Background Check — Before Buying A Gun

: The system checks three primary national databases for disqualifying records:

: A national index of criminal history records. background check before buying a gun

: You must fill out ATF Form 4473 , which asks 16 questions about your background, including criminal history, drug use, and mental health. : The system checks three primary national databases

Federal law prohibits gun ownership for individuals in several categories, including: Convicted felons or those under indictment for a felony. Fugitives from justice. Fugitives from justice

: Contains records of protection orders, warrants, and stolen property.

Before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer (FFL), you must undergo a background check through the . This process is designed to prevent prohibited persons—such as convicted felons or those with specific mental health histories—from legally obtaining guns. The Background Check Process

Individuals adjudicated as "mentally defective" or committed to a mental institution.