U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales, Midyear 2002 April 2003, NCJ 198830 Revised 4/29/03 -------------------------------------------------------------- This file is text only without graphics and many of the tables. A Zip archive of the tables in this report in spreadsheet format (.wk1) and the full report including tables and graphics in .pdf format are available from: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/ssprfs02.htm This report is one in a series. More recent editions may be available. To view a list of all in the series go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pubalp2.htm#ssprfs --------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, Washington, D.C. Includes the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check system Prepared by the Regional Justice Information Service St. Louis, Missouri Lawrence A. Greenfeld Director Report of work performed under BJS Cooperative Agreement No. 95-RU-RX-K021 awarded to the Regional Justice Information Service (REJIS), 4255 West Pine Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108. Contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Bureau of Justice Statistics or the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice authorizes any person to reproduce, publish, translate, or otherwise use all or any part of this material in this publication with the exception of those items indicating they are copyrighted or printed by any source other than REJIS. More information on this subject may be obtained from the following: Gene Lauver, FIST Manager, Regional Justice Information Service 4255 West Pine Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108 Phone: (314) 535-1455, ext. 260 Fax: (314) 535-1729 Devon B. Adams, BJS State Program Manager, and Ronald J. Frandsen, REJIS, wrote this report under the supervision of Carol G. Kaplan, BJS. Gene Lauver, Michael Bowling, David Naglish, Joann Laws, and Michael Boyd assisted in collecting survey data for REJIS. Tom Hester produced and edited the report. Jayne Robinson administered final production. An electronic version of this report may be found on the Internet a http://www.ojp.usdoj. gov/bjs/ Introduction History of the survey and related Bulletins Survey methodology Background Federal prohibitions Brady interim system National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) State involvement in firearm transfer regulation Sources of additional information Firearm sales topics -- State laws Prohibited persons Types of firearms Regulated sales Permits Approval systems Checking process Waiting periods Retention of records/registration Appeals of denials Firearm rejection rates Jurisdictional summaries Information in summaries Federal system States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming American Samoa Guam Puerto Rico The Virgin Islands Washington, D.C. Appendixes Table 1. Applications for firearm transfers and permits processed by States Table 1a. Applications for firearm permits processed by local agencies, grouped by population level of community served Table 2. Prohibited persons: Statutory basis for denial of firearm sale or possession Table 3. Minors: Restrictions based on age or juvenile offender status Table 4. National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): checking agencies Table 5. Background check and permit procedures Table 6. Fees, record retention, and appeals Table 7. Databases accessed for firearm checks Table 8. Firearm laws Table 9. Laws regarding prohibited persons, restoration of rights, prohibited firearms, regulated sales, handgun transfer limits, and permits Table 10. Laws regarding background checks, waiting periods, transaction records, registration, false applications, and appeals Table 11. Revisions of sales regulations and other significant changes in State firearm laws Table 12. Agencies conducting firearm background checks Table 13. Notification procedures of State agencies regarding denied persons subject to arrest State contacts for FIST Project State agency Internet sites Glossary and acronyms Introduction This report is the seventh in a series of Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports. It describes laws, regulations, procedures, and information systems related to sales and other transfers of firearms that were in effect as of June 30, 2002. Procedures summarized in the survey are required by the laws and regulations of the United States, the 50 States, and other jurisdictions. History of the survey and related bulletins This national survey is produced by the BJS Firearm Inquiry Statistics (FIST) project, a component of the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP). The FIST project was established in 1995 to collect data that describe the scope and impact of firearm background checks required under Federal or State law. The first three editions of the survey primarily described procedures related to background checks on handgun purchasers, especially those required by the interim provisions of the Brady Act. The fourth, fifth, and sixth editions described procedures required by the permanent provisions of the Brady Act or State law for transfers of handguns and other types of firearms. This edition incorporates recent changes in