Americans Now Need 4 Background Checks To Buy A Gun According To The FBI

Published on August 11, 2025
Duration: 15:19

This video explains the three possible outcomes of a NICS background check: Proceed, Delay, and Denied. It details how the FBI's NICS system uses four databases (NCIC, III, NICS Indices, ICE) for checks. The content emphasizes that 'Delay' is often a name-only match and suggests using a Social Security Number or obtaining a UPIN to mitigate issues with common names.

Quick Summary

The FBI's NICS background check system uses four databases: NCIC, III, NICS Indices, and ICE. Outcomes include 'Proceed' (cleared), 'Delay' (potential name match requiring review), and 'Denied' (prohibited). Providing a Social Security Number or obtaining a UPIN can help resolve common name issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Conference Anecdote and FBI Introduction
  2. 03:14FBI Explains Background Check System
  3. 03:37Three Outcomes: Proceed, Delay, Denied
  4. 04:19NICS Databases Explained
  5. 05:01Name-Based Checks and Delays
  6. 05:39Using Middle Name and SSN
  7. 06:24UPIN: Unique Personal Identification Number
  8. 08:02Recap of the Four NICS Databases
  9. 09:21Prohibitions for Firearm Purchase
  10. 11:13FBI Personnel and Their Role

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four databases used by the FBI's NICS background check system?

The FBI's NICS system checks four main databases: the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Interstate Identification Index (III), the NICS Indices, and records from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These databases help determine if a firearm purchaser is prohibited.

What does a 'Delay' mean during a NICS background check for a firearm purchase?

A 'Delay' during a NICS background check typically means your name has a potential match with someone in one of the prohibited databases. It's often a name-only match, requiring further review, and doesn't automatically mean you are prohibited.

How can I avoid issues with common names during a firearm background check?

To avoid issues with common names during a firearm background check, you can optionally provide your Social Security Number on Form 4473. For more robust identification, consider obtaining a Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN) by submitting fingerprints and a photo.

What are the three possible outcomes of a NICS background check?

The three possible outcomes of a NICS background check are 'Proceed,' meaning you are cleared to purchase the firearm; 'Delay,' indicating a potential match requiring further review; and 'Denied,' meaning you are definitively prohibited from owning a firearm.

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