How to Ship a Firearm to an FFL: Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Quick answer: A non-licensed individual may legally ship a firearm directly to a licensed FFL dealer in any state — you do not need a dealer on the sending end. Long guns can ship via USPS, but handguns must go by private carrier such as UPS or FedEx, generally on air/overnight service. You can never ship a firearm to another unlicensed person across state lines; that transfer must go FFL-to-FFL.

Whether you sold a firearm online, bought one from a private seller, or are sending a gun to a gunsmith, at some point you may need to ship a firearm to an FFL yourself. The rules are strict but manageable, and getting them right keeps you on the right side of federal law and carrier policy. This guide covers what you can ship, who you can ship to, and the exact steps to do it correctly.

Yes, You Can Ship a Firearm to an FFL

Under federal law, a non-licensed individual may ship a firearm directly to a licensed FFL dealer in any state. You do not need to use a dealer on your end to send it. What you cannot do is ship a firearm directly to another non-licensed individual across state lines — that has to go FFL-to-FFL. The receiving FFL then transfers the firearm to its final recipient after a background check.

Handguns vs. Long Guns: Different Carriers

The carrier you use depends on the type of firearm:

• Long guns (rifles and shotguns): A non-licensed person may ship these via the U.S. Postal Service, as well as via UPS or FedEx.
• Handguns: Non-licensed individuals cannot mail handguns through USPS. Handguns must ship via a private carrier such as UPS or FedEx, and those carriers generally require handguns to ship via their air/overnight services.

Carrier policies are stricter than the law and they change, so always confirm the current requirements with UPS or FedEx before you drop off a package. Some locations require you to ship from a customer counter rather than a drop box, and may ask you to declare the firearm.

Step-by-Step: How to Ship to an FFL

• Step 1 – Get a signed copy of the receiving FFL’s license. The destination dealer will email or fax you a signed copy of their FFL. Include it in the package (or as the carrier/dealer instructs). This proves the recipient is licensed.
• Step 2 – Verify the firearm is unloaded. Always. Double-check the chamber and magazine.
• Step 3 – Package securely. Use a sturdy box with padding so the firearm can’t move. For handguns, many carriers require a hard-sided case inside the shipping box.
• Step 4 – Don’t mark the box. Never label the package in a way that identifies the contents as a firearm. The outside should give no indication of what’s inside.
• Step 5 – Declare to the carrier as required. When a carrier requires you to declare that a package contains an unloaded firearm, do so honestly at the counter.
• Step 6 – Insure it. Firearms can be valuable; insurance protects you if the package is lost or damaged.
• Step 7 – Keep your tracking and records. Save the receipt, tracking number, and the FFL copy until the dealer confirms receipt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mailing a handgun via USPS as a non-licensee. Not allowed — use UPS or FedEx.
• Shipping to a non-licensed person across state lines. Interstate transfers must go through FFLs.
• Forgetting the FFL copy. Many dealers won’t accept a package without proof of their license inside.
• Labeling the box “firearm.” This is both against carrier rules and a theft risk.
• Skipping insurance. If it’s lost, you’ll wish you hadn’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a firearm to an FFL myself?

Yes. Federal law allows a non-licensed individual to ship a firearm directly to a licensed FFL in any state. You don’t need to use a dealer on your end to send it.

Can I ship a handgun through USPS?

Not as a non-licensed individual. Handguns must ship via a private carrier like UPS or FedEx, generally using their air/overnight service. Non-licensees may ship long guns via USPS.

Do I need to include a copy of the FFL?

Yes, in almost all cases. The receiving dealer provides a signed copy of their license; include it as instructed so the carrier and dealer can verify the recipient is licensed.

Can I ship a gun directly to a friend in another state?

No. An interstate transfer to a non-licensed person must go through FFLs. You ship to an FFL near your friend, who transfers it after a background check.

Should I mark the package as containing a firearm?

No. Never label a package in a way that reveals it contains a firearm. This violates carrier policy and invites theft. Declare it verbally to the carrier only when required.

Is insurance required?

It’s not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended given the value of most firearms and the risk of loss or damage in transit.

Shipping a firearm to an FFL is routine once you know the rules: ship to a licensed dealer, use the right carrier for the firearm type, include the FFL copy, package discreetly, and insure it. Do that and your firearm will arrive safely and legally.