Federal and State procedures, and provides expanded coverage on topics related to firearm sales. Data collected and analyzed by the FIST project are also reported in BJS Bulletins. Five Bulletins reported counts of firearm transfer applications and denials for the Brady interim period. (A cumulative summary is presented in Presale Handgun Checks, the Brady Interim Period, 1994-1998, June 1999, NCJ 175034.) More recent Bulletins have summarized counts of firearm transfer applications and denials for the first 3 full years of the permanent Brady Act provisions (for the most recent, see Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2001, September 2002, NCJ 195235). (All prior surveys and Bulletins can be viewed or ordered through the BJS website listed at the end of the Background section.) The regular release of updated information in BJS surveys and Bulletins is intended to highlight changes in the number of firearm transfer applications and denials, and in the overall denial rate or specific reasons for denial. The changes reported may be influenced by a variety of factors, including revisions in Federal and State laws, policies, or procedures, and the availability of different categories of records. BJS anticipates that the procedural information presented in this report will be used with the statistical information about background checks to provide a more thorough understanding of the scope and impact of firearm transfer regulations. Survey methodology Information for this report was collected from hundreds of Federal, State, and local agencies, including law enforcement organizations, statistical analysis centers, and legislative research bureaus. Descriptions of procedures and statistical data were voluntarily provided. Data analysis and supplementary legal research were provided by the Regional Justice Information Service (REJIS), the organization conducting the study pursuant to a cooperative agreement with BJS. To ensure the accuracy of the information as of June 30, 2002, a draft of each State's summary was sent to the agency designated by the State for review and comment. The final version of each summary, as contained in this report, was reviewed and approved by the State contact. A complete list of the State contacts is included in the appendices. Consistent with privacy protection procedures followed by the FIST project, the information collected for this survey did not disclose the identity of any individual involved in a firearm transaction. Additionally, the software provided to help agencies submit statistical data contains a purging mechanism that destroys data in accordance with applicable Federal or State law. Background Federal prohibitions The Federal Gun Control Act (GCA), 18 U.S.C. 922(d), prohibits the transfer of any firearm to any person who -- * is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year * is a fugitive from justice * is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance * has been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution * is an alien unlawfully in the United States or admitted under a nonimmigrant visa * was discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions * has renounced United States citizenship * is subject to a court order restraining him or her from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child or * has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. In addition, it is unlawful for a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to transfer a long gun to a person less than 18 years of age or a handgun to a person less than 21 years of age. It is unlawful for any person to transfer a handgun to a juvenile (under 18), with limited exceptions (18 U.S.C. 922(b), (x)). Brady interim system In 1993, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (Brady Act) amended the Federal Gun Control Act to provide a method for blocking transfers to prohibited persons. From February 28, 1994, until November 30, 1998, the interim provisions of the Brady Act, 18 U.S.C. 922(s), required a FFL to request a background check on a prospective handgun purchaser by the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) of the jurisdiction where the licensee operated. A handgun could be transferred if a denial was not transmitted within 5 days by the CLEO. The interim provisions allowed States with prohibitory statutes comparable to Federal law to utilize handgun purchase permits and other alternative procedures. National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) The permanent provisions of the Brady Act, 18 U.S.C. 922(t), required establishment of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by November 30, 1998. The U.S. Department of Justice, with the States, developed the system during the 57-month interim period. The FBI operates the NICS. The NICS allows a licensee to contact the system by telephone or other electronic means for information, to be supplied immediately, on whether receipt of a firearm by a prospective transferee would violate Federal or State law. In addition to regulation of handgun sales, the permanent provisions mandate that licensees request background checks on long gun purchasers and persons who redeem a pawned firearm. A licensee has the option of requesting a