Buying A Gun — Background Check Before
: Further investigation is needed. If no determination is made within three business days , the dealer may (but is not required to) transfer the firearm, unless state law says otherwise. Common Prohibitions
: The system checks three primary national databases for disqualifying records: background check before buying a gun
: Most checks are resolved in minutes with one of three statuses: Proceed : The sale can go forward immediately. Denied : The buyer is prohibited by law. : Further investigation is needed
: The FFL submits your information and Social Security number to the FBI or a state-designated agency. Denied : The buyer is prohibited by law
: Contains records of protection orders, warrants, and stolen property.
Before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer (FFL), you must undergo a background check through the . This process is designed to prevent prohibited persons—such as convicted felons or those with specific mental health histories—from legally obtaining guns. The Background Check Process
Individuals adjudicated as "mentally defective" or committed to a mental institution.