Gregory Kielma • January 8, 2026
What Legal Gun Owners Should Do When Crossing State Lines and Moving to Another State
What Legal Gun Owners Should Do When Crossing State Lines and Moving to Another State
Gregg Kielma
01/08/2026
I talk about this in my classes. Know the laws and states you are traveling through and make good decisions. It's your duty to understand the laws before you travel. My thoughts and suggestions.
Let's Take a LOOK
Traveling with a firearm is completely legal for responsible gun owners — but the moment you cross a state line, the rules change. Every state has its own laws on possession, carry, transport, and reciprocity, and misunderstanding those laws can turn an ordinary road trip into a legal nightmare. A little preparation goes a long way toward staying safe and compliant.
1. Know the Federal “Safe Passage” Rule
Federal law under the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) provides a safe passage provision for travelers. As long as the firearm is unloaded, locked away, and not readily accessible, you may legally pass through states where your firearm might otherwise be prohibited. This protection only applies to transport, not carry, and only when you are traveling from one lawful location to another.
2. Research Every State on Your Route
State laws vary widely — from permitless carry to strict permit requirements. Some states honor your carry permit, while others do not. Guides that break down state-by-state rules emphasize that laws change frequently, so checking updated information before each trip is essential.
3. Follow Proper Transport Procedures
When traveling through states where you cannot legally carry:
• Unload the firearm
• Store it in a locked case
• Keep ammunition separate
• Place both in an area not accessible to the driver (trunk or rear compartment)
These steps align with federal transport requirements and help ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
4. Understand Reciprocity — Don’t Assume
Even if your home state allows permitless carry, that does not mean other states do. Reciprocity agreements determine where your permit is valid, and these agreements change over time. Updated concealed carry guides stress the importance of verifying reciprocity before traveling.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Stops in Restrictive States
FOPA protects you during continuous travel, but extended stops — such as overnight stays, sightseeing, or detours — may remove that protection. When in doubt, plan your route to minimize time spent in states with restrictive laws.
6. Document Everything
Keep:
• Your carry permit
• Firearm documentation
• Proof of destination (hotel reservation, training class, hunting license, etc.)
This helps demonstrate lawful purpose if questioned.
7. When Moving to a New State, Learn the New Rules
If you’re relocating, not just traveling, additional requirements may apply. Some states require registration, waiting periods, or specific transport rules for new residents.
Kielma’s Parting Shot
Crossing state lines with a firearm is absolutely manageable for responsible gun owners — it just requires preparation. Know the laws, secure your firearm properly, and verify reciprocity before you go. Responsible travel protects your rights, your safety, and your peace of mind.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking Nine Firearms, Including to Buyer Who Said He Was ‘At War’ Thursday, April 30, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia WASHINGTON - Brandon Smith, 34, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic at least nine firearms to a prohibited buyer over the course of six months, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Brandon Smith was already on supervised probation for a violent felony when he chose to traffic firearms, and he continued even after being told the buyer intended to use them for violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Over the course of six months, he arranged the sale of at least nine guns—including one with an obliterated serial number—to a prohibited individual. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained and deliberate effort to arm someone who could not legally possess firearms. My office remains committed to holding accountable those who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal guns.” On Jan. 9, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty before Judge Howell to conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 108-month prison term. According to court papers, beginning in November 2023, ATF opened an investigation after a confidential source reported that Smith, then on supervised probation for a violent felony, was actively advertising firearms for sale by texting photographs of guns to prospective buyers, including individuals with prior felony convictions. During the next six months, Smith sold or arranged the sale of nine firearms to a buyer on six separate occasions. During the transactions, Smith sold his own personal carry firearm on multiple occasions when a supplier failed to deliver, then purchased a replacement for himself afterward. In early January 2024, as Smith and the buyer discussed an upcoming transaction, the buyer told Smith he needed the firearms because he was “at war” after his cousin had been killed. Smith proceeded with the sale. The buyer had also told Smith he was serving a criminal justice sentence at the time of the transactions. Smith acknowledged that he, too, was “on papers.” Smith arranged a total of six transactions from Nov. 30, 2023, through May 30, 2024, resulting in the sale of nine firearms. At least one of the firearms had its serial number obliterated. On Oct. 26, 2024, MPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the 1600 block of 16th Street SE and found Smith in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Officers observed open containers of alcohol and discovered a satchel at his feet. Inside the satchel, in plain view, was a loaded Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun with a round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The bag also contained a bank card and government-issued identification in Smith’s name. Smith has prior convictions for Simple Assault (2011), Attempted Robbery (2013), and Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (2016), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was serving a term of supervised probation from the 2016 conviction at the time of the firearms trafficking conspiracy. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan. Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking
