How Long Does a Gun Background Check Take? 2025 Updates!

TLDR: 

Firearm background checks are mandatory for firearm purchases from licensed dealers. The process, which typically takes just minutes to complete, is conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, it can be delayed if further investigation is needed. These checks review various aspects of a buyer's background, including criminal records, mental health history, and citizenship status. It's important to note that some states have additional waiting periods, which can range from 3 to 14 days. If a buyer is denied, they have the option to appeal the decision. Given that firearm laws can vary significantly by state, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations before attempting to purchase a gun.

If you’re in the new market for a rifle or handgun, you may know about the background check you’ll need to submit to complete the transaction. The U.S. legislature put background checks in effect to limit access to firearms to individuals with a criminal record. 

How Long Does a Background Check Take for a Gun?

Whether you’re purchasing from a private seller through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or a gun shop, you’ll need to fill out a background check to complete the transaction. 

Before you complete the process, you may be wondering about questions like: “How long does a background check take for a gun?”, “What do gun background checks entail?”, “Do gun background checks include questions about mental health?”, and “What happens if you fail a firearm background check?”

As of 2024–2025, a new federal rule now mandates background checks for most internet and gun‑show firearm sales—closing the “gun show loophole.”

Keep reading to learn more about the answers to these questions!

History of the Gun Background Check Process

Before jumping into the nitty gritty of gun background check wait times, it’s important to first examine gun background check laws and why they came about. The first notable firearm regulation was the National Firearms Act of 1934, which placed tax and registration requirements on specific firearm types. Lawmakers created this act in an effort to limit gang violence. 

In 1993 the U.S. established the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. This act requires namechecks of all firearm purchases from Federal Firearms Licensees. But what is a NICS check? NICS stands for theNational Instant Criminal Background Check System,which FFLs use to see if a potential buyer has a criminal background or other history that would make them unsafe to purchase a gun.

2025 Update:

ATF has eased restrictions on what state permits can substitute for a NICS check. As of May 2025, several states’ concealed-carry permits—including those from Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and others—may now be accepted by FFLs in lieu of a NICS check, even if previously excluded. 

ATF Form 4473 - Personal Information Questions

When you meet with the FFL, you will complete Section B of an ATF Form 4473. This form contains questions about:

• Criminal record
• Mental health
• History with the Armed Forces
• Citizenship

After you complete this part of the form, the seller and FFL will complete the rest. 

Wait Time for Firearm Background Check Results

Once you’ve completed everything on your end, how long does a gun background check take? If you don’t run into any hiccups, the assessment can run in minutes. However, if there is a NICS e-check delay and it doesn’t respond within three days of the background check, the FFL can choose to complete the transaction unless prohibited by state law or hold the firearm. 

Reasons for NICS Delays

If the background check doesn’t go through immediately, the request most likely ended up with one of these two results:

• Delayed status: The NCIS team needs to do further research to verify your background.

• Denied status: Your information matches a profile that has a state or federal firearm prohibition. If the NICS denied your request, there are a few steps you can take to appeal your status.

Are There Other Waiting Periods for Purchasing Firearms?

In most states, there aren’t any waiting periods for purchasing a firearm. Six states place waiting periods on the purchase of all guns. Five other states delay transactions for specific types of firearms. These periods can last from three to 14 days. Make sure to research the state’s purchase laws to be prepared for delays in your transaction. Here is a guide to state gun laws.

National Trends & Data (2025)

• Background checks via NICS are showing a sustained downward trend. For instance, April 2025 saw a 3.4% year-over-year decline in NSSF‑adjusted figures. Source
• March 2025: about 1.39 million adjusted NICS checks. Source
• May 2025: approximately 1.07 million, down 1.6% from a year earlier. Source
• February 2025: 1.22 million, marking a 9% decrease from February 2024. Source

Safely Store a Newly Purchased Firearm

If you’ve recently purchased a new firearm, you need to keep it secure yet accessible in an emergency. Concealment flags, wall art, furniture and decor are the perfect way to store your new gun. Check out Liberty Home Concealment’s products today to find the ideal storage solution for your firearm. If you have a question about our offerings, visit the contact us page to get in touch with us.