The United States Postal Service recently unveiled a proposed rule change that would allow the mailing of handguns for the first time in nearly a century.
This shift follows a January 2026 Department of Justice opinion that deemed the long-standing federal prohibition on mailing concealable firearms unconstitutional.
The proposed regulations, published in the Federal Register, would update Publication 52 to treat handguns similarly to rifles and shotguns.
Under these new guidelines, firearms must be shipped unloaded and securely packaged without any external markings that reveal the contents.
Shipments would require tracking and signature confirmation upon delivery to ensure security.
Furthermore, all mailers must continue to adhere to the Gun Control Act of 1968 and all applicable state and local laws regarding firearm possession and transport.
The legal foundation for this change rests on a memorandum from the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel.
The memorandum argued that the 1927 statute banning the mailing of handguns lacks historical tradition and violates Second Amendment protections as interpreted by recent Supreme Court rulings.
Currently, handguns are largely restricted from the mail, forcing owners to rely on private carriers or licensed dealers for repairs and transfers.
This proposed change aims to restore the ability of law-abiding citizens to transport their property more efficiently.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from several state attorneys general who argue the 1927 law serves as a necessary safeguard against illegal trafficking.
These officials have sought to intervene in ongoing legal challenges to defend the existing federal statute.
The USPS is currently accepting public comments on the proposal through early May 2026.
Following this review period, the agency will decide whether to finalize, modify, or withdraw the rule based on the feedback received.
If implemented, the change would represent a significant shift in federal logistics for gun owners.
It would simplify processes for shipping firearms for inheritance, relocation, or professional maintenance while maintaining strict compliance with federal oversight.
The administration's move reflects a broader trend of re-evaluating historical gun regulations in light of modern constitutional standards.
As the comment period progresses, the future of this policy remains subject to both administrative review and potential judicial intervention.