Can You Ship Guns Through USPS: Legal Guide and Step-by-Step Process
Introduction: Why this question matters
If you have ever typed, can you ship guns through USPS into Google, you are not alone. People ask this question when selling a rifle on GunBroker, moving to a new state, sending an inherited pistol to a gunsmith, or returning a firearm to an online retailer. Each scenario has different rules and risks.
This guide cuts through the confusion. You will get plain answers about USPS policies, when an FFL transfer is required, how to package a firearm safely, and how state laws affect shipping. I also show alternatives, like FedEx and private carriers, and give a checklist to follow before you hit the post office. Read on if you want a step by step, compliance first approach.
Quick answer: Can you ship guns through USPS
Short answer to "can you ship guns through USPS" is yes in certain cases. USPS allows mailing of firearms under federal rules. Handguns generally may only be mailed between Federal Firearms Licensees, while rifles and shotguns can sometimes be mailed to private parties if state and local law permit. Most online sellers ship to the buyer’s local FFL for transfer, where buyer completes ATF Form 4473 and a background check. Follow USPS packing and labeling rules, verify age and local restrictions, and never ship a firearm to someone prohibited from possession. If unsure, use an FFL transfer or call your post office.
USPS rules you must know
Short answer: yes, but USPS rules are strict and you must follow federal and state law. Think of USPS as a regulated carrier, not a free for all shipping option.
What USPS allows, and what it does not. Long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, can often be mailed if unloaded, secured in proper packaging, and in compliance with state law. Handguns and other concealable firearms generally may only be mailed by and to Federal Firearms License holders, not private individuals. Ammunition has separate restrictions and often cannot be mailed internationally.
Required paperwork and practical steps. If you ship to or from an FFL, the buyer will complete ATF Form 4473 at pickup, and the firearm should be shipped to the dealer address shown on their license. Always keep a copy of the recipient FFL, use signature restricted services, and mark the parcel per USPS guidelines if required.
Service limits and red flags. Do not use PO boxes for interstate transfers, do not attempt international mailing without clear authorization, and verify both state transfer laws and the USPS Domestic Mail Manual before you send anything.
Federal law and FFL requirements
When people ask can you ship guns through usps, the federal answer hinges on who holds a federal firearms license, and where the recipient lives. Federal law prohibits shipping a firearm across state lines to a private person who is not an FFL. That means if the buyer lives in another state, the firearm must be transferred through a licensed dealer in the buyer’s state.
Practical examples, and the steps to follow. If you are a private seller on a marketplace, have the buyer provide the name and address of a local FFL, ship the gun to that FFL, and require the buyer to complete ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check at pickup. If you are an FFL shipping to another FFL, keep records and use the appropriate shipping methods required by USPS. If you are an FFL selling directly to an in state non licensee, follow both federal rules and the state’s requirements, which may mandate dealer transfer anyway.
Failure to use an FFL for interstate transfers, or to complete required paperwork, can result in felony charges. When in doubt, route the transfer through an FFL and document every step.
What you can and cannot ship through USPS
Short answer: yes, but only some firearms and only under strict rules, so ask yourself first, can you ship guns through USPS legally in your situation. Allowed items, with conditions: unloaded rifles and shotguns, shipped in compliance with federal and state law, often via a licensed dealer; antique firearms that meet the ATF definition, they are frequently exempt from modern firearm rules; ammunition and primers, but treated as hazardous materials and usually restricted from air transport, so ground services and carrier rules apply; firearm parts that are not classified as receivers or frames, for example sights or stocks. Prohibited or tightly restricted items: handguns shipped directly to private buyers across state lines, frames or receivers which are legally firearms, loaded guns, and exporting firearms internationally. Always confirm USPS Publication 52 and get an FFL when required.
Step-by-step: How to ship a firearm through USPS legally
Short checklist you can follow, from paperwork to dropoff.
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Confirm legality first. Ask yourself can you ship guns through usps in this scenario, check federal law and both origin and destination state rules. If crossing state lines, plan for an FFL transfer unless local law explicitly allows a private interstate transfer.