check on a person who attempts to pawn a firearm. Prospective transferees undergo a NICS check requested by a dealer or present a State permit that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has qualified as an alternative to the point- of-transfer check. Qualifying permits are those which -- 1) allow a transferee to possess, acquire, or carry a firearm, and 2) were issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer is to take place, after verification by an authorized government official that possession of a firearm by the transferee would not be a violation of law. A permit issued after November 30,1998, qualifies as an alternative only if the information available to the State authority includes the NICS. As of June 30, 2002, 21 States authorize purchase or carry permits that exempt the holder from a NICS check. Prior to initiating a NICS check, a licensee must receive a completed Firearm Transaction Record (ATF Form 4473) and verify the transferee's identity through a photo identification issued by a government agency. The ATF form and identification procedures were revised in October 2001 to require additional information about immigration or alien status. A transferee may also be required to complete a State disclosure form. Submitting false information in regard to a firearm transaction may subject a transferee to arrest and prosecution under Federal law and many State statutes. All NICS checks by the FBI are without charge; POC fees are determined by State law or agency regulations. A licensee initiates a NICS check by contacting either the FBI or a point of contact (POC) agency designated by State government. Most inquiries are conducted by telephone. The FBI's program for Internet access by dealers (known as "e-check") began operating on June 18, 2002, and computerized access is also available through some POC agencies. The FBI or the POC checks available Federal and State data to determine whether a disqualifying record on the transferee exists. A check may include contacting an agency that maintains a record that the FBI or POC cannot access directly. After a search of available records, the checking agency responds with a notice to the licensee that the transfer may proceed, may not proceed, or is delayed pending further review of the applicant's record. If further review of a record indicates the transfer would not violate Federal or State law, the checking agency notifies the licensee that the transfer may proceed. If the licensee does not receive a response within 3 business days, the transfer may proceed at the licensee's discretion (known as a "default proceed"). The FBI has requested that POC agencies notify NICS when a transfer is denied. As of June 30, 2002, 10 statewide POC agencies were able to provide denial notifications to NICS. A person who is prohibited from purchasing a firearm may request the reason for denial from the denying agency (FBI or POC), which has 5 business days to respond. The applicant may then submit information to correct the record on which the denial was based and may be required to contact the agency where the record originated. As an alternative, the applicant's challenge to the record can be directed to the FBI, which will contact the denying agency or the source of the record. Persons denied by a POC may also have appeal rights under State law. In addition to background checks related to firearm transfers, the NICS Index may be accessed for information related to a permit or license for explosives, or in response to ATF inquiries regarding enforcement of Federal firearms laws. NICS denial information is electronically transmitted by the FBI on a daily basis to ATF's Brady Office, which screens the information and refers potential violations to ATF field offices. ATF is also informed when the FBI discovers that a firearm was transferred to a prohibited person after a "default proceed." An ATF investigation may result in retrieval of the firearm or a transfer back to the dealer. ATF gives priority to investigation of felons, domestic violence offenders, and other prohibited persons who attempt to obtain firearms. (See ATF Accountability Report for 2001; for information on prosecutions, see Federal Firearm Offenders, 1992-98, June 2000, NCJ 180795.) State involvement in firearm transfer regulation Each State determines the extent of its participation in the NICS process. Three basic forms of State involvement currently exist: 1) a POC requests a NICS check on all firearm transfers originating in the State; 2) a POC requests a NICS check on all handgun transfers; licensees in the State are required to contact the FBI for approval of long gun transfers; or 3) the State does not maintain a point of contact; licensees are required to contact the FBI for NICS checks on all firearm transfers originating in the State. As of June 30, 2002, handgun transfer checks are conducted by the FBI for 26 States and by POC agencies for 24 States; long gun transfer checks are conducted by the FBI for 36 States and by POC agencies for 14 States. In a few States, the FBI conducts the NICS check on certain pawn transactions instead of the POC. Since July 1, 2001, changes in NICS participation occurred in Vermont and Arizona, where the FBI assumed responsibility