Can you run a NICS background check on yourself?
Asked by: Nico Waelchi | Last update: March 21, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (71 votes)
Yes, you can run a background check on yourself, but getting a true NICS check (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) is usually for firearm purchases via an FFL or for specific appeals, so for self-review, you'd order an FBI Identity History Summary (fingerprints required) or use public records/private services for general info, as NICS is primarily for transactions, not personal review.
Can I check NICS myself?
You can't directly initiate a standard NICS check on yourself as a private citizen because it's designed for firearm dealers (FFLs) to use when selling guns, but you can get similar information through FBI Identity History Summary Checks (often called "rap sheets") or state-specific processes like California's Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC), which involve submitting fingerprints and fees to the FBI or state agencies to see what records exist about you, helping you understand potential NICS issues before buying a firearm.
Who can run a NICS check?
When someone tries to buy a firearm, the seller—known as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)—contacts the FBI. The prospective buyer fills out the required form, and the FFL sends that information to the FBI. We perform a background check on the buyer to verify eligibility.
Can you run your own FBI background check?
Yes, you can absolutely get an FBI background check (Identity History Summary Check or "rap sheet") on yourself for personal review, correction, or other needs like travel/adoption, by applying directly to the FBI or through an approved channeler using electronic or ink-and-roll fingerprints, with options for faster electronic submission. You'll need to provide fingerprints, pay a fee (around $18 to the FBI plus potential vendor fees), and submit personal details.
How to have a background check done on yourself?
How to run your own background check
- Verify your Social Security information. ...
- Obtain a credit report. ...
- Check your criminal record. ...
- Get your driving record. ...
- Review your education and employment history. ...
- Review your address history. ...
- Review your social media presence. ...
- Use a screening company.
I Failed My Background Process
Is it okay to run a background check on myself?
Running a background check on yourself beforehand helps you catch errors, verify the accuracy of your records, and know exactly what potential employers will see.
Can a regular person run a background check?
Yes, you can absolutely run a personal background check on yourself to see what potential employers or others might find, using third-party screening services (like Checkr, GoodHire, Instant Checkmate, BeenVerified) or by directly contacting state/federal agencies for criminal records, offering peace of mind and a chance to correct inaccuracies. This process helps you prepare for job applications, verify accuracy, and ensure your professional image is accurate before it's reviewed by others, covering areas like criminal history, credit, and work records.
Can I do a level 2 background check on myself?
Yes, you can do a Level 2 background check on yourself. It might not be an “official” Level 2 background check, but various online companies offer comprehensive background screening services that, when put together, will replicate a Level 2.
What is the difference between an FBI background check and a regular background check?
What Is a Federal Background Check? A federal background check will reveal crimes that were prosecuted at the federal level. The federal background check expectations and disqualifiers are generally far more serious crimes than state ones.
How do I request an FBI file on myself?
To receive records that are not already available on The Vault, you may submit an FOIPA request by standard mail or through eFOIPA, the FBI's recently deployed electronic FOIPA portal. The eFOIPA system allows requesters to electronically submit and receive correspondence regarding their FOIPA requests.
What fails a NICS background check?
NICS denials for firearm purchases happen due to federal prohibitions like felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, unlawful drug use, being a fugitive, dishonorable discharge, or certain mental health adjudications (involuntary commitment/legal finding of defectiveness). Denials can also occur due to mistaken identity (similar names/info to someone prohibited), or incomplete/incorrect records needing further review, even for law-abiding citizens.
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist.
How far back does a NICS check go?
A common question we get is how far back the background check goes when screening for prohibiting records. 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.
What shows up on a NICS check?
A NICS background check reveals if a prospective firearm buyer is legally prohibited from owning a gun by searching databases for felony convictions, domestic violence issues, active warrants, mental health adjudications, unlawful drug use, dishonorable military discharge, or other restraining orders, flagging disqualifying information like criminal history, mental health adjudications, and certain immigration statuses. It determines eligibility by checking criminal, mental health, and other records from federal, state, and local sources.
Is there a way to check your own background?
To receive a copy of YOUR criminal history record, individuals must submit fingerprint images, pay a $25 processing fee to the DOJ, and follow the instructions below. You may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver to cover the DOJ processing fees.
Can civilians access NICS?
Access to NICS is limited to FFL holders. A prospective buyer is required to complete ATF Form 4473, after which an FFL seller initiates a NICS background check by phone or computer.
Can I run a FBI background check on myself?
Yes, you can absolutely get an FBI background check (Identity History Summary Check or "rap sheet") on yourself for personal review, correction, or other needs like travel/adoption, by applying directly to the FBI or through an approved channeler using electronic or ink-and-roll fingerprints, with options for faster electronic submission. You'll need to provide fingerprints, pay a fee (around $18 to the FBI plus potential vendor fees), and submit personal details.
What causes a red flag on a background check?
Red flags on a background check are discrepancies or concerning findings like criminal records (especially violent, financial, or drug-related), significant inconsistencies in employment/education history, poor credit history (for finance roles), negative references, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media activity, all raising concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role.
How do I do my own FBI background check?
If you submit a request electronically directly to the FBI, you may visit a participating U.S. Post Office location to submit your fingerprints electronically as part of your request. You may go to any of the participating U.S. Post Office locations nationwide upon completion of your request. Additional fees may apply.
What fails a level 2 background check?
A Level 2 background check, common in Florida for positions of trust (working with children, elderly, disabled), disqualifies you for serious crimes like sexual offenses, violent felonies (murder, kidnapping), abuse, financial fraud (Medicare fraud), drug trafficking, and crimes of moral turpitude, as well as pending charges or convictions for offenses substantially similar to these listed in Florida Statute 435.04, even if records are sealed/expunged (for some cases).
What is the difference between level 1 and 2 checks?
Level 1 and Level 2 Criminal History Record Checks:
Level 1: a state-only name-based check. Level 2: a state and national fingerprint-based check and consideration of disqualifying offenses and applies to those employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust.
What can disqualify you on a background check?
Disqualifying offenses in background checks typically involve serious crimes like violent offenses (murder, assault, kidnapping), sexual offenses (child molestation, sexual assault), major drug felonies (trafficking, manufacturing), and financial crimes (fraud, money laundering), especially for roles involving vulnerable populations or federal security, but can also include poor credit, drug use, domestic violence, and inconsistent application info, depending on the job and state laws. Federal and state laws mandate disqualifications for specific offenses, while employers often have their own criteria, considering the nature, recency, and relevance of the offense to the job.
Do people know if you run a background check on them?
Running a background check for hiring or other similar purposes, by nature, cannot be anonymous. Job candidates and applicants must authorize you to order them first. Many background checks consult the public record, but they are not a part of the record themselves.
What background check do most employers use?
Most employers use a combination of checks, but the core is a Criminal Background Check, usually including county, state, and national database searches, alongside identity verification (like SSN trace), employment/education verification, and sometimes drug screening or Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) checks, all depending on the role. These checks are done to ensure safety, verify qualifications, and comply with legal standards like the FCRA, requiring candidate consent.