CarryShield

Federal rules

Federal rules that follow you across state lines

State law decides most of what you can do. These federal rules apply everywhere, on top of it.

CarryShield is a reference tool, not legal advice, and is not affiliated with any government agency. Laws change and local rules vary. Always confirm with the official source before you carry.

Interstate transport (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A)

Federal law entitles a person who is not prohibited from possessing firearms to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from a place where they may lawfully possess and carry it to another such place, overriding contrary state or local law, if it is unloaded and stored as the statute requires during the trip.

  • Applies to any person who is not otherwise prohibited by federal firearms law (18 U.S.C. chapter 44) from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm.
  • You must be able to lawfully possess and carry the firearm at both the place you start from and the place you are going to.
  • During transport the firearm must be unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition may be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • In a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
  • The protection is stated to apply notwithstanding any state or local law, rule or regulation, but only if the statute's conditions are met during the transport.
  • ATF's October 9, 2026 open letter says it is unclear whether state courts will apply section 926A to interstate transport of unregistered NFA items, and urges caution before carrying them through states where they are prohibited.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. 922(q))

Federal law makes it a crime to knowingly possess a firearm in a place you know, or have reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone: on the grounds of a public, parochial or private elementary or secondary school, or within 1,000 feet of those grounds, unless an exception applies.

  • "School zone" means in or on the grounds of a public, parochial or private school, or within 1,000 feet of the grounds; "school" means one that provides elementary or secondary education, as determined under state law (18 U.S.C. 921(a)(26)-(27)).
  • Licensee exception: possession is allowed if you are licensed to possess the firearm by the state in which the school zone is located (or a political subdivision of it), and that state's law requires law enforcement to verify that you are qualified before issuing the license. The text covers only a license from that state, so it does not cover carrying without a license or on another state's permit.
  • Other exceptions: on private property that is not part of school grounds; a firearm that is unloaded and in a locked container or a locked firearms rack on a motor vehicle; use in a program approved by a school in the zone; under a contract between a school in the zone and the individual or their employer; a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity.
  • Also excepted: an unloaded firearm possessed while crossing school premises to reach public or private lands open to hunting, if school authorities have authorized the entry.
  • A separate provision bars knowingly or recklessly discharging, or attempting to discharge, a firearm in a school zone, with narrower exceptions (private property not part of school grounds, school-approved programs, school contracts, and law enforcement acting officially).
  • The law applies to firearms that have moved in or otherwise affect interstate or foreign commerce, and it does not prevent states or localities from enacting their own gun-free school zone laws.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Federal facilities (18 U.S.C. 930)

Federal law prohibits knowingly possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a federal facility, meaning a building or part of a building owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees regularly work; federal court facilities carry a higher penalty.

  • Possession in a federal facility is punishable by a fine and up to 1 year in prison; in a federal court facility, by a fine and up to 2 years.
  • "Federal court facility" covers courtrooms, judges' chambers, witness rooms, jury rooms, attorney conference rooms, holding cells, offices of the court clerks, U.S. attorney, U.S. marshal and probation and parole, and adjoining corridors. Federal courts may also restrict weapons in court buildings and their grounds.
  • Exceptions: officers, agents or employees performing official law enforcement duties; federal officials or members of the Armed Forces when possession is authorized by law; and the lawful carrying of firearms in a federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes (this last exception does not apply in federal court facilities). A state carry permit is not one of the listed exceptions.
  • Notice of the law must be posted at each public entrance. No one may be convicted of the general or court-facility offense if notice was not posted, unless they had actual notice.
  • "Dangerous weapon" does not include a pocket knife with a blade under 2 1/2 inches.
  • Examples in national parks include visitor centers, ranger stations, government offices, fee collection buildings and maintenance facilities (per NPS).
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Post offices and postal property (39 CFR 232.1(l))

A U.S. Postal Service regulation provides that no person on postal property may carry firearms, openly or concealed, or store them on postal property, except for official purposes, notwithstanding any other law.

  • Rule text: "Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation, no person while on postal property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, or store the same on postal property, except for official purposes."
  • The rule applies to all real property under the charge and control of the Postal Service, so on its face it is not limited to the inside of the building. It does not apply to portions leased to private tenants for their exclusive use.
  • A state carry permit is not an exception; the only exception in the text is for official purposes.
  • Violations are punishable by a fine under 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.
  • Purses, briefcases and other containers brought onto postal property are subject to inspection.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

National Park System units (54 U.S.C. 104906)

In areas run by the National Park Service, a person who is not otherwise prohibited may possess a firearm if that complies with the law of the state where the park area is located, but federal law still bars firearms in NPS federal facilities such as visitor centers and ranger stations.

