Shipping a Firearm Is Not Like Shipping a Package
When you order a firearm from TheGunDock — or any licensed online dealer — it cannot ship directly to your house. Federal law requires all firearms to be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL) in your state. Understanding this process eliminates 90% of the confusion and frustration people experience buying guns online.
Here is exactly how it works, from the moment you place your order to the moment you walk out of your local FFL dealer with your firearm.
Step-by-Step: The FFL Transfer Process
- You place your order on TheGunDock website or GunBroker and pay. You provide your local FFL dealer's information during checkout.
- We contact your FFL dealer — we email or fax the standard FFL-to-FFL transfer paperwork (our FFL license copy) to your dealer. This authorizes us to ship to them.
- We ship the firearm directly to your FFL dealer via FedEx or UPS using Adult Signature Required service. Firearms can only ship via these carriers with specific licensing — not USPS.
- Your dealer receives and logs the firearm into their bound book (ATF requirement). They'll call or email you when it arrives.
- You go to your dealer, present a valid government-issued photo ID, fill out ATF Form 4473, and pass the NICS background check.
- You take possession of your firearm. The transfer is complete.
Finding a Local FFL Dealer
If you don't have a local FFL dealer in mind, you have several options:
- Use our FFL search — During checkout, we have an FFL search tool that finds licensed dealers near your zip code.
- Gunsmith shops — Most local gunsmiths hold an FFL and accept transfers, often for lower fees than big-box stores.
- Pawn shops — Many pawn shops with gun sections hold FFL licenses and accept transfers.
- Local gun stores — Independent gun shops almost universally accept transfers.
FFL transfer fees vary by dealer, typically ranging from $15 to $50 per firearm. Some dealers charge more for "out-of-state dealer" transfers vs. in-state. Ask your dealer their fee before choosing them — this is entirely controlled by your local dealer, not us.
Shipping Carriers and Timeline
Carriers We Use
We ship firearms via FedEx and UPS with Adult Signature Required service. The specific carrier depends on the item, origin warehouse, and destination. Both require an adult to be present and sign at delivery — the carrier cannot leave firearms at the door or in a mailbox.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Order processing & FFL paperwork | Same day (if ordered before cutoff) |
| Distributor sourcing (if not in our warehouse) | 1–3 business days |
| Transit to your FFL dealer | 2–5 business days |
| FFL dealer processing and notification | Same day as receipt |
| Total: Order to pickup | 3–10 business days |
Items shipped from our Paris, KY warehouse tend to be at the faster end of this range. Distributor-sourced items depend on the distributor's processing speed, which we track and update on the product page.
Tracking Your Shipment
As soon as a shipping label is created, you'll receive a tracking number by email. The shipment shows as going to your FFL dealer's address — not your home address. This is expected and correct. Your dealer's address is the legal destination; your name is on the order for the bound book and Form 4473.
You can track via FedEx.com or UPS.com using the tracking number we provide. If a package shows delivered to your FFL but your dealer hasn't contacted you yet, call them directly — they may not have processed it into their system yet.
The NICS Background Check
All firearm transfers — including online purchases — require a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. This happens at your local FFL dealer, not at TheGunDock. Your dealer submits the check when you fill out Form 4473. The check typically takes a few minutes and results in one of three outcomes:
- Proceed — Transfer approved. You take possession immediately.
- Delay — FBI needs more time (up to 3 business days). Common for people with common names or certain flags in records that require manual review. Most delays resolve to proceed.
- Deny — Transfer denied. If you believe this is in error, you can appeal through the NICS appeals process. We cannot override or influence NICS results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship to my house instead of an FFL?
No. Federal law prohibits shipping handguns directly to unlicensed individuals. Long guns (rifles, shotguns) cannot be shipped across state lines to non-licensees. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer in your state. This applies to every online dealer, not just us.
What if my local FFL dealer refuses the transfer?
Rare, but it happens — some dealers don't want to transfer guns sold by online competitors. If this happens, choose a different FFL dealer. We provide an FFL search tool during checkout. Once you've contacted a willing dealer, let us know and we'll redirect the paperwork.
Do I need to tell my FFL dealer about the incoming transfer in advance?
It's good practice to call your FFL dealer before placing your order to confirm: (1) they accept transfers, (2) their fee, and (3) their FFL information for the paperwork. We'll contact them on our end, but a heads-up helps the process move smoothly.
What if the firearm arrives damaged?
Have your FFL dealer note any external damage on the shipping documents before accepting. Then contact us at 502-272-4859 or support@thegundock.com immediately with photos. We'll work with the carrier on a claim and resolve the situation — replacement or refund depending on circumstances.
Can I pick up in person at your Paris, KY location?
Yes. If you're local, you can select in-store pickup during checkout. You'll complete the Form 4473 and NICS check at our counter, same as any gun store. In-person transfers skip the FFL transfer fee at a third-party dealer entirely.
Do you ship to California, New York, or other restrictive states?
We ship to all 50 states, subject to state and local laws. Some states have restrictions on certain configurations, magazine capacities, calibers, or suppressor ownership. We review orders before shipping and will contact you if an item cannot be legally shipped to your state. If you're unsure whether a specific firearm is legal in your state, we recommend consulting your state's AG website or a local FFL dealer before ordering.