Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024
Reason for denial
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NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. Before ringing up the sale, cashiers call in a check to the FBI or to other designated agencies to ensure that each customer does not have a criminal record or isn’t otherwise ineligible to make a purchase.
Citation formats
Reasons for firearm purchase denial following an NICS background check 2024
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks are used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. As of ****, a total of ** background checks have led to a Federal denial because the buyer was a fugitive from justice.
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FBI. (October 28, 2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 01, 2026, from /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. "Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024." Chart. October 28, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 01, 2026. /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. (2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 01, 2026. /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI. "Federal Denials Resulting from Background Checks Done by The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (Nics) in The United States from 1998 to 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 28 Oct 2024, /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
FBI, Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/ (last visited August 01, 2026)
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph], FBI, October 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/