  • 54 U.S.C. 104906 bars the Interior Secretary from making or enforcing any regulation that prohibits possessing a firearm in a National Park System unit when the person is not otherwise prohibited by law and the possession complies with the law of the state where the unit is located.
  • State and local carry laws, including those on concealed carry, apply. Some parks extend into more than one state or locality, so the rules can change depending on where you are in the park.
  • Where state and local law grants reciprocity to non-resident permit holders, NPS says the park recognizes it the same way.
  • Firearms remain prohibited, unless expressly authorized, in NPS federal facilities such as government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings and maintenance facilities (18 U.S.C. 930).
  • Using or firing a firearm in a park area is prohibited unless authorized (36 CFR 2.4(b), 13.30(c)). Hunting is allowed only in parks where a federal statute mandates or authorizes it, under NPS rules and state law (36 CFR 2.2).
  • NPS advises contacting the specific park about its firearm rules before visiting.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects (36 CFR 327.13)

On Army Corps of Engineers water resources development projects, a federal regulation prohibits possessing loaded firearms, ammunition, or other weapons unless one of four listed exceptions applies; a state carry permit is not one of them.

  • Exceptions: (1) possession by a federal, state or local law enforcement officer; (2) use for hunting or fishing as permitted under 36 CFR 327.8, with the devices unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites; (3) use at authorized shooting ranges; (4) written permission from the District Commander.
  • A "project" covers the water areas of any water resources development project administered by the Chief of Engineers (whoever owns the underlying land), all lands the federal government owns in fee there, and the facilities on them (36 CFR 327.1(c)).
  • Explosives, fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited without written permission from the District Commander.
  • The current eCFR text of 327.13 dates from 65 FR 6901 (Feb. 11, 2000). As of October 18, 2026, the Federal Register showed no documents affecting 36 CFR part 327 published since January 1, 2024.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Air travel (TSA checked-baggage rules)

TSA allows firearms on commercial flights only as checked baggage: unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited in carry-on bags.

  • The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Any brand or type of lock may be used, including TSA-recognized locks.
  • Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline at the ticket counter, and declare each firearm each time you check it.
  • Only the passenger should keep the key or combination, unless TSA personnel ask for it to open the container during screening.
  • TSA treats a firearm as loaded if a live round, or any component of one, is in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. It also treats a firearm as loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.
  • Ammunition is not allowed in carry-on bags but may go in checked bags. Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber, and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packed in a fiber, wood, plastic or metal box made to carry ammunition. It may go in the same locked hard-sided case as the firearm if packed that way.
  • Magazines and clips, loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or carried in the hard-sided case with the unloaded firearm. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on bags. Replica and toy firearms may go in checked bags only.
  • Airlines may set their own limits and fees, including ammunition quantity limits, so check with your airline first.
  • Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the checkpoint carries the same civil penalty as bringing a loaded firearm. Local, state and international laws on possessing firearms also apply.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Amtrak (checked firearms policy)

Amtrak accepts unloaded firearms and ammunition only as checked baggage, between stations and on trains that offer checked baggage service and have a ticket office, and only after a reservation made by phone at least 6 hours before travel. Firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags, and Auto Train has its own rules.

  • Call 800-USA-RAIL at least 6 hours before travel to give notice that you are checking firearms or ammunition; online reservations for firearms are not accepted. Amtrak Connection bus services are not included.
  • You must travel on the same train that carries your checked firearms, and check them at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure (some larger stations require earlier check-in).
  • Firearms must be unloaded and in an approved, locked hard-sided container no larger than 62" x 17" x 7" and no heavier than 50 lbs. Only you may hold the key or combination. Smaller locked cases (for example, for handguns) must be packed inside a suitcase or other checked bag and declared.
  • Ammunition must be securely packed in the original manufacturer's container, in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or in other packaging made for small amounts of ammunition. Total ammunition and packaging may not exceed 11 lbs.
  • Checked baggage service must be available on every train and at every station in your itinerary. You will complete and sign a two-part Declaration Form at check-in. BB guns and compressed-air guns, including paintball markers, are treated as firearms.
  • You are responsible for following federal, state and local firearm laws in every jurisdiction you travel to or through. Passengers who do not meet the requirements will be denied transportation.
  • Auto Train: firearms stay secured inside your vehicle or motorcycle in a locked, TSA-compliant hard-sided case with at least two locking points. You must be 18 or older, reserve at least 6 hours ahead, and declare in person at least 2 hours 30 minutes before departure. Open carry is prohibited on board.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

National Firearms Act items (federal status)

Since October 9, 2026, ATF has used enforcement discretion to stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration, tax-stamp and related requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and "any other weapons" nationwide. Machine guns and destructive devices remain fully regulated, Gun Control Act rules (including Form 20 approval to take an SBR or SBS across state lines) still apply, and state law is unaffected.

