Frequently Asked Questions - Evidence Packaging & Submittal

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The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation laboratories will receive evidence for examination either by personal delivery or by mail with the following exception: Handguns, Long Guns (Rifles and/or Shotguns), and most Forensic Biology evidence must be submitted in person. Sexual assault kits and known DNA reference samples can be mailed to the laboratory for analysis.  It is recommended that if evidence is submitted by mail, a tracked method is utilized. Click here to view the Evidence Guidelines memo from March 2022.

Toxicology evidence is typically submitted by mail through a carrier service (United States Postal Service, UPS, or Federal Express).  Evidence may also be received in person from submitting officers.

No. For safety concerns, firearms may not be mailed for submission. However, the following OSBI laboratory evidence-receiving locations (Tahlequah, McAlester, Lawton) accept firearms evidence and will transfer such evidence to the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit located in Edmond, OK.

All firearms must be unloaded when submitted – no exceptions. Firearms should be submitted in a handgun box or manila envelope with all factory seals reinforced with tape and initials.  For firearms evidence not needing Biology and/or Latent Print analysis, the item may be submitted in a sealed plastic bag. Loose ammunition should never be packaged in the same container as a firearm.

Download the Evidence Acceptance Guidelines and follow the instructions.

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Evidence Guidelines for Mailing

Evidence Guidelines for Mailing