Background Check FAQ

Understanding the NICS/FDLE background check process, delays, denials, and appeals.

Most Checks: Minutes

Max Wait: 3 business days

Fee: None (in FL)

Agency: FDLE → NICS

The Process

1
Complete Form 4473

Fill out ATF Form 4473 at the dealer. Provide accurate information including name, address, SSN (optional but helps).

2
Show ID

Present valid government-issued photo ID. Florida residents need Florida ID. Address must be current.

3
Dealer Submits Check

Dealer contacts FDLE (Florida) who queries NICS (federal). Usually takes minutes.

4
Receive Result

Proceed, Delay (needs more time), or Deny. Most checks complete same day.

5
Waiting Period

If approved, 3-day wait begins (5 days Hillsborough County). CCW holders exempt.

6
Take Possession

Return after waiting period to pick up your firearm.

Possible Results

Proceed

Background check passed. Begin waiting period (if applicable).

Action: Pay for firearm if not already done. Return after waiting period to pick up.

Delay

More time needed to complete check. Common and usually resolves.

Action: Wait for dealer to contact you. FDLE has 3 business days. If no response, dealer may transfer after 3 days (at their discretion).

Deny

Background check failed. Cannot complete purchase.

Action: Ask for the NTN (NICS Transaction Number). You can appeal. Common for false positives with common names.

Conditional Non-Approval

Florida-specific. Non-approval pending additional review.

Action: Wait for FDLE to complete review. Similar to delay but may take longer.

Common Delay Reasons

Common Name

Similar name to prohibited person in database. SSN helps prevent this.

Tip: Provide Social Security Number on Form 4473 (optional but recommended).

Previous Arrest

Arrest without final disposition or sealed/expunged records may appear.

Tip: Bring court documents showing case dismissal or expungement.

Name Change

Legal name change may cause records mismatch.

Tip: Bring documentation of name change (court order, marriage certificate).

Out of State Records

Records from other states may take longer to verify.

Tip: Be patient. Consider getting a UPIN (see below).

Military Records

Military discharge status may need verification.

Tip: Bring DD-214 showing honorable discharge.

High Volume Periods

Holidays, election seasons, and major events increase volume.

Tip: Allow extra time during busy periods.

What is a UPIN?

A Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN) is a voluntary number assigned by the FBI to help individuals who are frequently delayed or mistakenly denied due to similar names in the system.

Who Should Get One?
  • Frequently delayed (common name)
  • Previously denied but appealed successfully
  • Name similar to prohibited person
How to Apply:
  • Submit FBI Form FD-1059
  • Include fingerprint card
  • Mail to FBI NICS Operations Center
  • No fee to apply
How to Appeal a Denial
Florida (FDLE) Appeal:
  1. Get NTN number from dealer
  2. Contact FDLE Firearm Purchase Program
  3. Request appeal packet
  4. Submit required documentation
  5. Wait for review (can take weeks)

Contact: FDLE Firearms Purchase Program
Phone: (850) 410-8300

Federal (FBI) Appeal:
  1. Get NTN number from dealer
  2. Submit written appeal to FBI NICS
  3. Include supporting documentation
  4. FBI reviews within 60 days (often longer)
  5. Can further appeal to court if denied

Contact: FBI NICS Section
1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306

Frequently Asked Questions

Most checks complete in minutes. Delays can take up to 3 business days. After 3 days without response, dealer MAY proceed (at their discretion).

The system doesn't tell dealers why. Common reasons: common name, similar info to prohibited person, pending records, or system backlog.

Get the NTN number from the dealer. You can appeal through FDLE or NICS. Many denials are false positives that get overturned.

Contact FDLE for state appeals or FBI NICS Section for federal appeals. You'll need your NTN number. There's no fee to appeal.

Unique Personal Identification Number from FBI. If you're frequently delayed due to similar name, a UPIN helps identify you and speeds future checks.

It's optional but highly recommended. SSN helps distinguish you from others with similar names and reduces delays.

Address must be current. Florida allows a second document (utility bill, vehicle registration) to prove current address with out-of-date ID.

Arrest alone doesn't disqualify you. Final disposition matters. Dismissed, not guilty, or certain charges won't prohibit you. Convictions may.

No, you still complete Form 4473 and background check. CCW exempts you from the WAITING PERIOD only.

Criminal history, mental health adjudications, restraining orders, citizenship/immigration status, dishonorable discharge, fugitive status, and more.

No fee in Florida. The dealer may charge for their time/processing, but FDLE doesn't charge for the check itself.

Approved checks are destroyed within 24 hours. Denied/delayed records may be kept longer for appeals and audits.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes. Always consult official FDLE and FBI resources for the most current appeal procedures and requirements.