Background Check Before Buying A Gun May 2026

: 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.

: The system checks three primary national databases for disqualifying records: background check before buying a gun

: The FFL submits your information and Social Security number to the FBI or a state-designated agency. : Most checks are resolved in minutes with

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 background check before buying a gun