Can You Mail Alcohol to a Friend? Here’s the Legal Lowdown

Imagine this: your best friend texts you from across the country, asking if you can ship them a few bottles of that amazing rosé from the new hometown vineyard. You’re tempted to say yes—but is it even legal to send alcohol through the mail?

Is It Illegal to Ship Alcohol?

Yes, in most cases, it is illegal for private individuals to ship alcohol. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), you cannot send beer, wine, or spirits to friends or family. The rules are strict, and shipping alcohol is heavily regulated—or outright banned—unless you’re a licensed business.

Shipping Alcohol via USPS

You cannot use the USPS to mail alcohol. Federal law (Title 18, Section 1716F of the U.S. Code) prohibits mailing “spiritous, vinous, malted, fermented, or other intoxicating liquors.” This means beer, wine, and liquor are considered “unmailable.” The only exceptions are items like mouthwash, cooking wine, or certain medicines.

There have been attempts in Congress to change this, such as the USPS Shipping Equity Act, but so far, no action has been taken. The goal of these bills is to allow the Postal Service to compete with private carriers in shipping alcohol from licensed businesses.

Mailing Alcohol via FedEx or UPS

Private carriers like FedEx and UPS also prohibit individuals from shipping alcohol. However, licensed businesses can ship alcohol if they follow state and local laws and have signed agreements with the carriers. For example, UPS allows businesses to ship wine and beer, while FedEx only permits wine shipments.

Why Is Mailing Alcohol Illegal?

There are three main reasons for these restrictions:

• Safety: Alcohol is flammable and must be packaged securely to prevent leaks or breakage.
• State Regulations: After Prohibition ended, states gained control over alcohol laws. Some states still tightly regulate or control alcohol sales and transport.
• Taxation: States rely on alcohol taxes, so they monitor its movement closely to ensure compliance.

Can I Ship Alcohol to a Friend?

No, as a private citizen, you cannot legally mail alcohol. But there are workarounds to send a gift:

• Buy from a local store in their area and have them pick it up.
• Use a delivery service like Instacart to send alcohol directly.
• Order from a direct-to-consumer website and ship to their address.
• Send a gift card for a local or online vendor.

Always check state laws and platform policies before proceeding.

Can I Get Alcohol Delivered?

It depends on your state. Many states relaxed alcohol delivery rules during the pandemic, but laws vary widely. Some states allow direct-to-consumer delivery of beer, wine, or liquor, while others prohibit it entirely. Check your local regulations to be sure.

The Consequences of Shipping Alcohol Illegally

If you ignore the rules and ship alcohol anyway, you could face fines, have your package seized, or even risk criminal charges. Using USPS for illegal alcohol shipments can result in hefty fines and up to a year in prison. In some states, like Utah, shipping or receiving alcohol can be a felony.

Bottom Line: Don’t Mail Alcohol

While it might be tempting to send a friend their favorite drink, it’s not worth the legal trouble. Always use a licensed retailer for alcohol gifts, or consider an alcohol-free alternative to stay on the right side of the law.