Private Vehicle Travel

Interstate Travel
Per federal law 18 USC § 926A, every U.S. citizen may legally transport firearms across state lines as long as he or she is legally allowed to possess the weapons in both the state of origin as well as the destination.

You can legally transport firearms across state lines as long as:

• You can lawfully possess firearms in your state of origin.
• You can lawfully possess firearms at your destination.
• The firearm and ammunition must be stored out of reach (not in the glove compartment or center console).*
• Although it may not be required, it is a good idea to lock your ammunition and guns in separate lock boxes in the trunk or anywhere out of immediate reach.

It is important to note that 18 USC § 926A only allows you to travel through, not to, the states in which it’s illegal to carry firearms. In states with strict gun laws (such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York), it may be a good idea not to stop at all. In addition, be sure to comply with any magazine and ammunition restrictions that are in place at your destination.

*Check the local concealed carry laws of each state through which you will be traveling to determine how your CCW permit affects this requirement.

Traveling over the border?
If your travel may include entering either Canada or Mexico, it is recommended that you do not take handguns or ammunition with you. However, if you’re heading to Canada with long guns for sporting/hunting purposes, be sure to download and complete a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form before you arrive at the border, but do not sign it as a customs officer must witness your signature, and pay the associated fee. Additional information on transporting firearms into Canada, refer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website.