National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

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Questions and answers regarding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

How may a licensee participate in the raffling of firearms by an unlicensed organization?

Does an officer or employee of an entity that holds a federal firearms license, such as a corporation, have to undergo a NICS check when acquiring a firearm for their own personal collection?

Does a licensee conducting a NICS check have to comply with state waiting periods before transferring a firearm?

ATF has recognized the concealed weapons permits in State A and State B as valid alternatives to a NICS check. Can a resident of State A use a concealed weapons permit issued by State A to purchase a long gun in State B without undergoing a NICS check?

Does a permit qualify as an alternative to a NICS check if the purchaser is using it to buy a type of firearm that is not covered by the permit?

What happens if a transferee successfully appeals a NICS denial but more than 30 calendar days have elapsed since the initial background check was initiated?

Must a licensee always wait 3 business days before transferring a firearm after receiving a “delayed” response?

Can one NICS check be used for more than one firearms transaction?

How long is a NICS check valid?

Must licensees keep ATF Forms 4473 if the firearm transfer is denied or, for some other reason, not completed?

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