Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to Alabama?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can buy firearms online and ship them to Alabama, but they must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer for the background check and transfer process.
What This Means for You
Online firearm purchases follow federal law requiring shipment to an FFL dealer in your state. Alabama doesn't impose additional restrictions beyond federal requirements for most firearms. This process is commonly used by builders who want access to specific models or better pricing than local shops offer.
The Detail
When you purchase a firearm online, federal law requires that it be shipped directly to a Federal Firearms License holder in Alabama. You cannot have firearms shipped directly to your home address. The FFL dealer will receive the firearm, log it into their bound book, and conduct the required background check when you come to pick it up.
Alabama follows federal guidelines without adding state-level complications to the transfer process. You'll need to provide valid identification and complete ATF Form 4473 just like any other firearm purchase. The receiving FFL will typically charge a transfer fee, usually ranging from $20 to $50 depending on the dealer.
For NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, or machine guns, the process is more complex and involves ATF Form 4 transfers with significantly longer wait times. Alabama allows NFA ownership for items legally transferred under federal law. These transfers require additional paperwork, fingerprints, photographs, and a $200 tax stamp per item.
Some online retailers only ship to FFLs they have on file, so you may need to have your chosen FFL send their license copy to the seller. Most established online retailers have streamlined this process and maintain databases of FFLs nationwide. Always verify that your chosen FFL is willing to receive transfers before completing your online purchase.
Build Impact
Online purchasing opens up significantly more options for specific components, frames, and complete firearms that local shops might not stock. Just factor in transfer fees and shipping time when comparing total costs to local availability.