Shipping Guns via USPS? Strict FFL Rules Explained

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Shipping firearms through the United States Postal Service (USPS) is highly regulated and governed by federal laws and postal regulations. This guide covers USPS regulations for firearm shipments, with focus on Federal Firearms License (FFL) requirements.

Understanding Federal Firearms Licenses

The Federal Firearms License (FFL) is central to regulations governing firearm transactions and shipments. Established by the Gun Control Act of 1968, an FFL is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and authorizes individuals or entities to engage in specific firearms-related businesses.

Several types of FFLs exist, each with specific privileges and responsibilities:

Types of Federal Firearms Licenses

• Type 01 (Dealer in Firearms): The most common type, allowing retail sale of firearms and gunsmithing services. These dealers often ship firearms to customers or other licensed entities.
• Type 07 (Manufacturer of Firearms): Permits holders to manufacture and sell firearms and ammunition. Manufacturers frequently ship products in bulk to licensed dealers.
• Type 03 (Collector of Curios and Relics): For individuals who collect antique or historically significant firearms. These licensees have limited privileges to ship C&R firearms to other licensed collectors.
• Type 08 (Importer of Firearms): Essential for bringing firearms into the United States from overseas markets.
• Type 09 (Dealer in Destructive Devices): Allows for the sale of highly regulated items such as grenades or rocket launchers.

FFL privileges come with significant responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining detailed records of all firearm transactions
• Conducting National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks
• Cooperating with ATF inspections
• Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local firearms regulations

Shipping Restrictions for Non-FFL Holders

For individuals without an FFL, shipping firearms via USPS is significantly restricted:

Handgun Restrictions

Non-licensed individuals are prohibited from mailing handguns (pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on a person, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns). This prohibition is codified in 18 U.S.C. § 1715, which declares such firearms as nonmailable and establishes penalties for violations.

Rifle and Shotgun Exceptions

USPS regulations permit non-FFL holders to mail unloaded rifles and shotguns under specific circumstances:

1. Intrastate Shipping: Rifles and shotguns can be mailed within the same state to another resident of that state, subject to state and local regulations. These shipments must:
   • Bear a “Return Service Requested” endorsement
   • Use a USPS service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery
2. Shipping to Yourself: A non-FFL owner can mail their rifle or shotgun to themselves in a different state where they plan to hunt or engage in other lawful activities. This type:
   • Must be addressed to the owner
   • Include “in the care of” endorsement before the temporary custodian’s name
   • Can only be opened by the rifle or shotgun owner
   • Requires USPS tracking and signature capture
3. Shipping to FFL Holders: Non-FFL owners can mail rifles and shotguns to licensed FFL dealers, manufacturers, or importers in any state. This is common for individuals selling long guns to licensed dealers online.

General Requirements for Non-FFL Shipments

All firearm shipments by non-FFL holders via USPS must meet these conditions:

• The firearm must be unloaded
• Outer packaging must not indicate it contains a firearm
• Ammunition cannot be shipped in the same package
• USPS may request the mailer to open the package or provide written certification that the firearm is unloaded and not concealable

Shipping Privileges for FFL Holders

FFL holders have broader privileges when shipping firearms via USPS:

Rifle and Shotgun Shipping

Licensed dealers, manufacturers, and importers face no restrictions when mailing rifles and shotguns to each other, though USPS recommends using a service with tracking and signature capture.

Handgun Shipping Requirements

The shipment of handguns by FFL holders via USPS has specific requirements:

• Licensed manufacturers, dealers, and importers can mail handguns to other licensed entities for customary trade shipments, including repairs or replacement parts
• Must file USPS Form PS 1508, “Statement by Shipper of Firearms,” with the Postmaster when mailing
• This form certifies the shipper is licensed and the shipment is for customary trade or repair purposes
• Form must be retained for one year
• FFL holders shipping to other licensees in customary trade generally don’t need to file an affidavit

Handguns can be mailed without some restrictions when addressed to government and law enforcement agencies for official use or when sent by authorized government agents.

Proper Shipping Procedures for FFL Holders

When an FFL holder ships firearms via USPS, they must follow these procedures:

Packaging Requirements

• Use sturdy, hard-sided containers with sufficient internal padding
• No markings on the outside of the package indicating it contains a firearm
• Shipper’s and consignee’s names should be non-descriptive

Documentation Requirements

• For handgun shipments: Complete and file USPS Form PS 1508 at the local post office
• While not always explicitly required for long guns, keeping a copy of the recipient’s FFL for record-keeping is advisable
• FFL holders can generally only ship firearms to other licensed entities or authorized government agencies

Shipping Service Requirements

• Except for shipments of rifles and shotguns between licensees, all regulated firearms must use a USPS service with tracking and signature capture
• USPS recommends Registered Mail for long guns

Legal Consequences of Violations

Violations of USPS firearm shipping regulations carry significant legal consequences:

For Non-FFL Holders

• Knowingly mailing a handgun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1715
• Improperly shipping any firearm could fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1716 concerning injurious articles
• Penalties range from fines and imprisonment to life imprisonment or even death if a death results
• Even for permissible long gun shipments, failing to follow requirements can result in civil penalties and criminal charges

For FFL Holders

• Substantial fines
• Suspension or revocation of FFL by the ATF
• Potential criminal charges
• Improper documentation or shipping to unauthorized recipients are considered willful violations that can lead to license revocation

Alternatives to USPS

Beyond USPS, options for shipping firearms are limited:

Private Carriers

• FedEx and UPS have increasingly restricted firearm shipments to only those holding an FFL with approved shipping agreements
• As of August 2022, UPS no longer allows private individuals to ship firearms
• FedEx generally prohibits non-FFL holders from shipping firearms

Requirements for FFL Holders Using Private Carriers

When FFL holders are approved to ship via private carriers:

• Firearms must be unloaded
• Ammunition must be shipped separately
• Carrier must be notified
• Packaging must be secure and non-descriptive
• Adult signature upon delivery is typically required

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