National Instant
Criminal Background
Check System (NICS) Appeals
When a person purchases a firearm from a retailer they have to undergo a federal criminal background check to confirm that they are in fact a proper person to purchase a firearm. This is performed through National Instant Criminal Background Check System maintained by the Federal Government. Prior to the purchase, customers must fill out a Form 4473 document and have a NICS background check performed. Retailers will be informed on whether they are to proceed with the sale, delay the sale, or deny the sale. Customers who receive a denial may initiate an appeal with the FBI to determine whether or not they were improperly denied on the NICS background check.
If you receive a denial on a NICS background check and believe that you are a proper person to possess a firearm, you should consider an appeal. It is important to receive your national transaction number (NTN number) from the retailer if you are denied. This is the tracking number associated with your individual criminal background check and it will be utilized throughout your appeal.
Some of the common reasons that individuals are improperly denied include instances where people were charged with Felony crimes but were convicted of Misdemeanor offenses either at sentencing or upon successful completion of their sentence. Additionally, people who may have received an expungement that was not properly processed or updated in the system.
If you have any questions about the NICS Appeal process please contact my office at 317-787-8395.