What information does an FFL give when calling in an NICS check?

[Danb1215]

The thread on gunwalker that turned into a discussion on firearms registration got me thinking about a question I've had for a while. What information is given by the dealer over the phone about a prospective buyer during the NICS background check?
Like: Name, DOB, Social security # (If for some reason you write it down) etc...

The reason I'm asking is that I'm 95% sure that I've seen the FFL I was buying from in Florida call in the serial number of the firearm as part of the check. Granted I believe Florida's background check is conducted by the FDLE and not NCIS. This is still troubling as Florida doesn't have an overt firearms registration or licensing schemes.

So for any FFLs out there I'd love to hear what info you have to call in about prospective buyers. Double points for anyone in FL. It would also be interesting to hear from those in states that do have heavy firearms restrictions and conduct there own state background check, I believe New Jersey uses a state check as well.

 

[docpadds]

NICS is:

Name
Place of Birth
Height/Weight/Gender
Date of Birth
SSN (Optional)
UPIN (If they have one)
Race
State of Residence
Citizenship
Misc PRefix

The only info on the gun are 3 checkboxes, can choose 1, 2 or all three of them.
They are:

Purpose ID
Sale of Handgun
Sale of Longun
Sale of Other



--

Thats all.

 

[CapnMac]

If it goes to NICS (the State agencies may vary) it's entered into a search query form, that then executes that search against the Federal criminal database.

The search terms are then to be erased or voided out of the inquiry d/b within some number of hours of the request being made. Legally, the only audit info they are supposed to hold is location by state, and result of inquiry (approve.delay, deny).

The written information at the FFL goes into the bound book, where it is held for as long as the business exists. At expiry of the FFL (the license, not the licensee, per se), the bound books are to be sent to ATFE, who then warehouses them.

 

[Danb1215]

Thanks Doc that's what I was looking for. Hopefully someone from Florida, or any other state that does its own check chimes in.

 

[MarkDido]

DanB

I've bought many firearms through my LGS in Titusville, and I have never heard him gover the serial number.

YMMV

 

[wideym]

When I call a background check, it goes to the National NICS and I do not include nor do they ask for the weapon's serial number, although they do ask type (handgun, rifle, shotgun).

I do however record the weapon manufactorer, model, serial number, and caliber in the 4473.

 

[oneounceload]

serial number is a non-issue in FL

 

[Danb1215]

good to know, not quite sure what I heard, this was probably a year ago at this point.

 

[bigfatdave]

good to know, not quite sure what I heard, this was probably a year ago at this point.

go buy a gun and listen in to the call ... you need another .22 anyway.

 

[gamestalker]

In our state it is processed electronically. The form is sent electronically to the agency doing the background check. Because of this, the FFL doesn't speak to anyone on the phone. Then it is a matter of several minutes, or even less if the lines aren't too busy.
We also have a law here that doesn't allow a delay in approval of more than 72 hrs.. They have to give us a diffinitive answer within 72 hrs. or approve the purchase.

 

[fyrfytr]

In NJ, NJSP covers the background check. For which we pay $17.00 extra. Sorry, got off track. I don't recall the firearm information being included other than longgun/handgun. But it's been a little while. Additionaly, NJ has their own transfer paperwork in addition to the ATF form.

 

[MtnCreek]

We also have a law here that doesn't allow a delay in approval of more than 72 hrs.. They have to give us a diffinitive answer within 72 hrs. or approve the purchase.

Nics does not have to approve the purchase. If 3 business days pass without a responce from Nics, the firearm can be sold. It is possible to legally sell a firearm on the 4th day and have nics call on the '5th' day and deny the purchase.

 

[NavyLCDR]

So for any FFLs out there I'd love to hear what info you have to call in about prospective buyers. Double points for anyone in FL. It would also be interesting to hear from those in states that do have heavy firearms restrictions and conduct there own state background check, I believe New Jersey uses a state check as well.

Washington has extra state-level background checks for handgun purchases from FFLs and an associated 5 day waiting period. A Washington CPL will get you out of waiting for the extra background check. However, associated with a handgun sale from a Washington FFL is the Washington State Pistol Transfer Form which provides the WA Dept. of Licensing the serial number, make, model and all the info of who purchased it. WA DOL maintains an electronic database of serial numbers, who bought them, driver's license numbers and CPL numbers (if used).

They can cross reference this info from any of the other info - give them a serial number of a gun, they can tell you who bought it from the FFL. Give them a name, driver's license number or CPL number and they can tell you all the serial numbers/makes/models of handguns that person bought. If anyone is interested, I can show all the Revised Code of Washington that makes this possible.

 

[tpelle]

I just bought a rifle at Bud's in Lexington, KY (in person, not a web sale where they ship to another FFL). I showed the sales guy my Kentucky Concealed Carry License, and he put the sale through without a check at all. When I asked about that, he said that the State Police run a background check on me every two months, and if I were ineligible to buy the gun I wouldn't have the carry permit any more.