Shipping firearms can be complicated due to regulations and restrictions. Unless you are shipping to or from a licensed manufacturer or a form of military or law enforcement, USPS is the most accessible carrier for firearms.
| The content of this article is meant to serve as general information. It does not replace guidance directly from the carrier or a legal counsel. Please contact your carrier for current procedures. |
Shipping Firearms with USPS
USPS will ship the following types of arms:
- Handguns: a generally restricted class comprised of pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person. Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are non-mailable unless:
- Mailed between curio and relic collectors only when those firearms also meet the definition of an antique firearm.
- Certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum that exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest.
- Classified as air guns that do not fall within the definition of firearms. Note: these must contain a verified adult signature.
- Mailed between authorized vendors and manufacturers.
- Unloaded rifles and shotguns: can be mailed, however, the mailer will need to verify, by opening or by certification, that the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and eligible for mailing. Subject to state, territory, or district regulations, rifles and shotguns may be mailed without restriction when sent in the same state.
- Rifle: a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is 16 inches or more in length.
- Shotgun: a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is 18 inches or more in length.
Specific postage is required:
- Include a “Return Service Requested” endorsement.
- Ship using Priority Mail Express.
- Signature is required and must be used at delivery or by Registered Mail.
Packing Requirements:
No markings of any kind that indicate the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any mailpiece containing firearms.
Shipping Firearms with UPS
UPS has restrictions on recipients, as well as individual shippers. Currently, shipment and receiving are limited to:
- Licensed importers
- Licensed manufacturers
- Licensed dealers
- Licensed collectors
Only the above-licensed personnel can use UPS to ship firearms to government agencies. In addition, these transactions are subject to federal, state, and local law.
Firearms may be shipped by UPS via the following:
- a UPS Scheduled Pickup Account
- a UPS Customer Center using the following services:
- UPS Next Day Air Services, specifically UPS Next Day Air® Early
- UPS Next Day Air®
- UPS Next Day Air Saver®
Visit UPS for more information on packing your firearm and special procedures for ammunition.
Shipping Firearms with FedEx
FedEx will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between certain areas served in the U.S.
Limited to:
- Licensed importers
- Licensed manufacturers
- Licensed dealers
- Licensed collectors
- Law enforcement agencies of the U.S., any department or agency
- Law enforcement agencies of any state or any department, agency, or political subdivisions thereof.
Where not prohibited by local, state, and federal law, FedEx will ship firearms from individuals to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, or licensed dealers (and return of the same).
When shipping, the person shipping the firearm is required to notify FedEx that the shipment contains a firearm.
Additionally, Fedex requires the following:
- The outside of the package cannot have any indication of the contents.
- The shipper and recipient must be of legal age as identified by applicable law.
- The shipper and recipient are required to comply with all applicable government regulations and laws.
- The firearm cannot contain any ammunition either loaded or in the same package. Learn more about what FedEx prohibits.
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