What Do Background Checks Look For When Buying A Gun Apr 2026

According to FBI data, most checks are completed within minutes, resulting in one of three statuses:

When you buy a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, the background check—primarily through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) —searches for factors that would legally disqualify you from ownership. The primary things a background check looks for include: what do background checks look for when buying a gun

: Evidence that the buyer is an "unlawful user of or addicted to" controlled substances. Mental Health & Military History According to FBI data, most checks are completed

: Being legally declared "mentally defective" or being involuntarily committed to a mental institution. Voluntary treatment typically does not trigger a denial. Voluntary treatment typically does not trigger a denial

: Status as a "fugitive from justice," which can include outstanding arrest warrants.

: Whether the buyer is an illegal alien or has renounced their U.S. citizenship.

: No disqualifying records found; the sale can move forward.