Who needs a background check to buy a gun?

In the United States, anybody who wants to buy a gun from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) is subject to a background check. Since 1998, when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, went online, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has processed more than 320 million of them.

What is the National instant criminal background check (NICs)?

The cornerstone of American gun regulation is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The system screens people buying firearms at licensed dealers and is the government’s first line of defense against gun crime.

What is the NICS process for buying a gun?

NICS Process When a person tries to buy a firearm, the seller, known as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), contacts NICS electronically or by phone. The prospective buyer fills out the ATF form, and the FFL relays that information to the NICS. The NICS staff performs a background check on the buyer.

Does the ATF run background checks on concealed carry permits?

However, the ATF looks at the laws for obtaining a concealed carry permit or license in each state and deems whether or not having a valid concealed carry permit or license exempts you from having to go through the background check when purchasing a firearm. As of this writing, 28 states have these exemptions.

How do I buy a gun from an FFL?

The Brady Law requires all FFLs to run background checks on people purchasing guns, through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). If you decide to buy a gun from an FFL, you have to fill out a 4473 Form (also called a Firearms Transaction Record).

Do all FFLs have to run background checks?

The Brady Law requires all FFLs to run background checks on people purchasing guns, through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). How a Background Check for Guns Works If you decide to buy a gun from an FFL, you have to fill out a 4473 Form (also called a Firearms Transaction Record).

How long does a gun background check take to clear?

The overwhelming majority of gun background checks take just minutes to clear the would-be buyer. Only 2 percent result in a rejection because of a disqualifying record in the shopper’s personal history. Will a Gun Keep Your Family Safe? Here’s What the Evidence Says