Do You Need an FFL to Ship a Firearm You Sold?
No! If you’re a private firearm owner and you’ve sold a firearm to someone in another state, you may be surprised to learn that you do not need to take the firearm to a local FFL just to have it shipped.
Federal law generally requires an unlicensed individual to ship a firearm directly to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in another state.
The important part is the receiving end of the transaction: when you’re selling a firearm to someone who lives in another state, the firearm must be sent to an FFL who can legally transfer it to the buyer.
In other words, a typical interstate sale can work like this:
You → Buyer’s FFL → Buyer
It does not require:
You → Your Local FFL → Buyer’s FFL → Buyer
Clear Sky Armory does not currently offer firearm packing or shipping services, but the information below can help you understand how to ship a firearm yourself.
Step 1: Have the Buyer Select an FFL
Before shipping the firearm, the buyer should identify a licensed firearms dealer who will receive the firearm and complete the transfer.
Do not ship the firearm directly to the buyer.
For an interstate sale between private individuals, federal law generally requires the firearm to be delivered to an FFL in the buyer’s state of residence so that the dealer can complete the required transfer to the buyer.
Ask the buyer for the receiving dealer’s:
- Business name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- FFL information
Step 2: Contact the Receiving FFL Before Shipping
This is one of the most important steps.
Even though federal law generally permits a private individual to ship a firearm directly to an FFL, not every FFL accepts firearm shipments from private individuals.
Before shipping anything, call the receiving dealer and ask:
“Do you accept firearm shipments directly from a private individual?”
If the answer is yes, ask what documentation they want included with the firearm.
Many receiving dealers will request a clear photocopy of the seller’s government-issued identification along with the seller’s contact information.
Follow the receiving FFL’s instructions.
If the receiving FFL will only accept shipments from another FFL, you’ll need to find a dealer willing to ship the firearm for you.
Step 3: Verify the Receiving FFL
Don’t ship a firearm simply because someone gives you an address and tells you it’s their dealer.
Verify that the destination is actually a federally licensed firearms dealer.
The ATF provides a free online FFL eZ Check system that allows you to verify most Federal Firearms Licenses and confirm the licensed premises address.
[VERIFY AN FFL WITH ATF FFL eZ CHECK]
If you’re unsure about the destination, contact the receiving FFL directly using independently verified contact information before shipping.
Step 4: Determine How the Firearm Can Be Shipped
The rules and available shipping methods differ between handguns and rifles/shotguns.
Shipping a Rifle or Shotgun
Federal law generally permits a private individual to ship a rifle or shotgun directly to an FFL using an authorized carrier.
Federal law also generally permits an unlicensed person to mail a rifle or shotgun to an FFL using the United States Postal Service, provided all applicable USPS requirements are followed.
Shipping a Handgun
Handguns are different.
A private individual generally cannot mail a handgun through the U.S. Postal Service.
An unlicensed individual shipping a handgun to an FFL must use a shipping method and carrier that lawfully accepts the shipment.
This is where things can become more complicated because commercial carriers establish their own firearm-shipping policies in addition to federal law.
Step 5: Check the Carrier’s Current Firearm Policy
Do this every time you ship a firearm.
A firearm may be legal for you to ship under federal law while a particular carrier may nevertheless refuse to accept the shipment from a private individual.
Carrier policies can change, including:
- Whether firearms are accepted from private individuals
- Which types of firearms they’ll accept
- Where the package may be tendered
- Required shipping service
- Packaging requirements
- Labeling requirements
- Notification requirements
Don’t rely on something you read several years ago—or even on what you did the last time you shipped a firearm.
Check the carrier’s current published firearm-shipping rules before packaging or paying for the shipment.
Step 6: Unload and Package the Firearm Securely
The firearm must be unloaded before shipment.
Use packaging that protects the firearm and prevents it from moving around inside the package.
Good practices include:
- Completely unload the firearm.
- Double-check the chamber and magazine well.
- Protect the firearm’s finish.
- Immobilize the firearm inside the package.
- Use a sturdy outer shipping box.
- Seal the package securely.
- Follow the carrier’s specific packaging requirements.
If you’re including magazines, ammunition or accessories, make sure each item can legally be shipped and received at the destination.
Do not place ammunition in a firearm shipment unless you have verified the applicable carrier and hazardous-material requirements.
