Seven Things to Know About Moving with Firearms

Moving with firearms across state lines means dealing with federal transport law, destination state regulations that may differ sharply from Florida's, and practical decisions about whether guns go on the moving truck or travel with you. Getting any of these wrong can result in a felony charge in states with strict firearms laws. This guide covers the legal framework, packing requirements, and logistics of relocating a firearms collection during a household move.

Safebound Moving & Storage (USDOT 2900155) is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida and handles long-distance moves across all 50 states. If your move includes firearms, notify the team during your inventory assessment so the crew arrives prepared for proper handling. Get a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Federal Law for Moving With Firearms Interstate

The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986 provides a federal safe harbor for transporting firearms across state lines. Under 18 U.S.C. 926A, you can transport a firearm from any state where you may legally possess it to any other state where you may legally possess it, provided the firearm is unloaded and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment.

In practice, this means firearms must be stored in a locked container in the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. If your vehicle has no trunk (SUVs, pickup trucks), the locked container must be separate from the passenger area. Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm in its own locked container.

FOPA's safe harbor applies only to continuous, uninterrupted travel. Stopping overnight in a state with restrictive firearms laws (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, California) can expose you to prosecution under that state's laws. Plan your driving route to minimize stops in states where your specific firearms may not be legal to possess.

State Laws That Differ From Florida

Florida allows open carry while hunting and concealed carry with a license. The state has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity restrictions, and no firearms registration requirement. If you're moving from Florida to another state, assume nothing transfers automatically.

New York: Requires a permit to possess handguns. Assault weapons and magazines over 10 rounds are banned. Register firearms with local law enforcement within the required timeline after establishing residency.

New Jersey: Requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for long guns and a separate permit for each handgun purchase. Magazines over 10 rounds are prohibited. Hollow-point ammunition is restricted for transport.

California: Assault weapons ban, 10-round magazine limit, and mandatory registration of all firearms within 60 days of establishing residency. Some firearms legal in Florida are prohibited in California entirely.

Massachusetts: Requires a Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry. Non-residents transporting through the state should not stop longer than necessary. Magazine capacity restricted to 10 rounds for post-1994 manufactured magazines.

Research your destination state's laws before packing. Contact the destination state's firearms office or a firearms attorney if you own weapons that may fall under assault weapons classifications or capacity restrictions.

How to Pack Firearms for a Move

Unload every firearm completely. Remove all ammunition from chambers, magazines, and tubular feeds. Verify each firearm is clear before packing. Store ammunition in a separate locked container from the firearms themselves.

Use hard-sided gun cases for transport. Soft cases provide cushioning but don't meet the locked-container requirements under FOPA. Each case should lock with a key or combination that only you control. For long guns, use individual rifle cases. For handguns, use foam-lined pistol cases.

If firearms are going on the moving truck as part of your household goods, pack them in locked hard cases and inform your moving company during the inventory assessment. Do not leave ammunition in the same box or case as the firearm. Most movers can transport unloaded firearms in locked cases as part of a household shipment but cannot transport ammunition or loaded weapons.

Photograph every firearm before packing. Record the make, model, serial number, and condition. This documentation serves as your inventory for both insurance purposes and the condition report at delivery.

Should Firearms Go on the Truck or With You?

Many gun owners prefer to transport firearms in their personal vehicle rather than on the moving truck. This gives you direct control over the firearms throughout the move and avoids questions about liability if the truck is delayed or rerouted through a restrictive state.

If you're flying to your destination and driving isn't an option, firearms can be shipped via FedEx or UPS to yourself at your new address (not to a P.O. box) or to a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer at the destination. Handguns shipped interstate must go through an FFL. Long guns can be shipped directly to yourself in most cases.

For large collections, gun safes, or items too heavy to transport personally, including them on the moving truck may be the only practical option. Discuss this with your mover during the quote process. Safebound's crew can handle gun safes as specialty items with the right equipment and advance notice. Call 561-510-7191 to discuss your specific situation.

Updating Licenses and Registration After the Move

Florida does not require firearms registration, but many destination states do. Research your new state's requirements for registration timelines, concealed carry permit reciprocity, and any firearms that may need to be surrendered or modified to comply with local law.

Update your concealed carry permit if your destination state offers reciprocity with Florida. If not, apply for the destination state's permit before or immediately after your move. Some states have waiting periods that leave you without carry authorization during the transition.

Licensed (USDOT 2900155 | MC MC00975408 | FL IM2839), insured ($750,000), and certified: BBB Accredited, ProMover Certified, AMSA Member, Forbes Featured. Safebound Moving & Storage serves Florida and the continental United States. Verify credentials at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Can movers transport firearms?

Most professional movers can transport unloaded firearms in locked hard cases as part of a household goods shipment. Ammunition typically cannot go on the moving truck. Inform your mover during the inventory assessment that your shipment includes firearms so the crew handles them appropriately. Safebound handles firearms as part of household moves when properly packed and disclosed in advance. Call 561-510-7191 to discuss specifics.

Do I need to tell my moving company about firearms?

Yes. Disclose all firearms during your inventory assessment. Moving companies need to know about firearms for insurance, liability, and handling purposes. Undisclosed firearms discovered during loading can delay the move or result in the mover refusing to transport them. Inform Safebound's team when requesting your quote so the crew arrives prepared.

Can I ship ammunition with my household goods?

Most interstate movers will not transport ammunition on the moving truck. Ammunition is classified as a hazardous material for transport purposes. Pack ammunition separately and transport it in your personal vehicle or ship it via a carrier licensed for hazardous materials. Never pack ammunition in the same container as a firearm during a move.

What is FOPA and how does it protect gun owners during a move?

The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (18 U.S.C. 926A) allows you to transport a firearm between any two states where you can legally possess it, provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container not accessible from the passenger compartment. This federal safe harbor protects you during continuous interstate travel but does not override state laws if you stop or establish temporary residence in a restrictive state.

Which states have the strictest firearms laws for movers?

New York, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have the most restrictive firearms laws affecting interstate movers. These states regulate assault weapons, magazine capacity, registration requirements, and permit systems that differ significantly from Florida. Research your destination state's laws before your move and consult a firearms attorney if you own weapons that may fall under restricted categories.

How do I move a gun safe?

Gun safes weigh between 300 and 2,500 pounds depending on size and fire rating. They require specialized equipment including dollies, straps, and sometimes stair-climbing machines. Disclose the safe's weight, dimensions, and location (basement, second floor, garage) during your moving quote. Safebound handles gun safes as specialty items with advance notice so the crew arrives with the right equipment. Call 561-510-7191.

Do I need to register firearms after moving to a new state?

Florida does not require registration, but many destination states do. California requires registration of all firearms within 60 days of establishing residency. New York requires handgun permits. Research your destination state's requirements immediately and comply within any stated timelines. Failure to register where required can result in criminal charges even if the firearm was legally purchased in Florida.

How much does it cost to move a household with firearms?

Firearms don't typically add significant cost to a household move unless you're shipping a large gun safe as a specialty item. Safebound charges $135 per hour for a 2-mover crew, $180 per hour for 3 movers, and $225 per hour for 4 movers, with a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour. Long-distance moves are quoted as binding flat rates based on volume. Call 561-510-7191 for a quote that includes your full inventory.

Planning a move that includes firearms? Call 561-510-7191 or get a free quote online. Safebound Moving & Storage has completed 35,000+ moves with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews. Disclose firearms during your inventory assessment for proper handling. Available Monday through Friday 8:30am to 9pm and Saturday through Sunday 10am to 6pm.