Can You Ship Ammunition Through USPS? Rules, Steps, and Safe Packaging

Introduction: why this matters and what you will learn

Short answer, can you ship ammunition through USPS? Sometimes yes, but only if you follow strict rules. If you plan to send a box of 9mm to a buyer in another state, or mail surplus .22 to a family member, you need to confirm mailability, acceptable services, and state laws first.

In this piece you will learn the exact questions to ask before you drop a package at the post office: is your caliber mailable, which USPS services accept it, how to pack rounds to prevent discharge, whether you need ID or dealer paperwork, and what destinations are off limits. You will get a step by step checklist for safe packaging, real world examples like using original ammo boxes inside a rigid outer box, and common mistakes to avoid, for example combining live rounds with a firearm in the same shipment. Read on for practical, compliance focused instructions so you can ship ammo safely and legally.

Quick answer: can you ship ammunition through USPS

Short answer to can you ship ammunition through USPS, yes but only under strict conditions. USPS allows certain small arms ammunition to be mailed domestically if you follow USPS rules, federal and state laws, and use approved packaging and mail classes. Pack ammo in the original manufacturer box inside a sturdy outer box, immobilize cartridges so they cannot move, and include any required labels or paperwork. International shipments are largely restricted, and some states or local ordinances add limits. If you plan to mail ammo, read the USPS Domestic Mail Manual and local laws before shipping, and never send loose rounds or flimsy packaging.

USPS rules at a glance

If you ask can you ship ammunition through USPS, the answer is yes, but only in narrow circumstances. USPS allows commercial small arms ammunition when it is factory new, noncorrosive, and in the manufacturer box or other secure retail packaging. Reloaded, corrosive, armor piercing, or military grade ordnance is generally prohibited.

Required conditions, in plain terms
Package the manufacturer box inside a strong corrugated outer box, immobilize with padding, seal well.
Ship ground only, not by air, and follow all state and local laws at origin and destination.
Keep documentation handy and be ready to show the product is factory packaged if asked.

Key rules to read
USPS Publication 52 for mailability rules, and the hazardous materials regs, 49 CFR 171 through 180. International and APO/FPO shipments have stricter limits, so check with your local post office before sending.

Who can and cannot ship ammunition

Not everyone can send ammo through the mail. Basic rule, you must be legally allowed to possess ammunition where you live and where it will be received. FFL holders can ship ammunition routinely between licensed dealers, often with record keeping and compliance with state rules. Private parties can sometimes ship ammo, but only if local and federal laws allow the recipient to possess it.

Examples of illegal shipments: sending ammo to a convicted felon, mailing handgun rounds to someone under a state age limit, or shipping across state lines into a jurisdiction that prohibits that ammo. International shipments usually require export paperwork and are frequently prohibited.

Before you answer the question can you ship ammunition through USPS, check USPS Publication 52, your state laws, and verify the recipient is legally eligible.

How to package and label ammunition for USPS

If you plan to ship ammunition through USPS, confirm it is allowed first, then follow this step by step packing checklist to reduce damage and inspection delays.

1. Choose the right outer box. Use a new, strong corrugated box sized so there is at least 2 inches of packing material around the inner package. For heavy loads use double wall cardboard or a small metal ammo can inside the box.

2. Use proper inner packaging. Keep rounds in their original manufacturer boxes when possible. If not available, place cartridges in sturdy plastic trays or small cardboard boxes, then seal each in a zip top bag with a desiccant packet to prevent corrosion.

3. Cushion to prevent movement. Wrap inner packages in bubble wrap or foam and fill all voids with crumpled kraft paper or polyethylene foam. The goal is zero shifting when you shake the box.

4. Seal and reinforce. Tape all seams with high quality packing tape, reinforce corners and edges, and add a tamper evident seal if you want extra security.

5. Label and document. Affix a clear shipping label with full addresses and phone numbers, include any required declarations or permits, and follow USPS hazardous materials instructions if applicable. If in doubt, call your local post office before tendering the package.

Required paperwork and declarations

When people ask "can you ship ammunition through usps" remember paperwork differs by destination. For domestic mail there is no special USPS hazardous materials form, but you must label and pack honestly, and keep transaction records. For international shipments USPS generally prohibits sending ammunition, so do not complete customs forms for export.

Practical checklist to include in the package or your records:
A copy of the sales receipt showing buyer name, seller name, date, caliber, quantity, and manufacturer.
If shipping between dealers, copies of both FFLs and a signed transfer statement.
Buyer contact info and a tracking number, kept for at least 2 years for audits.

Always verify state rules before shipping.

Which USPS services you can use

USPS will accept small arms ammunition, but only under strict rules and only in certain mail classes, typically ground based services rather than PO Box or collection box drops. Before you ship, check USPS Publication 52 and call your local post office to confirm which class they accept. Buy postage at the retail counter or via USPS.com only after you disclose the contents, since many offices require an in person inspection. Do not drop ammo in blue boxes, and expect staff to verify packaging and your ID at drop off. When in doubt, get written confirmation from the postmaster.

State, local and international restrictions to watch

USPS policy is one thing, state and local law is another, and international rules are a different animal. Even if USPS allows mailing, many states restrict transfers or require background checks, for example California and Connecticut impose strict ammo sales rules and New York limits who can possess certain rounds. Local ordinances may ban mail delivery to certain addresses or require permits. If you ship across state lines, route the package through an FFL dealer when required, verify the recipient has any needed licenses, and get written confirmation. For international shipments assume no unless you have an export license, and check the destination country for outright bans. Quick checks, call the local post office, read state statutes, or consult a licensed dealer before you ship ammunition through USPS.

Common mistakes that get shipments rejected or seized

Common mistakes that lead to rejection or seizure, and how to fix them:

Packing ammo loose in a box, or using thin internal packaging. Fix: box rounds in their original metal or plastic containers, then cushion and double box for rigidity.

Failing to verify the item is allowed. Fix: check USPS Publication 52 and your state laws before you ship, some rounds or specialty ammo may be prohibited.

Mislabeling or trying to hide contents. Fix: declare accurately when required, and follow carrier rules instead of concealing the shipment.

Using the wrong service or skipping tracking and insurance. Fix: choose a service that permits ammunition, add tracking and keep receipts.

Shipping to restricted recipients or locations. Fix: confirm the recipient can legally receive ammunition, especially for cross‑state or international orders.

Practical checklist and next steps

Quick checklist before you ship: confirm federal and state laws, review USPS Publication 52, contact your local post office, pack rounds in original ammo boxes inside a sturdy outer box, never ship loose ammunition, include any required paperwork, and request tracking plus adult signature on delivery.

Next steps for complex cases: for large quantities, interstate transfers, or international shipments use a licensed FFL or consult an attorney, and call USPS Hazardous Materials Desk for written guidance.

Conclusion: when asking can you ship ammunition through USPS, follow rules, document everything, and prioritize safety and compliance.