Ammunition is subject to different shipping requirements than an unloaded firearm.
Step 7: Include the Documentation Requested by the Receiving FFL
Ask the receiving dealer exactly what they want inside the package.
A receiving FFL accepting a firearm from a private seller will commonly need enough information to identify who sent the firearm so that the dealer can properly record the acquisition.
The receiving FFL may request items such as:
- Copy of your government-issued identification
- Your full name
- Residential address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Buyer’s name
- Firearm information
- Order, auction or transaction number
Follow the receiving dealer’s instructions.
Step 8: Ship Only to the FFL’s Authorized Address
The firearm should be shipped to the address the receiving FFL has authorized you to use.
Don’t change the destination because the buyer asks you to send the firearm somewhere more convenient.
If anything about the address doesn’t match what the receiving dealer gave you, stop and contact the dealer before shipping.
Step 9: Keep Your Records
For your own protection, keep documentation of the transaction.
Consider retaining:
- Buyer’s information
- Receiving FFL information
- Copy or verification of the FFL
- Firearm make, model and serial number
- Sales documentation
- Shipping receipt
- Tracking number
- Proof of delivery
- Communications with the receiving FFL
You may need this information later if there is ever a question about where the firearm went.
What Happens After the FFL Receives the Firearm?
Once the receiving dealer accepts the firearm, the dealer records it and handles the transfer to the buyer.
The buyer must satisfy the federal requirements and any state or local requirements that apply where the buyer resides.
Shipping the firearm to the FFL does not transfer the firearm directly to the buyer.
The receiving dealer completes that portion of the transaction.
What If I’m Shipping a Firearm to California?
California has additional firearm laws and restrictions.
If you’re shipping a firearm to a California resident, contact the receiving California FFL before shipping anything and follow that dealer’s instructions.
The receiving dealer can determine whether the particular firearm can legally be transferred to the intended California recipient.
Don’t assume that a firearm can be transferred in California simply because it is legal in another state.
Do Private Sellers Need a California CFLC Shipment Approval?
Generally, no.
California’s Firearms Licensee Check (CFLC) shipment-approval system generally applies when a Federal Firearms Licensee ships firearms to a California FFL.
A private individual who is not an FFL generally isn’t required to obtain a CFLC Firearms Shipment Approval number simply to ship a firearm to a California FFL.
The receiving California dealer may have its own requirements, however, so always contact that dealer first.
Can I Ship a Firearm to Myself?
Federal law generally permits a person to ship a firearm to themselves in another state for lawful purposes, such as hunting.
For example, a firearm may under appropriate circumstances be addressed to you in care of another person at your destination. The other person cannot open the package or take possession of the firearm.
Carrier policies and the laws of the destination state still need to be considered.
Can I Ship a Firearm Directly to Another Person?
Generally not when you’re transferring it to a resident of another state.
If you’ve sold or otherwise transferred a firearm to an individual who lives in another state, the usual process is:
Seller
↓
FFL in Buyer’s State
↓
Buyer
There are limited exceptions under federal law, including certain situations involving inheritance, but don’t assume an exception applies to an ordinary sale or gift.
What About a California Private Party Sale?
If both you and the buyer are California residents, don’t use the interstate shipping process described on this page as a substitute for California’s Private Party Transfer requirements.
California generally requires a Private Party Transfer to be processed through a California licensed firearms dealer with both parties participating in the required dealer transaction.
[LEARN ABOUT PRIVATE PARTY TRANSFERS]
Quick Checklist Before You Ship
- Buyer has selected an FFL.
- Receiving FFL has agreed to accept the firearm.
- Receiving FFL accepts shipments from private individuals.
- You have verified the FFL and shipping address.
- Receiving FFL has told you what documentation to include.
- You have checked the carrier’s current firearm-shipping policy.
- Firearm is completely unloaded.
- Firearm is securely packaged.
- Any magazines or accessories are legal at the destination.
- Ammunition is being handled separately in accordance with applicable shipping requirements.
- You have retained the firearm serial number and transaction records.
- You have retained the tracking number and proof of delivery.
Still Have Questions About the Transfer?
Clear Sky Armory does not currently provide firearm packing or shipping services.
However, if you’re trying to determine what type of firearm transfer you need, whether a firearm is being transferred into California, or whether Clear Sky Armory can receive a firearm for you, we’re happy to help with the transfer side of the process.