Buying a Firearm Online and Shipping It to a Texas FFL
The out-of-state seller can’t ship a firearm to your door. Here’s how an FFL transfer actually works.
Federal law prohibits interstate firearm shipments direct to individuals. If you buy from an out-of-state dealer, private seller, or auction site, the firearm must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder in Texas, and you complete the transfer there.
How it works
- Find an FFL in Texas willing to receive your transfer. Ask about their transfer fee up front.
- Give the seller your FFL’s contact information and current copy of their license. Most sellers require the seller-to-FFL license exchange to happen directly.
- Seller ships the firearm to the FFL.
- FFL calls you when it arrives.
- You show up with ID, fill out Form 4473, pass the NICS background check, pay the transfer fee, and take it home.
What to watch for
- Not every FFL wants transfer business. Call ahead.
- Handguns still require you to be 21+ to complete a transfer from an FFL under federal law.
- The receiving FFL runs the same background check as if you’d bought in-store.
- Some states block certain configurations. Texas is friendly to most, but check before you buy an out-of-state-legal configuration.
Why use FANG for transfers
We do transfers by appointment. No walk-ins for pickups, so you get proper time with the Gunny. We confirm license paperwork directly with the sending dealer and never post the license number publicly. Call us for the current transfer fee.
Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny
Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.
