Moving with Firearms Across State Lines

Federal transport rules, state-by-state registration and permit requirements, shipping options, and what moving companies will and will not transport. Factual reference for lawful gun owners relocating between states.

Updated 2026-09-20

Federal Transport Rules

Firearm Owners Protection Act (18 USC 926A)

FOPA provides federal safe passage for lawful gun owners traveling through states where their firearms might otherwise be prohibited. The firearm must be unloaded and not readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In vehicles without a trunk, the firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm.

Locked case requirements

The firearm must be in a locked, hard-sided case. TSA-approved locks are recommended but not legally required for ground transport. Cable locks through the action provide an additional layer of compliance. If transporting multiple firearms, each should be in its own case or secured in a multi-gun case with individual compartments.

Continuous travel requirement

FOPA safe passage protections apply during reasonably direct travel between your origin and destination. Brief stops for fuel and food are covered. Extended stops (overnight hotel stays) in restrictive states create legal gray areas. Courts in New York and New Jersey have prosecuted travelers who stopped overnight despite FOPA. If your route passes through restrictive states, plan to transit without extended stops if possible.

NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, machine guns)

Items regulated under the National Firearms Act require ATF Form 5320.20 (Application to Transport) to cross state lines. Submit this form to the ATF 4 to 8 weeks before your move. The form is not required when permanently relocating, only for temporary transport. When permanently moving, update your address with the ATF within 60 days using the ATF eForms system.

State-by-State Firearm Laws (Top 20 Destinations)

Laws change frequently. Verify current requirements with your destination state's law enforcement agency or a firearms attorney before moving. This table reflects laws as of early 2026.

State	Registration	Permit to Possess	Banned Types	Transport Notes
California	Yes (all firearms)	Yes (handgun safety cert.)	Assault weapons list, .50 BMG, magazines over 10 rounds	Must register within 60 days of residency. Roster of approved handguns for new purchases
Texas	No	No (constitutional carry)	None (state preemption)	No restrictions on transport. Constitutional carry since 2021
Florida	No	CWP for concealed carry	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Securely encased or not readily accessible in vehicle
New York	Yes (handguns)	Yes (pistol permit required to possess handguns)	Assault weapons, magazines over 10 rounds	Pistol permit required before bringing handguns into state. Apply 4 to 6 months early
Illinois	No (but FOID required)	Yes (FOID card required to possess any firearm)	Assault weapons (2023 ban), magazines over 10/15 rounds	Apply for FOID 8 to 12 weeks before move. Processing times vary
Pennsylvania	No	LTCF for concealed carry	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Open carry legal without permit except Philadelphia (LTCF required)
Ohio	No	No (constitutional carry)	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Constitutional carry since 2022. No duty to inform unless asked
Georgia	No	No (constitutional carry)	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Constitutional carry since 2022. Broad preemption of local laws
North Carolina	No	Pistol purchase permit (being phased out) or CHP	None (standard NFA rules apply)	CHP or purchase permit required for handgun purchases
New Jersey	Yes (handguns)	Yes (FID card + purchase permits)	Assault weapons, magazines over 10 rounds, hollow-point restrictions	Very strict. Apply for FID 3 to 6 months before move. Transport only to/from range, gunsmith, or new residence
Virginia	No	CHP for concealed carry	Assault weapons banned for those under 21 (2024 law)	Open carry legal. CHP required for concealed in vehicle
Massachusetts	Yes (all firearms)	Yes (LTC or FID required to possess)	Assault weapons, magazines over 10 rounds	Must obtain LTC before bringing firearms into state. Apply 8 to 16 weeks early
Arizona	No	No (constitutional carry)	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Constitutional carry. State preemption of local laws
Tennessee	No	No (constitutional carry)	None (standard NFA rules apply)	Constitutional carry since 2021. Enhanced permit available
Colorado	No	CHP for concealed carry	Magazines over 15 rounds (2013 law)	CHP required for concealed. Magazine limit enforced on new acquisitions
Washington	No (but semi-auto rifle purchase records kept)	CPL for concealed carry	Assault weapons (2023 ban), magazines over 10 rounds (2022 ban)	Semi-auto rifle purchases require safety training. Waiting periods apply
Connecticut	Yes (assault weapons, pre-ban)	Yes (permit to carry, eligibility cert.)	Assault weapons, magazines over 10 rounds	Must obtain permit before bringing firearms. Apply 8 to 12 weeks early
Maryland	Yes (handguns, regulated firearms)	Yes (HQL required to purchase handguns)	Assault weapons list, magazines over 10 rounds	Must obtain HQL before purchasing handguns in state. Wear/carry permit for concealed
Hawaii	Yes (all firearms within 5 days)	Yes (permit to acquire required)	Assault pistols, magazines over 10 rounds	Register all firearms within 5 days of arrival. No concealed carry for most residents
District of Columbia	Yes (all firearms)	Yes (registration acts as permit)	Assault weapons, magazines over 10 rounds, .50 BMG	Must register within 48 hours. Only registered firearms may be possessed. Very restrictive

What Moving Companies Will and Will Not Transport

Most major movers refuse firearms

United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and most large interstate carriers list firearms and ammunition as prohibited items. Their tariffs and contracts explicitly exclude them. Even if a sales rep says they will take them, the contract language overrides verbal promises. Read the bill of lading carefully.

Gun safes without firearms

Most movers will transport an empty gun safe as heavy furniture. Gun safes weigh 200 to 1,500 lbs and require specialty handling. Expect a surcharge of $200 to $600 for safe moving depending on weight, stairs, and access. Remove all firearms and ammunition before the movers arrive. Some movers require a signed declaration that the safe is empty.