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Verify recipient. If the receiver is an FFL, get a clear copy of their FFL certificate, license number, business name, and street address. For private buyers, insist they either pick up at an FFL or prove local law allows a direct private transfer.
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Prepare paperwork. Create a bill of sale with make, model, serial number, sale date, seller and buyer names, and contact info. Include a copy of the recipient FFL for interstate transfers, and keep a signed copy for your records.
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Package securely. Use a locked hard case inside a plain cardboard box, padding around the case, and no external markings that advertise the contents. Remove ammunition or ship it separately following local rules.
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Choose service and options. Use ground based carrier options that allow firearm shipments, request adult signature upon delivery, require restricted delivery to the FFL or registered adult, and add tracking. Ask the post office clerk to confirm the service accepts firearms.
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Notify recipient and document the transfer. Call the receiving FFL before shipping, share tracking, and keep shipping receipts and proof of transfer for at least several years in case of questions.
Packaging and labeling best practices
Think like a shipper, not a maker. Use a sturdy corrugated box with at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides. Wrap the item in multiple layers of bubble wrap or closed cell foam, then place it in an inner box and fill voids with packing peanuts or crumpled paper so nothing shifts in transit.
Conceal the contents, avoid any external wording that references firearms, models, or weapons, but do not mislabel the package. Seal all seams with heavy duty packing tape and consider tamper evident tape for extra protection.
Follow USPS packaging rules, include a clear return address, and select a service that offers tracking and adult signature. Before shipping, confirm compliance with local, state, and USPS regulations.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The biggest triggers for seizures are simple mistakes you can prevent. Common errors, and how to avoid them:
Shipping to a private buyer across state lines, instead of to a licensed FFL, penalty risk. Prevention, always confirm and keep a copy of the recipient FFL before handing the package to USPS.
Mailing a handgun without using USPS Registered Mail or required services, which draws enforcement action. Prevention, select the mandated USPS service and keep the tracking receipt.
Failing to declare or improperly declaring ammunition, or including ammo when not permitted. Prevention, check both USPS rules and state law, declare any allowed ammo at the counter.
Sending a loaded firearm, or packing it loosely. Prevention, unload, secure in rigid packaging, photograph serial number and condition before shipping.
Mislabeling contents on forms or customs. Prevention, use accurate descriptions and retain shipment records for audits.
Alternatives to USPS and when to use them
If you ask, can you ship guns through USPS, remember there are alternatives that often work better. For online purchases, the safest route is an FFL to FFL transfer: seller ships to a licensed dealer near you, you complete Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer. For faster door to door, consider private carriers like UPS or FedEx, but check their firearm policies and state rules before booking. For private sales, meet in person at a gun shop so the shop can handle the transfer and legal paperwork. Never attempt to ship NFA items without ATF approval.
Quick checklist and FAQ
Checklist
Confirm USPS Publication 52 and your state laws before anything.
Use an FFL for transfers when required, ship to buyer’s licensed dealer.
Firearm unloaded, magazines removed, action locked open.
Pack in a lockable hard case, plain outer box, plenty of padding.
Insure declared value, request adult signature and track the shipment.
Keep seller invoice and recipient FFL contact info.
FAQ
Q: can you ship guns through usps? A: Yes, but only under strict federal and USPS rules.
Q: Handguns? A: Usually limited to licensees, not private mailings.
Conclusion and final insights
Short answer, can you ship guns through USPS? Not casually, and not without following strict rules. USPS accepts certain firearms shipments when handled by licensed firearms dealers, with required transfers through a Federal Firearms Licensee, proper packaging, adult signature on delivery, and compliance with federal and state law. Private sellers should never ship a firearm directly to an out of state buyer. Violating rules can mean felony charges, fines, and confiscation.
Next steps, practical moves: if you bought a rifle online, have the seller ship to your local FFL and complete Form 4473. Read USPS Publication 52, review ATF guidance, check your state attorney general site, and call a local FFL for a transfer quote. When in doubt, get legal advice.
