Background Check Before Buying A Gun -

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

: You must fill out ATF Form 4473 , which asks 16 questions about your background, including criminal history, drug use, and mental health. background check before buying a gun

Individuals adjudicated as "mentally defective" or committed to a mental institution. Before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed

: A national index of criminal history records. Individuals dishonorably discharged from the military

Those subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Individuals dishonorably discharged from the military. Key Policy Gaps & Perspectives The Effects of Background Checks - RAND

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

: Records specifically related to firearms prohibitions that might not be in the other two databases (e.g., mental health adjudications).