Ammunition restrictions

Ammunition is classified as hazardous material (ORM-D or 1.4S) under DOT regulations. No household goods mover is authorized to transport ammunition. You must transport ammunition yourself in your personal vehicle, ship it via UPS/FedEx ground service (labeled as ORM-D), or purchase new ammunition at your destination.

Specialty firearm movers

A small number of companies specialize in firearm transport for relocations. They hold appropriate FFL and carrier licenses, provide chain-of-custody documentation, and carry insurance specific to firearms. Expect to pay $100 to $500+ depending on collection size. Verify their FFL license number at the ATF's FFL eZ Check system.

Shipping and Transport Options

How to get your firearms from point A to point B when movers will not take them.

Method	Firearms Covered	Cost	Timeline	Notes
Self-transport (drive)	All legal firearms	No additional cost	Same as your drive	FOPA 18 USC 926A applies. Unloaded, locked case, trunk
FFL-to-FFL transfer	All firearms	$25 to $75 per firearm (transfer fees) + shipping	3 to 7 business days	Most secure chain of custody. Required for handgun sales across state lines
USPS	Long guns only (individuals)	$30 to $80 per firearm	3 to 7 business days	Handguns must be shipped by an FFL. Declare contents. No air mail for firearms
UPS/FedEx	All firearms (FFL account recommended)	$50 to $150 per firearm (next-day air for handguns)	1 to 3 business days	Next-day air required for handguns. Must ship from staffed location, not drop box
Specialty firearm shipper	Collections, high-value firearms	$100 to $500+ depending on collection size	5 to 14 business days	Insured, bonded transport. Best for large collections or NFA items

Storage During Transit

Temporary storage at an FFL

If there is a gap between moving out and moving in, a local FFL dealer can store your firearms temporarily. Expect to pay $10 to $25 per firearm per month. The FFL logs the firearms into their bound book and logs them out when you retrieve them. This provides a documented chain of custody and eliminates the risk of firearms sitting in a storage unit.

Storage units

Storing firearms in a commercial storage unit is legal in most states but comes with risks. Most storage facility rental agreements prohibit firearms and ammunition. Even where not prohibited, theft risk is elevated. If you must use a storage unit, use a locked gun safe inside the unit and choose a climate-controlled unit (humidity damages firearms). Do not store ammunition with firearms.

With a trusted person

Leaving firearms temporarily with a friend or family member is legal in most states if both parties can legally possess firearms. In states with universal background check laws (California, Washington, Colorado, and others), transferring possession even temporarily may require going through an FFL. Check your state's law before leaving firearms with another person.

Legal disclaimer. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently at the federal, state, and local level. Consult a firearms attorney licensed in your destination state for guidance specific to your situation. Verify all state requirements directly with the relevant state law enforcement agency before transporting firearms across state lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will moving companies transport my firearms?+

Most major moving companies (United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Allied, North American) refuse to transport firearms, ammunition, and gun safes with firearms inside. Their contracts typically list firearms as prohibited items alongside hazardous materials. Some smaller, specialty movers will transport firearms if they are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared on the inventory. You must ask your mover directly and get their firearm policy in writing before move day.

What does federal law say about transporting firearms across state lines?+

The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA), codified at 18 USC 926A, provides safe passage for lawful gun owners transporting firearms through states where those firearms might otherwise be restricted. The firearm must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or a locked container not accessible from the passenger compartment. Ammunition must be stored separately. This protection applies only during continuous travel. If you stop overnight in a restrictive state, FOPA protections become less clear. Courts in New York and New Jersey have narrowly interpreted this provision.

Do I need to register my firearms when I move to a new state?+

It depends on the state. Most states do not require firearm registration. States that require registration of some or all firearms include Hawaii, California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Some states require you to obtain a state-specific permit or firearms owner ID card (Illinois FOID, New Jersey FID). Check your destination state's requirements 4 to 8 weeks before moving to allow time for applications and processing.

Can I ship firearms to myself at my new address?+

Federal law allows an individual to ship a firearm to themselves in another state for lawful purposes, provided the firearm is legal in the destination state. For handguns, it is recommended to ship through an FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) at both ends for documentation and chain-of-custody protection. Long guns (rifles and shotguns) can be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx to yourself. UPS and FedEx require next-day air service for handgun shipments. All shipments must comply with the destination state's laws.

What about my concealed carry permit when I move to a new state?+

Your current state's concealed carry permit does not automatically transfer. You must apply for a new permit in your destination state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that honor out-of-state permits during the transition period. Check your new state's reciprocity map at the USCCA or NRA-ILA websites. Constitutional carry states (28 states as of 2025) allow permitless concealed carry for legal gun owners, so a permit may not be required in your new state.

How should I store firearms during a cross-country move?+

Transport firearms unloaded in locked, hard-sided cases. Store ammunition in a separate locked container. If you are driving, keep firearm cases in the trunk or a locked area not accessible from the passenger compartment. If your move requires an overnight stop in a state with strict firearm laws (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Hawaii), keep firearms secured in your vehicle and do not bring them into a hotel room unless you have verified that state's laws allow it. Consider a portable gun safe (starting at $40 to $150) for added security during transit.

What items related to firearms are restricted when moving between states?+

Beyond the firearms themselves, watch for state-level restrictions on: magazines over 10 rounds (banned in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, Vermont, Washington, and others), suppressors (illegal in 8 states), short-barreled rifles and shotguns (restricted in several states), specific semi-automatic rifle models (named in assault weapons bans in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and others). Ammunition restrictions also vary. Check destination state law for every item in your collection.