for all background checks. Most States have designated a single agency with statewide jurisdiction as their NICS point of contact. Some States have multiple points of contact, which are usually county sheriffs or municipal police departments. Local agencies access the NICS through a State interface. In addition to transfer checks, POC agencies may also conduct NICS checks on persons who apply for a State permit required to receive a firearm. Agencies that issue ATF-qualified permits either access the NICS Index themselves or request a check by sending information (such as fingerprints)to the FBI. The NICS process does not automatically supplant State firearm transfer regulations. State background check and permit statutes that existed before the effective date of the NICS remain in force unless repealed by legislative action or allowed to expire. The background check requirements of the Brady Act are the prevailing minimum nationwide. Some States have enacted additional requirements. Most background checks required by State laws are conducted by agencies that also serve as NICS points of contact. However, purchasers in six States are required to undergo two checks conducted by different agencies. If agencies that conduct checks under State law are unable to access the NICS, licensees in that State are required to contact the FBI for approval of transfers. Thus, prospective transferees in some States are required to undergo a permit or sale check by a State agency and a NICS check by the FBI. Sources of additional information NICS regulations have been promulgated by the FBI (28 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 25) and ATF (27 CFR 478). Internet sites for State agencies that provide information about firearm laws are listed in the Appendix. Further information on Federal law and BJS-related publications is available from the following sites: ATF: http://www.atf.gov/ firearms/index.htm FBI: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/ nics/index.htm BJS: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/ guns.htm Firearm sales topics--State laws Prohibited persons The categories of prohibited persons in the Federal Gun Control Act (GCA) are the prevailing minimum nationwide. (See Background.) Firearm transfer to or possession by such persons is unlawful. State statutes may include additional or more restrictive prohibitions. In such cases State law offers the opportunity to regain firearm purchase rights. The most common categories of prohibited persons are described below. The number of States that have enacted each type of prohibition is listed in parentheses. Felons (49 States) -- Generally, a felony is a crime punishable by incarceration for more than 1 year. Although statutory definitions vary widely, legislation in 49 States prohibits firearm purchase or possession by at least some categories of felons. Some statutes disqualify all convicted felons from firearm possession. Other statutes disqualify persons who committed specific felonies, which may be enumerated in the statute or categorized by terms such as "crimes of violence," "serious offenses," or "firearm offenses." Many statutes extend purchase or possession restrictions to persons convicted of a felony or a similar offense in other jurisdictions. Only Vermont lacks a statute that bars firearm possession by a convicted felon. A criminal offender's ineligibility to possess a firearm may be temporary. Nearly all States allow firearm rights to be regained by a pardon or a restoration of civil rights, or by expungement or set aside of a conviction. (See Jurisdictional summaries.) Restoration of firearm rights may be obtained through a court order, an administrative proceeding, or the passage of a certain number of years after conviction or discharge from a sentence without further violations. Many States require several steps before rights are restored. For example, a person who obtained a pardon or has not committed a new offense for a specified number of years may be required to petition a court for an order that restores firearm rights. The method of restoration may depend on the type of offense that was committed. In some States, certain offenders can never regain the right to possess a firearm. Further, a State proceeding does not automatically restore rights under Federal law or in another State. In addition to restricting the rights of convicted felons, 12 States prohibit firearm purchase or possession by at least some persons who have been charged with a felony by indictment or other procedure. Colorado and Florida extend the prohibition to persons who have been arrested for certain disqualifying offenses. Firearm rights are restored in these States if an arrest or criminal charge does not result in a disqualifying guilty plea or conviction. Misdemeanor offenders (20 States) Generally, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by incarceration for less than one year. A few States have offenses defined as misdemeanors that are punishable by incarceration for more than one year. The types of misdemeanor-level offenses included in prohibitory statutes vary widely. Several State statutes prohibit firearm purchase or possession by persons who have been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor. Other