How Do I Transfer My Gun to Another State?

One of the most common questions we hear from gun owners is: “How do I transfer my gun to another state?” Because what’s legal in one place may be restricted or even prohibited in another, understanding how to transport firearms is a major concern for a lot of people about to make a long-distance move. This blog walks you through the process, explaining Federal guidelines, safe travel tips, and the different ways to bring your gun with you when you move.

How to Transport Guns When Moving

Gun owners transferring firearms between states are covered by the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act, which guarantees the right of ordinary citizens to transport guns from one state to another ‒ as long as it’s legal for them to possess the gun in both states. It also sets clear standards for public safety, requiring every owner to take basic precautions while conveying firearms in their vehicles. To comply with the law, your guns:

• Must be unloaded. There cannot even be one round in the chamber.
• Must be inaccessible. Store them in your trunk or a non visible section of your car where you can’t reach them.
• Must be stored in a lockbox. The container must be hard-sided and lockable, to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to it.

If you are bringing ammunition with you, it must be stored in a separate, locked container. Keep in mind that the law only protects you while you’re traveling. Though you’re allowed to make short stops for food and gas, if you decide to spend the night in a state, your guns are subject to its laws. To avoid legal headaches, research the regulations in states you’ll be passing through, to make sure you don’t accidentally violate their gun statutes.

Other Ways to Transfer Guns

For gun owners who would prefer not to transport their guns themselves, there are several other options. Shipping guns is convenient, especially if you have a large collection and limited space in your car. Ammunition, however, must be shipped separately due to its explosive nature. 

The United States Postal Service will not accept ammunition, but private carriers like UPS and FedEx will as long as it’s clearly labeled and stored in its original packaging. If the original packaging is no longer available, you can ship it in wooden or fiberboard boxes instead. Contact FedEx or UPS for more information about their policies and drop-off procedures.

Firearms, on the other hand, can be shipped through:

Moving Companies

Like most professional movers, Allied Van Lines transports firearms in compliance with the Brady Handgun Violence Control Act, commonly known as the Brady Bill. The bill permits household goods carriers to transport firearms as long as they’re shipped in unmarked containers without any indications they contain firearms.

The Brady Bill also requires movers to note and describe the firearms they receive on their Household Goods Inventory, which homeowners submit as part of their insurance coverage. Each description must include the gun’s:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Type of firearm (Rifle, Handgun, Black Powder, Etc.)
• Caliber
• Serial number
• General condition

When delivering firearms, movers are also required to obtain a signed receipt from the legal owner. Customers will be asked to sign the inventory and check-off sheet, as well as the individual lines on the sheet where the firearms are listed.

Packing rules differ depending on which moving company you’re working with. However, for safety, it’s best to ship firearms unloaded and secured in a hard-sided case. Trigger locks aren’t always required, but they’re highly recommended. Ask your moving agent about their specific policies when booking your move.

U.S. Postal Service

The post office will ship rifles and shotguns as long as they’re too large to be concealed on your person. Like moving companies, customers shipping firearms through the U.S. Postal Service are required to secure them in unmarked boxes. You’ll also need to provide a written certification when you drop them off, stating your guns are unloaded. If you don’t have a written certification, you’ll need to open the package so the postal employee can inspect your guns and confirm they’re unloaded.

Federal Firearm Licensee

A Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) is a business or individual who has been authorized to sell, import, or manufacture guns and ammunition by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Private companies like FedEx and UPS will only accept firearms from FFLs, while FFLs are the only ones allowed to ship handguns through the U.S. Postal Service. 

For help finding an FFL in your city, go online and consult a directory. Before shipping, unload your guns and pack them in a locked, sealed, unmarked, and hard-sided case. FFLs will often ask you to secure the action with a cable lock as well. You may also need to present a government-issued ID and a copy of your firearm registration records. 

Flying with Firearms

If you’re flying to your new home, you can transport your gun as checked luggage. According to TSA guidelines, it’s legal as long as:

• You’re traveling within the domestic United States
• You’re old enough to possess the weapon in the state you’re flying from and flying to
• It’s legal for you to own the gun in both locations
• The gun is unloaded and stored in a hard-sided case
• You declare the gun during check-in

When you arrive at the airport, tell the counter agent that you need to declare a firearm in your checked luggage. You’ll have to fill out a declaration form and place it in the gun case, beside your weapon. Afterwards, a TSA agent will arrive to inspect your firearm. Once the inspection is over, re-lock the case, but don’t share the key or combination with TSA or airline staff at any time.

This ensures you’re the only one who can access the firearm. Some airlines allow you to check ammunition as well, though only if it's boxed in a fiber, wood, or metal container. Call your airline and ask about their policy a few days before your flight, to ensure everything goes smoothly during check-in.

Long Distance Moving Services

Moving is complicated, but we make it simple. Whether you need help with planning, packing, shipping, or storage ‒ our full service moving teams streamline your move from start to finish. No matter how far you’re going or what you’re shipping, we have the skills, knowledge, and resources to get you there safely. Contact us today for a free quote!