  • NFA firearms include short-barreled shotguns (barrel under 18 in.), short-barreled rifles (barrel under 16 in.), weapons made from either with an overall length under 26 in., "any other weapons" (26 U.S.C. 5845(e)), machine guns, silencers and destructive devices (26 U.S.C. 5845).
  • Tax: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21) set the NFA making and transfer taxes to $0 for every NFA firearm except machine guns and destructive devices, which remain $200 (26 U.S.C. 5811, 5821). The change applies to calendar quarters beginning more than 90 days after July 4, 2025.
  • Court ruling: in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, No. 6:25-cv-056 (N.D. Tex. Aug. 5, 2026), the court barred enforcement of the NFA's making, registration and transfer provisions for SBRs, SBSs, silencers and AOWs. The injunction protects only the plaintiffs and the other persons named in the order, and it does not bind other courts.
  • ATF policy (Oct. 9, 2026): for SBRs, SBSs, silencers and AOWs only, and for everyone, ATF will not enforce the prior-approval requirements to make or transfer, NFA registration, the bans on making, receiving, transferring or possessing unregistered items (except those with obliterated serial numbers or that were illegally imported, 26 U.S.C. 5861(h), (k)), the ban on interstate transport of unregistered NFA firearms (26 U.S.C. 5861(j)), or the NFA marking requirement.
  • Machine guns and destructive devices are unaffected: the $200 tax and all NFA provisions still apply. Separately, 18 U.S.C. 922(o) generally bars transferring or possessing a machine gun, except one lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986, or transfers to or by government agencies.
  • Interstate transport of SBRs and SBSs: ATF says individuals must still file ATF Form 20 and receive approval before taking a short-barreled rifle or shotgun across state lines, even if it is unregistered (18 U.S.C. 922(a)(4)). Section 922(a)(4) also covers machine guns and destructive devices. ATF will not enforce 26 U.S.C. 5861(j) against unregistered suppressors and AOWs.
  • Gun Control Act rules still apply: these items are "firearms" that prohibited persons may not possess. Dealers must complete Form 4473, run a NICS check, keep records, and may not sell in violation of state or local law (18 U.S.C. 922(b)(2)). Unlicensed individuals may not transfer these items to residents of other states.
  • Dealer sales of SBRs and SBSs still require Attorney General authorization under 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(4). ATF will not enforce that requirement until it issues regulations for a non-NFA approval process.
  • Registration is still available voluntarily: ATF continues to accept Forms 1, 2, 3 and 4. An item removed from the registry cannot be re-registered unless the Attorney General declares an amnesty.
  • Reversal risk (per ATF): enforcement could resume if Congress imposes a new tax, the injunction is dissolved or overturned, or the Department rescinds the guidance. The NFA treats unregistered firearms as contraband, with felony penalties and forfeiture. Federal law does not generally allow later registration or automatically grandfather unregistered items; any amnesty (up to 90 days) is at the Attorney General's discretion.
  • State and local law still applies and may be stricter. Most states require NFA items to comply with federal law or be registered under the NFA, and a minority ban most or all of them. ATF cannot say whether an unregistered item held under this policy counts as lawfully held or registered for state-law purposes. See each state's suppressor, SBR and SBS entries.
Verified Oct 18, 2026

Military installations (DoD property)

Department of Defense policy prohibits possessing a privately owned firearm on DoD property except as permitted by DoD Directive 5210.56 or other applicable DoD policy, and federal law separately restricts firearms in federal buildings.

  • DoDD 5210.56: "Except as permitted in this issuance or as specifically permitted in other applicable DoD policy, the possession of a privately owned firearm on DoD property is prohibited."
  • DoD personnel may ask a designated arming authority for written permission to carry a privately owned firearm, concealed or openly, on DoD property for personal protection. Written permission is valid for 90 days or as long as the DoD component deems appropriate.
  • Applicants must affirm in writing that they meet federal, state, local or host-nation requirements to carry a firearm (a valid concealed handgun license may serve as proof) and that they will follow federal, state and local law. A state license is evidence of eligibility, not DoD permission.
  • Permission under the directive does not cover carrying inside federal buildings unless the arming authority determines, after consulting legal counsel, that an exception under 18 U.S.C. 930(d) applies.
  • Other DoD or installation policies may allow possession in specific situations, so check the specific installation's rules before bringing a firearm onto it.
Verified Oct 18, 2026