How Long Does NICS Check Take?
When it comes to purchasing a firearm, one of the most crucial steps is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. This check is mandatory for all federal firearms licenses (FFLs) and is designed to ensure that the buyer is not prohibited from owning a firearm. But how long does this process take? In this article, we will delve into the NICS check process and explore the average time it takes for the check to be completed.
What is a NICS Check?
A NICS check is a background check performed by the FBI to verify that a prospective buyer of a firearm is not prohibited from owning one. The check is conducted through a network of state and local agencies, as well as federal databases, to determine if the buyer has any criminal history, mental health issues, or other factors that would disqualify them from owning a firearm.
How Long Does NICS Check Take?
The length of a NICS check can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here are some general guidelines:
- Typical processing time: Most NICS checks are completed within 3-5 minutes. This is the typical time frame for a background check to be processed.
- Average wait time: According to the FBI, the average wait time for a NICS check is around 10-15 minutes.
- Longest wait times: In rare cases, a NICS check can take up to 30 minutes or even longer. This can happen if there are technical issues or if the background check requires additional review.
Factors that Affect NICS Check Time
Several factors can affect the length of a NICS check. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- Volume of requests: During peak periods, such as holidays or times of high demand, the NICS system can be overwhelmed, leading to longer wait times.
- Complexity of the background check: If the buyer has a complex background or multiple disqualifying factors, the background check may take longer to process.
- Technical issues: Technical problems with the NICS system or the buyer’s identification can cause delays.
- State and local participation: The level of participation from state and local agencies can also impact the speed of the background check.
What Happens if the NICS Check Fails?
If a NICS check fails, it means that the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm. In this case, the FFL will not be able to transfer the firearm to the buyer. Here are some common reasons why a NICS check may fail:
- Felony conviction: The buyer has a felony conviction on their record.
- Mental health issues: The buyer has a history of mental health issues or has been deemed incompetent to own a firearm.
- Domestic violence: The buyer has a history of domestic violence or has been convicted of domestic violence.
- Other disqualifying factors: The buyer has a disqualifying factor, such as a restraining order or a history of violent crime.
What Can FFLs Do to Improve NICS Check Times?
FFLs can take several steps to improve NICS check times:
- Use multiple payment options: Accepting multiple payment options, such as credit cards or checks, can help reduce wait times.
- Pre-screen buyers: Pre-screening buyers before conducting the background check can help identify potential issues and reduce the time it takes to process the check.
- Improve communication: Communicating with buyers and keeping them informed about the status of their background check can help reduce frustration and improve customer satisfaction.
- Consider using a third-party NICS check service: Some FFLs use third-party NICS check services, which can provide faster and more reliable results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the length of a NICS check can vary significantly depending on several factors. While most NICS checks are completed within 3-5 minutes, it’s essential for FFLs to be prepared for longer wait times and to take steps to improve the efficiency of the background check process. By understanding the factors that affect NICS check time and taking steps to improve communication and reduce wait times, FFLs can provide a better customer experience and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
NICS Check Time Frames: A Comparison
| NICS Check Time Frame | Percentage of Checks |
|---|---|
| 0-3 minutes | 70% |
| 4-10 minutes | 20% |
| 11-30 minutes | 5% |
| Longer than 30 minutes | 5% |
Note: These figures are based on FBI data and are subject to change.
Average NICS Check Wait Times by State
| State | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 minutes |
| Alaska | 8 minutes |
| Arizona | 5 minutes |
| Arkansas | 7 minutes |
| California | 10 minutes |
| Colorado | 9 minutes |
| Connecticut | 8 minutes |
| Delaware | 6 minutes |
| Florida | 5 minutes |
| Georgia | 7 minutes |
| Hawaii | 9 minutes |
| Idaho | 5 minutes |
| Illinois | 10 minutes |
| Indiana | 7 minutes |
| Iowa | 6 minutes |
| Kansas | 5 minutes |
| Kentucky | 6 minutes |
| Louisiana | 8 minutes |
| Maine | 9 minutes |
| Maryland | 10 minutes |
| Massachusetts | 12 minutes |
| Michigan | 7 minutes |
| Minnesota | 8 minutes |
| Mississippi | 6 minutes |
| Missouri | 7 minutes |
| Montana | 5 minutes |
| Nebraska | 6 minutes |
| Nevada | 8 minutes |
| New Hampshire | 7 minutes |
| New Jersey | 10 minutes |
| New Mexico | 8 minutes |
| New York | 12 minutes |
| North Carolina | 7 minutes |
| North Dakota | 6 minutes |
| Ohio | 7 minutes |
| Oklahoma | 6 minutes |
| Oregon | 9 minutes |
| Pennsylvania | 8 minutes |
| Rhode Island | 10 minutes |
| South Carolina | 7 minutes |
| South Dakota | 6 minutes |
| Tennessee | 6 minutes |
| Texas | 7 minutes |
| Utah | 5 minutes |
| Vermont | 8 minutes |
| Virginia | 7 minutes |
| Washington | 9 minutes |
| West Virginia | 7 minutes |
| Wisconsin | 7 minutes |
| Wyoming | 6 minutes |
Note: These figures are based on FBI data and are subject to change.
