I am in WA state and have a couple of handguns I would like to give to my daughter in Iowa.

Obviously, they could be shipped FFL to FFL but I would rather avoid all of that.

My daughter is not prohibited in any fashion under IA law.

The two handguns involved are not restricted under IA law.

IA allows private sales without dealer involvement, and BG check/purchase permits are not required if not buying from a dealer. (Per USConcealedCarry.com)


So, given the above,

If I bring the guns with me on a road trip that includes a visit to my daughter, is there anything I am missing that wouldn’t allow me to transfer them to her as a gift without some sort documentation or criminal violation if I am in legal possession of them in her state?

Does me being a WA resident and her being an IA resident trigger a requirement to have an FFL’s involved even though no transport between states is taking place as I will be in IA with the guns on unrelated travel?

I wish Mollie Tibbits' dad had given her a pistol to train to use and to carry while jogging in IA. It just tears me up what that illegal did to her. You are doing the right thing for your daughter, hoping it includes training and getting the right holsters.

If you legally own the pistols in WA, and can legally travel with them to IA, AND ALL STATES IN BETWEEN... And while in IA can legally transfer/gift them to your family member, as a nonresident of IA, without paperwork... And she is otherwise not prohibited to own or possess a pistol... (A pistol mind you. There may be an age issue if she is not 21 yet.) And there is no knowledge or intent to evade laws in either state, or federal laws... Then MAYBE you are OK. But I would check the laws in both states. Find out if it is easier for her to come see you and make the gift transfer happen in WA or you to go see her and make the gift transfer in IA. Since you are not selling to someone, it could not be considered a business transaction. And since that someone is an immediate family member, I don"t believe you need to have an FFL involved under the laws in any state, that I know of.

Glad I live in Texas and nearly all of my family is in Texas. BTW, think about giving her the money for a decent shotgun to keep around her house or apartment. And get her a copy of "The Law of Self Defense Principles" by Andrew Branca. He was giving away free copies for the asking at one point in time.

Unloaad them, lock them individually, then transport them in a locked trunk. And check the magazine capacity possession and ownership laws too! (I learned that before traveling in Massachusetts!) Don't take a bunch of ammunition unless you know those rules too.

Disclaimer: I am in no way providing legal advice. I am not qualified. I am just pointing out things to consider while determining how you make the transfer in compliance with state and federal laws.

[/QUOTE]If I bring the guns with me on a road trip that includes a visit to my daughter, is there anything I am missing that wouldn’t allow me to transfer them to her as a gift without some sort documentation or criminal violation if I am in legal possession of them in her state?
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This is fine under federal law. I doubt Iowa is as f'ed up as WA (where even here that would be okay) or CA (where it might be an issue with the handgun roster).