Gun Owners WIN – These States No Longer Require NICS At The Counter!

Published on August 27, 2025
Duration: 11:13

A recent ATF open letter allows FFLs in 13 states to bypass the NICS background check for firearm purchases if the buyer possesses a valid state-issued permit issued within the last 5 years, provided the permit was granted after a NICS-equivalent background check. This policy aims to reduce redundant checks for law-abiding citizens who have already undergone vetting. However, it does not eliminate the ATF Form 4473 or other legal requirements, and permit qualification is strictly based on state system standards.

Quick Summary

In 13 states, eligible permit holders can now bypass the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from an FFL. The permit must be state-issued within the last 5 years and granted after a NICS-equivalent background check. This policy aims to reduce redundant checks for law-abiding citizens who have already undergone vetting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: NICS Background Check Changes
  2. 00:47Customer Inquiry and ATF Open Letter
  3. 01:01ATF Guidance on Permit Substitutions
  4. 01:50Legal Basis: 18 USC 922(t)(3)
  5. 02:20Policy Shift Explained
  6. 03:0313 States Now Recognized
  7. 04:00Criteria for State Permits
  8. 04:24List of Approved States
  9. 04:38Recent Additions: Michigan & Alabama
  10. 04:54Permit Qualification Details
  11. 05:37Benefits for Gun Owners and FFLs
  12. 06:53Historical Context and Bureaucratic Delays
  13. 07:30Reasons for the Policy Shift
  14. 08:11Future State Eligibility
  15. 08:32Strict Standards for Permit Qualification
  16. 09:13States Not on the List and How to Get Added
  17. 09:48Misinterpretations and Clarifications
  18. 10:15What Remains the Same
  19. 10:37Not a Loophole: Avoiding Duplicate Checks
  20. 10:51Know Your Permit, Know Your State
  21. 11:01Conclusion: Understanding the Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states no longer require NICS checks at the counter for gun purchases?

As of mid-2025, 13 states allow eligible permit holders to bypass the NICS background check at the FFL counter. These states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, and North Dakota.

What are the requirements for a permit to bypass the NICS check?

The permit must be state-issued, issued within the last 5 years, and have been granted only after a background check equivalent to the NICS standard. The ATF must also verify that the state's permitting system meets federal standards.

Does this policy eliminate all background checks for gun purchases in these states?

No, this policy does not eliminate all background checks. It allows for an exemption from the NICS check at the point of sale if the buyer has a qualifying permit. Buyers must still complete the ATF Form 4473 and comply with all other federal, state, and local laws.

Why was this policy change implemented?

The change was driven by pressure to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and a DOJ directive to re-evaluate state permitting systems. It acknowledges that some states already conduct thorough vetting, making a redundant federal check unnecessary for qualified permit holders.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Line45

View all →