Shipping a firearm is legal, but the rules depend on who you are (licensed dealer or private individual), what you are shipping (handgun or long gun), where it is going, and which carrier you use. Get any of those wrong and the package can be refused, seized or land you in legal trouble. Here is how it works in 2026.
The one rule that covers most sales
When you sell a firearm to someone in another state, ship it to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer’s state, not to the buyer. The dealer completes the transfer and background check. This is why every firearm sold on Liberty Gun Trader goes to the buyer’s receiving FFL. See what an FFL transfer is.
Shipping as a licensed dealer
FFLs ship to other FFLs routinely. The major private carriers accept firearms only from licensed shippers who have an approved account agreement with them, and they set their own service requirements, such as using next-day air for handguns, adult signature, and no markings on the outside of the box. Dealers should follow their carrier agreement exactly and keep the acquisition and disposition records their license requires.
Shipping as a private individual
Private sellers have fewer options:
- UPS and FedEx generally accept firearm shipments only from licensed shippers with an approved agreement. Walking into a store with a rifle as an unlicensed individual typically will not work.
- USPS has long allowed unlicensed individuals to mail rifles and shotguns, unloaded, to a licensed dealer or within their own state, subject to its rules. Mailing handguns has traditionally been limited to licensees. In April 2026 the Postal Service proposed rules that would let individuals mail handguns under certain conditions. Check USPS’s current firearm mailing standards before shipping a handgun; until a final rule is in effect, do not assume it is allowed.
- Use a local dealer. The most common solution: take the gun to a local FFL and pay them to ship it to the buyer’s FFL. Many shops do this for a modest fee, and it keeps you inside carrier rules.
Packaging checklist
- Unload it and visually confirm the chamber and magazine are empty. Lock the action open or use a cable lock if it fits.
- Ship ammunition separately, under hazardous-materials rules for ammunition, or not at all.
- Use a hard case or sturdy box with padding so the gun cannot shift. Remove optics if they could be damaged.
- Nothing on the outside of the package should indicate firearms or brand names of firearm makers.
- Include paperwork inside: your contact details, the buyer’s order number, and a copy of your ID or license if the receiving dealer asks for it.
- Use tracking and signature confirmation, and insure it for its value. Not every policy covers firearms; check before you ship.
Shipping ammunition, magazines and parts
Ammunition can only be shipped by ground under specific hazardous-materials rules and cannot go through the regular mail. Several states restrict ammunition delivery or require it to go to a licensed vendor. Standard-capacity magazines are restricted in some states. Most parts and accessories ship like any other package, but the frame or receiver of a gun is legally a firearm and must be treated as one.
Returning a firearm to yourself
You can generally ship a firearm to a licensed gunsmith or manufacturer for repair, and they can return it to you. Rules differ when the gun is mailed by an individual versus returned by a licensee, so ask the repair shop for their shipping instructions.
After you ship
Enter the tracking number on the order and mark it shipped. If the buyer paid through GunTab escrow, marking it shipped starts your payout; see how escrow works. Keep your receipt and tracking record until the buyer confirms pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mail a rifle to myself in another state?
Rules allow some shipments to yourself in care of another person, but conditions apply. Check USPS and carrier policies first, and consider having a dealer ship it.
Does the receiving dealer need to send me their license?
Many sellers ask for a copy of the receiving FFL’s license before shipping, and you can verify a license with the ATF’s FFL eZ Check.
What does it cost to ship a gun?
It varies by carrier, size, speed and insurance. Long guns in a hard case and handguns sent overnight cost the most. Local dealers usually charge a fee on top of postage.
Selling? Read how to sell a gun online legally, then create a free seller account.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Federal, state and carrier rules change often. Confirm current rules with your carrier, your dealer or a licensed attorney before shipping.