How to Buy Guns Online Legally and Safely in 2025
Buying a gun online is completely legal in the United States, but the process is different from purchasing most products. You cannot have a firearm shipped directly to your home. Every online firearm purchase must be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer near you. This guide explains exactly how the process works, what you need to know, and how to buy guns online legally and safely.
Is It Legal to Buy a Gun Online?
Yes, buying a firearm online is perfectly legal under federal law. The key rule is that the firearm must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer in your state. That dealer then processes the background check and hands you the firearm in person. You cannot have a gun shipped to a UPS address, P.O. box, or your home, even if you are legally allowed to own firearms.
Some exceptions exist for certain transactions between FFLs (dealer-to-dealer), for curio and relic collectors with a Type 03 FFL, and for certain antique firearms. For standard handgun and rifle purchases, the FFL transfer process always applies.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Gun Online
Here is exactly how the online gun buying process works from start to finish:
1. Find a gun online: Browse online firearm retailers such as GunBroker, Guns.com, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore, Palmetto State Armory, or manufacturer direct sites. When you find the firearm you want, add it to your cart.
2. Choose your FFL dealer: Before or during checkout, you will need to select an FFL dealer near you to receive the shipment. Use FFLSearch.net to find licensed dealers in your zip code who accept incoming transfers.
3. Contact the FFL dealer: Call or email your chosen FFL to confirm they accept transfers from the retailer you are buying from, ask about their transfer fee (typically $20 to $50), and get their FFL license information.
4. Provide FFL information to the seller: The online retailer will request a copy of your dealer's FFL license to ship the firearm. Your chosen dealer can email it directly to the retailer.
5. Complete payment: Finalize your order with the online retailer. The firearm will be shipped to your FFL dealer, not to you.
6. Firearm arrives at your dealer: Your dealer will receive the firearm and contact you. You will then go in person to the dealer to complete the transfer.
7. Complete Form 4473 and pass NICS check: At the dealer, you fill out ATF Form 4473 and submit to a NICS background check. This takes a few minutes in most cases. If approved, you walk out with your firearm.
8. Pay transfer fee: Pay the dealer's agreed transfer fee. Keep your copy of the Form 4473 paperwork.
Tips for Buying Guns Online Safely
To protect yourself during an online firearm purchase, follow these best practices:
- Buy from reputable retailers: Stick to established online retailers or use auction platforms with verified seller ratings like GunBroker.
- Confirm FFL transfer fee upfront: Ask your local FFL their transfer fee before placing your order to avoid surprises.
- Verify state restrictions: Some firearms are legal federally but restricted in your state. California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states have specific restrictions on magazine capacity, features, and certain firearm models.
- Check return policies: Online retailers have varying policies on returns for firearms. Understand the return process before you buy.
- Inspect the firearm at pickup: When you pick up the firearm at your FFL dealer, inspect it carefully before signing anything. Report shipping damage immediately.
- Keep records: Save your order confirmation, FFL transfer receipt, and Form 4473 copies. These are your proof of legal purchase.
Find an FFL Dealer Near You for Online Gun Transfers
The most important step in buying a gun online is finding the right FFL dealer to receive your transfer. FFLSearch.net lets you search for licensed dealers by zip code, compare transfer fees, check hours, and find dealers who specialize in online gun transfers. Whether you are buying a handgun, rifle, or shotgun online for the first time, finding a local FFL dealer is quick and easy with FFLSearch.net.