States include misdemeanors within disqualifying categories such as "crimes of violence" or "firearm offenses." Requirements for misdemeanor offenders to regain firearm rights after a conviction are generally less stringent than those for felons. A few States disqualify persons who have been arrested for or charged with certain misdemeanors. Fugitives (12 States) -- This category normally includes persons with outstanding felony warrants and may include all wanted persons. The GCA, at 18 U.S.C. 921 (a)(15), defines "fugitive from justice" as any person who has fled from any State to avoid prosecution for a crime or to avoid giving testimony in a criminal proceeding. Mentally ill (32 States) -- Although statutory definitions vary, persons prohibited under this category are most often defined as adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution. The prohibition may include persons who are found not guilty of a criminal offense by reason of insanity or determined mentally unfit to stand trial. A person subject to this prohibition may be able to regain State firearm rights if a certain number of years have elapsed after discharge from a mental institution, or if documentation from a mental health professional demonstrates that the person's condition has stabilized. Subject to a restraining order (19 States)-- Persons prohibited under this category are usually subject to court orders intended to prevent domestic violence. The applicable orders (with a variety of titles) commonly restrain the subject from contacting or harming a spouse, former spouse, child, domestic partner, or other intimately related person. In a few States, the prohibition is in force if the order specifically bars the subject from possessing firearms. A statute may provide that the order becomes prohibitory when it is issued after a hearing with the subject present (instead of ex parte) or entered into a law enforcement information network. Drug or alcohol abusers and offenders (drug - 29 States; alcohol - 19 States) Many States prohibit persons convicted of drug sale or possession offenses, either through a statute that lists a variety of disqualifying offenses or by way of a separate statute. A few statutes disqualify persons who committed offenses involving alcohol, such as driving while intoxicated. Generally, drug and alcohol offenders may regain State firearm rights in the same manner as other prohibited offenders. Another common prohibition involves persons addicted to drugs or alcohol, who are described by terms such as "addicted to a controlled substance," "habitually intoxicated," or "chronic alcoholics." In several States, a firearm cannot be transferred to or possessed by a person who is intoxicated. Juvenile offenders (26 States) -- Statutes in this category prohibit persons who were adjudicated delinquent or committed an act as a juvenile that would have been a disqualifying offense if committed by an adult. A juvenile offender's access to all firearms is restricted in 22 States, and access to handguns is restricted in 4 additional States. The prohibitions usually continue into early adulthood or until the person regains firearm rights through a pardon, court order, or other process. In several States, persons who committed juvenile offenses must follow the same restoration of rights procedures available to adult offenders. Minors (49 States) -- The firearm rights of minors are often restricted solely on the basis of age. State laws include prohibitions on purchase or possession of firearms by minors, and prohibitions on transfer of firearms to minors. Some of these laws predate the enactment of federal minimum ages for possession and purchase of firearms. Limitations based on age apply to handguns in 49 States and to long guns in 38 States. The minimum age for unrestricted purchase and possession of a handgun by a minor is 21 in 16 States, 19 in 1 State, 18 in 28 States, 16 in 3 States, and 14 in 1 State. The minimum age for unrestricted purchase and possession of a long gun by a minor is 21 in 1 State, 18 in 31 States, 16 in 4 States, 14 in 1 State, and 12 in 1 State. The laws provide for numerous exceptions to prohibitions based solely upon age. Generally, possession of a firearm is permissible when a minor is engaged in educational or recreational activities under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or certified firearms instructor. Aliens (12 States) -- The Gun Control Act prohibits transfer of a firearm to a person who is in the United States illegally or has been admitted under a nonimmigrant visa. Pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, a nonimmigrant visa may be issued to an alien who is allowed to reside or travel in the United States temporarily. (See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15), (26).) Certain aliens admitted under a nonimmigrant visa are exempt from the firearm restrictions. (See 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2).) Among the States, Massachusetts prohibits issuance of a license to carry or a firearm identification card to an alien; Hawaii (with exceptions) and Missouri require a purchase permit applicant to be a United States citizen. A person who is not a United States citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence