How far back does a gun background check go?

Asked by: Karina Kihn Jr.  |  Last update: December 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)

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 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.

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.

How far back do most background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

What states don't require background checks for gun purchases?

All states require background checks of you're purchasing from a licensed dealer, as that's federal law. Some (most) states that issue concealed carry permits will waive to background check if the buyer presents a valid permit from that state.

Here’s how the federal gun background check system works in the US | JUST THE FAQS

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What disqualifies you from owning a gun in the US?

Under federal law, people are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors or if they are subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

Do all gun purchases in the US require a background check?

Current federal law requires background checks to be performed for anyone purchasing a firearm at a federally licensed gun dealer–however only 40% of guns sold in the US are sold through a federally licensed dealer. In most states, sales at gun shows, flea markets, and private gun sales are not subject to regulations.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

Can I find out why I was denied for a gun purchase?

If a transferee receives a “denied” response from NICS, can the transferee find out why they were denied? Yes. Although the licensee will not know the reason for the denial, the transferee may contact the FBI NICS section or the state point of contact in writing to request the reason for denial.

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".

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.

How far back do firearms background checks 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.

How many gun background checks are denied?

to 2020, about 291.7 million applications were subject to background checks and 4.4 million (1.5%) applications were denied. transfers and permits were denied in 2019, and 398,000 (1.6%) were denied in 2020.

What happens if you lie on a background check for a gun?

Applicants who knowingly make false statements may also face criminal prosecution for a felony and up to 10 years in federal prison.

What is the orange flag on a background check?

Orange not a Red Flag? A bad reference is not always a red flag, requiring immediate rejection, but it is often an orange flag deserving investigation. For example, the most common reason that people are fired is for poor performance/not meeting targets after employee evaluation.

How do you know if you fail a background check?

You can determine whether you failed an employee background check if you have any of the following seven disqualifying factors:
  1. Inconsistent employment history. ...
  2. Inaccurate resume information. ...
  3. A criminal history. ...
  4. Negative reviews from employers. ...
  5. Poor driving record. ...
  6. A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
  7. Poor credit history.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What is the 7 year look back rule?

The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.

Can felonies be expunged?

California Law

For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

What does a gun background check show?

Transfer of any firearm is prohibited until the background check process has been completed. Background check process includes search of all relevant in-state criminal records, mental health records, juvenile delinquency records, warrants, and protective order information.

What state doesn't do background checks?

Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.

What does AR stand for?

modern sporting rifle. • The AR in "AR-15" rifle stands for ArmaLite rifle, after the company that developed it in. the 1950s.