Can I do a NICS check on myself?
Asked by: Anya Muller | Last update: May 21, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (31 votes)
No, you cannot personally conduct an FBI NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) background check on yourself. The NICS background check is typically performed by a licensed firearms dealer (Federal Firearm Licensee or FFL) when you attempt to purchase a firearm from them.
Can I check my own NICS status online?
2.0 users can log into the system from any computer with web access by simply setting up the user name and password just like any other secure account on the Internet. The FBI is proud to provide this level of service to the FFL community, and the NICS E-Check 2.0 certainly exemplifies that commitment.
What fails a NICS check?
Felony Convictions: As we mentioned, having a felony conviction on your record is the most common NICS denial reason. This includes any criminal conviction for a crime punishable by 1-year imprisonment or longer (even if you did not serve a year in prison).
What does NICS actually check?
Finally, there's the NICS Indices, which include records contributed by federal, state and local agencies specifically flagging individuals prohibited from buying a gun. The NICS Indices hold records that wouldn't necessarily show up in the other two solely criminal databases.
How far back does a NICS check go?
The FBI's NICS system reviews eligibility based on current and recent events that would prevent someone from purchasing guns legally. For most criteria, the lookback period is typically around 5 years. However, some disqualifying events remain permanent.
How To Run A Criminal Background Check On Yourself? - CountyOffice.org
How many NICS checks are denied?
The FBI conducted NICS checks for 12.8 million applications for firearm transfers and permits in 2020 and denied about 185,000 (1.5%) of those applications (table 2). In comparison, the FBI conducted NICS checks for 8.2 million applications in 2019 and denied about 106,000 (1.3%).
Can you buy multiple guns with one background check?
No. A licensee must initiate a new NICS background check for each completed firearms transaction. However, a person may purchase or acquire several firearms in one transaction.
What is the gun show loophole?
The term "gun show loophole" primarily refers to "a situation in which many sellers dealing in firearms offer them for sale at gun shows without becoming licensed or subjecting purchasers to background checks".
Does NICS check for warrants?
If the transferee's identification information matches a warrant record,4 the NICS Section does further research to confirm that the warrant is still active and that it is for either a criminal felony or non-traffic misdemeanor.
What does the ATF look for in a background check?
Background checks for gun purchases
A prospective buyer fills out ATF Form 4473 and the federally licensed firearms dealers relays this information to the NICS. NICS staff perform a background check to verify the prospective buyer does not have a criminal record and is not otherwise ineligible to purchase a firearm.
Can I run a background check on myself?
Running a background check on yourself can be a helpful step when looking for a new job or planning a move. Personal background checks give you the opportunity to preview what employers and landlords might see so you can anticipate questions and review the report for errors or inaccuracies.
How do I know if I can pass a firearm background check?
Contact NICS call centers for a background check. The FBI conducts these checks. Contact NICS through a designated state point of contact for handgun transfers and through the NICS Section phone number for long-gun transfers. Conduct NICS checks online through NICS E-check.
Why would NICS deny me?
A person's criminal history plays a big role in National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) denials. If someone has been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanor, or has an open case against them, they can't buy a gun. It is important to stay out of trouble to avoid this.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
What is the fastest way to get a FBI background check?
- Visit edo.cjis.gov.
- Follow the steps under the “Obtaining Your Identity History Summary” section. ...
- Complete the Applicant Information Form. ...
- Get Your Fingerprints. ...
- Pay. ...
- Review Everything.
What is the NICS code word?
CODE WORD - This is a code word of your choice to be used as a verification of identity when you contact the NICS Section. The code word MUST be between 6 and 10 characters in length, and can include both numbers and letters. NO OBSCENE WORDS OR PHRASES PLEASE.
What does a NICS check look at?
The NICS staff performs a background check on the buyer. That background check verifies the buyer does not have a criminal record or isn't otherwise ineligible to purchase or own a firearm. Since launching in 1998, more than 300 million checks have been done, leading to more than 1.5 million denials.
Can you buy a gun if you have warrants?
Both Pennsylvania and United States law make it illegal for a fugitive from justice to purchase or possess a firearm. In order to enforce this prohibition, the FBI maintains a database of people who are ineligible to purchase a firearm that includes people who the FBI believes to have active arrest warrants.
What makes you fail a gun background check?
The federally prohibiting criteria are as follows: A person who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year or any state offense classified by the state as a misdemeanor and is punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than two years.
What is the Brady Act loophole?
The private sale loophole results in. guns being sold without a Brady Background Check. The Brady Bill, which created our nation's background check system on gun sales, states that federal firearm licensees (FFLs) are required to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm.
What guns are exempt from ATF?
Air guns, pellet guns, starter guns and flare guns provided they are not firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3) and do not have tear gas dissemination capability. Firearm accessories such as gun cases, slings, and cleaning kits.
Do you save money at gun shows?
Gun shows are definitely more expensive and you really have to know your stuff when you're there if you want to find the decent deals... HOWEVER… if you are looking for some obscure, obsolete gun part or ammunition or a specific gun that you always wanted then a gun show maybe your best bet!!
Can you run your own gun background check?
There is a law that private citizens can not run a background check but to have an idea of if you could pass first look at Federal Form 4473 https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/4473-part-1-firearms-transaction-record-over-counter-atf-form-53009/download.
Does the ATF track gun purchases?
This record keeping is crucial to the crime investigation process undertaken by the ATF because the first place the agency goes to track firearm purchases is the last seller of a firearm; it is the most reliable method to discover the last bona fide purchaser of that firearm.
How many guns can you own in the US?
Summary of Federal Law
Federal law does not limit the number of guns a person may buy in any given time period. However, federal law does require federal firearm licensees (“FFLs”) to report multiple sales of handguns to ATF and other specified law enforcement agencies.