Navigating NICS denials and appeals
Understand the denial.
Review the dealer’s denial notice and identify the records or information that may have triggered the decision.
Review the records.
Examine court records and other relevant documents for mistaken identity, inaccurate information, or missing case outcomes.
Evaluate your options.
Assess whether you may have grounds to challenge the denial and discuss representation if appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles firearm background checks?
Firearms dealers generally submit background checks directly to the FBI through NICS, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Can I challenge an FBI NICS denial myself?
Yes. You can ask the FBI why the transaction was denied and submit a challenge yourself. If you are unsure which record caused the denial or which documents to provide, an attorney can help you evaluate your options.
What if my background check was delayed?
A delay is different from a denial. You can challenge a denial after the transaction has been denied; the denial challenge process does not apply to a pending delay.
What if a past conviction led to my denial?
A review can help determine whether the records are accurate and whether a legal prohibition still applies. If a prohibition remains in effect, firearm rights restoration may be a separate option to explore. Learn more about Federal Firearm Rights Restoration.
What should I have ready when I contact you?
Have the attempted purchase date, dealer location, and NICS Transaction Number if available. The dealer can provide the transaction number.
Request a Review of Your NICS Denial
Tell us when and where the denial occurred and whether you have already requested the reason from the FBI. We’ll review the details and discuss your next steps.