Information Required for Firearm Background Checks

The federal background check for firearms purchases is intended to prevent people for whom owning a gun is illegal from buying firearms in licensed gun stores. The system is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It is conducted at the moment of purchase but can take up to 3 days to return approval to buy a gun. Some states require a waiting period before you can possess certain types of guns, but this is not due to the federal background check.

  1. Restrictions

    • Some people cannot purchase or own a firearm. These include people who have renounced their US citizenship, aliens in the U.S. illegally, people adjudicated mentally defective or involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, people who illegally use or are addicted to controlled substances, and veterans who were dishonorably discharged.

    Basic Information Required

    • You will need to fill out your name, address, birth date, place of birth, height, weight, race and gender. You will be asked your Social Security number, but it is not mandatory.

    Eligibility

    • You will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility to buy a firearm. You will be asked if you fall under any category that prohibits you from owning a firearm.

    Residence

    • You must provide your state of residence and country of residence. If you are a legal alien, you must provide your U.S.-issued alien number or admission number.

    Identification

    • You must provide a driver's license or other form of current, government-issued photo ID. Supplementary identification can include military orders or tax documents. It is acceptable to use more than one ID if no single document provides all the information required.

      Immigrants must provide proof of residence in the US for the previous 90 days, like utility bills or a lease. Aliens who are not immigrants must provide proof that they do not fall under the prohibited alien categories.

    AFT Form

    • The form you will fill out is the ATF Form 4473. It can be found here: http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473.pdf