at your next gun show.