How To Mail Your Gun Legally and Safely

Published on May 31, 2022
Duration: 9:47

This guide details the legal requirements for shipping firearms as a non-licensee. It covers restrictions on using the USPS for handguns, the necessity of using FFL holders for interstate transfers, and proper packaging procedures. The video emphasizes compliance with federal, state, and local laws, highlighting that state regulations can significantly impact transfer requirements.

Quick Summary

As a non-licensee, shipping firearms legally requires adherence to strict federal, state, and local laws. You can ship long guns to others in your state via USPS, but handguns typically require using contract carriers and often involve an FFL. Interstate transfers must go through an FFL in the recipient's state, who will conduct background checks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Legally Shipping Firearms
  2. 00:52Federal Firearms License (FFL) Requirements
  3. 01:39Shipping Firearms as a Non-Licensee
  4. 01:52Shipping to Yourself Out-of-State
  5. 02:14Shipping to Another Non-Licensed Person (In-State)
  6. 02:38Shipping to Another State (Via FFL)
  7. 03:08Shipping for Repairs
  8. 03:20Prohibited Persons and State Laws
  9. 04:01State-Specific Firearm Transfer Laws (Examples)
  10. 04:57State Limitations on Firearm Types and Ammo
  11. 05:15Local Laws and Ordinances
  12. 05:49How to Pack a Firearm for Shipping
  13. 06:23Do Not Include Ammunition
  14. 06:31Securely Pack the Firearm
  15. 06:56Carrier Requirements (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
  16. 07:13Shipping Disassembled Firearms
  17. 07:35International Shipping Overview
  18. 08:17Summary and Key Takeaways
  19. 08:38Using an FFL Holder for Shipping
  20. 09:03Final Shipping Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a handgun through the US Postal Service as a non-licensee?

No, as a non-licensee, you generally cannot ship handguns through the US Postal Service. USPS restricts handgun shipments to FFL holders. Non-licensees must use contract carriers and typically ship handguns through an FFL.

What are the requirements for shipping a firearm to another state?

To ship a firearm to a person in another state, you must send it to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in that state. The recipient will then complete an ATF Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check before taking possession.

How should I pack a firearm for shipping?

Pack firearms securely in a large, strong box with ample cushioning to prevent movement. The exterior of the box must not indicate it contains a firearm. Do not include ammunition in the same parcel; it must be shipped separately.

Do I need an FFL to ship a firearm?

While FFL holders are licensed to ship firearms as part of their business, non-licensees have specific, limited circumstances under which they can ship firearms, often requiring the involvement of an FFL, especially for interstate handgun transfers.

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