No More Hidden Guns in Mail: USPS Bans Concealable Firearms Now
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Postal Service is updating its rules to ban mailing concealable firearms, following a legal opinion from the Department of Justice. This change affects anyone who ships guns through the mail and aims to keep things safer and clearer. Comments on the new rules are open until May 4, 2026, so speak up if you want to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Handguns Allowed In Mail Like Rifles
The Postal Service proposes that lawful handguns (pistols and revolvers) are mailable and treated the same as lawful rifles and shotguns, subject to mailing rules such as being unloaded and using tracking with signature capture.
Nonmailable NFA Weapons Still Banned
Weapons identified under the National Firearms Act (for example, machineguns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, 'Any Other Weapon', and destructive devices listed in 431.2) remain nonmailable except in limited authorized circumstances.
Private Owners’ Out‑of‑State Mail Conditions
Non-FFL private owners may mail mailable firearms to themselves or another person in another state only if the mailpiece is addressed to the recipient, uses an "in the care of" endorsement for any temporary custodian, is opened by the recipient, and is mailed with tracking and signature capture.
New Shipping Conditions: Unloaded, No Markings, Tracking
If you mail a mailable firearm it must be unloaded; packages cannot display markings that reveal the contents; and mailings must use a USPS product or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery (unless shipped between licensed dealers/manufacturers/importers).
Otherwise Nonmailable Handguns: Authorized Exceptions
Handguns that would otherwise be nonmailable may be mailed in specific authorized circumstances—between licensed manufacturers, dealers, and importers in trade shipments; or to authorized persons (e.g., military officers, National Guard, law enforcement, authorized postal employees, federal enforcement officers, watchmen, and designated purchasing agents) after filing required affidavits or certificates.
Air Gun & Signature Requirement
Air guns that do not meet the nonmailable definition are mailable, but shipments containing air guns with muzzle velocity of 400 feet per second or more must include an Adult Signature service at delivery.
Indemnity Claims Allowed for Loss or Damage
Mailers may file indemnity claims if a regulated firearm is lost in postal handling or if damage repair costs exceed the firearm's declared or actual value, per Postal Service claim rules.
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Key Dates
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