What happens during the NICS background check?
How the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) works.
NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) is run by the FBI and checked by the FFL before every firearm transfer. It screens against databases of prohibited persons.
The three possible outcomes
- Proceed: The FFL may immediately transfer the firearm.
- Delayed: The check needs more time (up to 3 business days). The FFL holds the firearm until a response is received.
- Denied: The transfer cannot proceed. The FFL retains the firearm and notifies you.
NICS checks are free and typically take under 2 minutes. A delay does not mean you'll be denied — it simply means the system found something requiring manual review by a NICS examiner.