Interstate Transportation of Personally Owned Firearms

[SHH 1313]

My husbands father has cancer and probably won't live. My husband had given most all his guns to his Dad when he retired from the military. His Dad has them registered in his name.

We will be going to Florida, we reside in Texas. So far I have figured out Don will have to register the guns in his name. Does that mean do it in Florida? Also where do we put them when we drive through Al, MS and LA and for that matter TX? Niether one of has a concealed carry license. They are hunting rifles and hand guns. Do you break them apart? Lay them in the back seat?

I don't know how many there are yet.

Your time and input will be greatly appreciated because of the different states involved.

Stephanie...

[retdetsgt]

Can you put them in the trunk or at least in a suitcase? The idea of illegal concealment applies only if it's concealed and readily available. Concealed in a trunk or locked case isn't illegal.

[SHH 1313]

Hi Rdsgt! How ya been?

Well, I don't think they make a suitcase big enough for rifles since 911. Can they be broken down? Handguns sure..

I have heard that most states will not issue permits to nonresidents and others prohibit transport carrying altogether. I am pretty sure that in FL. you have to be a resident so if that is the case they can't be registered in Don's name. I have heard that AL has iffy laws, maybe not....

This will be a stressful situation having to stop in AL. to find out and take the time to do it if we can. That is why I am doing my homework now, not to mention Don is 100% disabled. So time will be of the essence. Will I need a permit for each state if possible?

[G35 Mass]

There is a federal law that allows you to transport firearms through states provided you can lawfully possess them in both where you're leaving from and your destination.

See this:

NRA-ILA ::

[ChesCopPodz]

While they may not fit in a suitcase, they will fit in rifle cases.

As long as they're in the trunk seperated from where someone says they are "easily accessable" by the passengers, you should be fine.

But read the site G35 provided a link to. A trip that long can find you going from "Howdy fella" to "Wanted felon" just by going over the border.

[SHH 1313]

There is a federal law that allows you to transport firearms through states provided you can lawfully possess them in both where you're leaving from and your destination.

We are not felons or on probation.

Travelers should be aware that some state and local governments treat this federal provision as an "affirmative defense" that may only be raised after an arrest. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has also recently held that FOPA`s protections only apply while the firearm is not readily accessible to the traveler, and that a firearm is readily accessible during a hotel stay.

While this decision is only binding in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all travelers in areas with restrictive laws would be well advised to have copies of any applicable firearm licenses or permits, as well as copies or printouts from the relevant jurisdictions` official publications or websites documenting pertinent provisions of law (including FOPA itself) or reciprocity information. In the event of an unexpected or extended delay, travelers should make every effort not to handle any luggage containing firearms unnecessarily and to secure it in a location where they do not have ready access to it.

G35 site link
NRA-ILA ::

I will be driving through LA, MS, AL and FL. I believe FL gun laws are stricter. I am not worried about TX or MS and I was pm'd and told I would not need to register in FL. or TX.

All we want to do is comply with each states laws so that in the event there was a wreck or we were pulled over, we would be in compliance with local state and federal law.

Rifles are in cases, I don't know yet about the hand guns, I don't see much problem with the rifles but aren't handgun's harder to explain and different laws than rifles?

The exceptions to this rule apply mainly to transportation of handguns and so-called "assault weapons."
copied from G35's site also

Bolding added for emphasis.

Again, Thanks for the responses
Stephanie.

[G35 Mass]

Just ship them.

Handguns have to be overnighted, rifles can go by ground.

[SHH 1313]

Just ship them.

Handguns have to be overnighted, rifles can go by ground.

You just answered my next question about hand guns!

Thank you,
Stephanie

[ChesCopPodz]

What I did when I moved cross country was wrap each handgun in a towel, then pack them all in a large cardboard box which was put in the trunk and not with the movers like the rest of the stuff.

They stayed safe and all packaged in one box, and it was a sealed box in the trunk of my car, so no worrying about being "accessible"

[mcsap]

Check with a gun dealer in Florida.

[TEXASCOP]

There is no gun registration in Texas. I could buy a gun from my neighbor and not report it to any governing body. The paper work you fill out when you buy a gun from a dealer only regulates gun retailers. There is no paper work required when you buy or inherit firearms, just take them home and enjoy. Now you want check the gun laws for each state you pass through driving back, or just ship them.

[cntryboy0531]

There is no gun registration in Texas. I could buy a gun from my neighbor and not report it to any governing body. The paper work you fill out when you buy a gun from a dealer only regulates gun retailers. There is no paper work required when you buy or inherit firearms, just take them home and enjoy. Now you want check the gun laws for each state you pass through driving back, or just ship them.

Same in Florida. It's actually against the state constitution for the STATE government to keep a registration database. You will not have to register them in Florida. Please check with Federal ATF to make sure they have no requirements.

[SHH 1313]

I am not selling guns or planning on starting a business so I assume I don't need a license.
ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Licensing

And we have never done any of this,
ATF Online - Firearms - How To - Identify Prohibited Persons

This is a PITA ,why is it men have a need for guns? It sure make life complicated.

[ChesCopPodz]

This is a PITA ,why is it men have a need for guns? It sure make life complicated

Because carrying a cop is too heavy.

Remember, when seconds count, the police are just a couple minutes away.

[SHH 1313]

I agree with you, it's that it turns a simple trip from point a to point b into a pita. So far I figure ship handguns overnight and box up all rifles, tape them up and put them in the trunk. I hope shipping (UPS) them to TX from FL. does not become a hassle, maybe I should use FedEx instead of the US postal service, I assume since 911 that will be a hassle also.

So anything I need to know about shipping handguns from FL to TX?

Stephanie.

Thanks for ya'lls help and the time for answering my questions.