Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Read the Rules
• Shipping without FFL
• Shipping with FFL
• Part 2 of 2: Transporting Cargo
• Tips
• Warnings

Sending potentially dangerous items such as firearms can be challenging. Many laws and regulations regulate this type of transportation. This article provides general advice on how an unlicensed person (someone who does not have a valid Federal firearms license, such as a pistol) can ship weapons to the United States (importing and exporting will add an extra layer of complexity).

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Read the Rules

Shipping without FFL

1. 1 Check out the state specific rules for shipping specific weapons. If you ship firearms within the state, you can ship the package to anyone legally allowed to own a firearm, even if they don't have a license.
2. 2 Be aware that you can also send your own firearms to another state, for example, if you are going to hunt in that state. However, only you can open and collect the contents of the package.
3. 3 Do not ship pistols through the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS will not accept pistols for shipping unless you are licensed to do so.
   • If you wish to ship a pistol for which you are not licensed, you will need to use courier services such as FedEx or UPS.
   • If you do not have a license, you can only ship a rifle or shotgun with USPS.

Shipping with FFL

1. 1 If you have a Federal Firearms License (FFL), you can ship pistols through the USPS after filing USPS Form PS 1508 at offices that accept pistols for shipping.
2. 2 Be aware that you can only ship a package to another state if the recipient is the licensee. If you are sending to another state, federal law requires the recipient to have a valid FFL.
   • If you wish to ship an out-of-state shipment to an FFL owner, the addressee must send you a copy of their FFL license certificate by fax, email, or regular mail. You need to send it to the person at the address indicated in the certificate.

Part 2 of 2: Transporting Cargo

1. 1 Do not label. Make sure the packaging is not marked as containing firearms, but must be notified of the contents to the carrier.
   • You may be asked to open the bag for inspection (to make sure there is no ammunition packed with firearms).
   • The ban means that any printed lines on your package, including your business and recipient address, must not contain words such as "pistol", "firearms", or "gun".
2. 2 Leave your contact details. Insert a photocopy of your driver's license in the shipment if you are shipping to FFL (Licensed Seller). They are required to keep records by the seller of the weapon, and it will be correct to include the details of your driver's license.
3. 3 Pack the package well. Use bubble wrap or other high quality coating. Do not wrap your weapon in newspaper or plastic wrap. If the weapon is damaged in transit, you will not be able to file a claim with the carrier if your packaging is non-standard.
   • Visit gun stores to find used boxes and packing materials
4. 4 Get rid of the bullets. Ammunition must be shipped separately from any firearms.In addition, you must clearly label the bag containing the ammunition.
   • Ammunition cannot be mailed by USPS at all; you can only use courier services.
   • Most carriers will treat the ammunition package as "extremely dangerous cargo."
5. 5 Registration of your cargo.
   • A certified signature of an adult is required.
6. 6 Notify the carrier of the content. You must tell the carrier that the package contains a firearm.
   • If pistol dealers are transporting weapons through the USPS, they must notify the carrier and complete a form. Private carriers (such as FedEx and UPS) usually, but not always, require notice.
   • Unlike ammunition, which must be labeled, DO NOT label the package containing the firearm.
   • Print a copy of the recipient of the FFL license to show the messenger if he needs it.

Tips

• You can ship many non-licensee firearm parts other than those classified as full firearms. If a part has a serial number, the carrier will most likely consider it a full-fledged firearm.
• To prevent pistols from being stolen during shipment, pack them in very large boxes.
• If you want to ship a pistol via the USPS (which is generally cheaper than private carriers), try to find a local licensed seller to ship through the USPS for you (remember, only people with an FFL license can ship pistols via USPS ).
• Indicate your place of residence: 1) where you live now and 2) are going to stay there indefinitely. You can have an address in several states at the same time, but only if you actually live in those states for a significant amount of time during the year (and do not just own your own real estate). Your primary residence is usually determined by your right to vote in a particular state.

Warnings

• If you move to another state, you can pack your firearm and ship it with the rest of your property. Before doing this, you must check that the type of firearm complies with the laws of that state. As always, firearms cannot be sent with ammunition.
• You cannot send a firearm to someone who does not have a legal permit to own a firearm. You cannot own a firearm if, for example, you are a minor, a criminal (or have been convicted of an episode of domestic violence), fugitive, illegal, former US citizen (who has renounced US citizenship), or if you have been found legally incompetent ...