cannot possess an assault firearm in Virginia. In eight other States, firearm purchase or possession by an illegal alien is prohibited. A few States may issue a temporary firearm possession permit to certain aliens. Other restrictions -- Additional categories of prohibited persons are also defined in State statutes, including persons who have failed to complete a firearm safety course, or renounced their citizenship, or were dishonorably discharged from military service. In addition, several States prohibit a "straw purchase," an attempt to buy a firearm on behalf of a known prohibited person. (See Jurisdictional summaries for details.) Between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2002, 12 States enacted new legislation regarding prohibited persons. Six of the new enactments concerned domestic violence offenders. Kentucky and New Hampshire laws now provide that a person protected by a domestic violence restraining order is entitled to notice whenever the person subject to the order attempts to purchase a firearm. A new prohibition was added by a Texas amendment that makes it an offense for a firearm to be possessed by a person who has been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or served with a restraining order. Types of firearms A typical definition of a firearm is "any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive." (See Maryland Code 27-441.) Firearms can generally be divided into two major categories: handguns and long guns. A handgun is a weapon that can be held or fired with one hand, such as a pistol or revolver. A long gun is a weapon that requires two hands to hold or fire, such as a rifle or shotgun. (Also see Glossary of firearm terms for definitions.) State codes sometimes divide firearms into categories based upon the length of the barrel. The sale and possession of handguns is extensively regulated because a handgun can be easily concealed upon a person and is carried during the overwhelming majority of crimes committed while the offender is in possession of a firearm. A survey of inmates who carried a firearm during their offense found that 83% of State inmates and 87% of Federal inmates possessed a handgun during the offense (Firearm Use by Offenders, November 2001, NCJ 189369). Long guns are used much less frequently in crime and are subject to less extensive regulation than handguns. Certain types of firearms are regulated because they are deemed by legislators to be inappropriate for self-defense or sporting purposes. The sale and possession of assault weapons, machine guns, short-barreled ("sawed-off") rifles and shotguns, and unsafe handguns is often prohibited or allowed only in limited circumstances. An assault weapon may be a handgun or long gun, but is distinguished by the presence of special features common to military weapons. (See, for example, the definition given in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(30).) The most common features of an assault weapon are a semiautomatic firing mechanism which allows a shot to be fired with each pull of the trigger without reloading, and a large-capacity magazine that holds numerous rounds of ammunition. Most jurisdictions that regulate assault weapons publish a list of makes and models that are banned or restricted. A machine gun (automatic firearm) will automatically fire more than one bullet, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Like assault weapons, machine guns are designed to rapidly fire a high volume of ammunition. A short-barreled rifle has one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length or has an overall length of less than 26 inches due to modification. A short-barreled shotgun has one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length or has an overall length of less than 26 inches due to modification. An unsafe handgun ("Saturday night special" or "junk gun") has a barrel length under 4 inches, is easily concealable, and is not effective for sporting or self defense purposes due to its poor quality of construction, inaccuracy, and lack of essential safety features. The quality of a handgun's construction is determined by its melting point or by technical standards found in State codes. The primary focus of this report is upon regulation of transfers involving handguns, long guns, and assault weapons possessed lawfully before September 13, 1994, the effective date of the Federal assault weapons ban (18 U.S.C. 922(v)). Methods of regulating various types of firearms are described in Regulated sales, Permits, and Approval systems. Types of firearms that are exempt from regulation in many jurisdictions are generally not discussed in this report. These types include antique, curio, and replica firearms, and weapons that have been rendered permanently inoperable. Terms such as firearm, handgun, long gun, and assault weapon, as defined above, are generally used throughout this report to facilitate comparisons between the laws and procedures of the jurisdictions summarized. However, terms and definitions used in firearm codes vary considerably by jurisdiction. For the sake of clarity, a few of the summaries use terms and definitions specific to a particular jurisdiction. Readers are advised to consult a jurisdiction's laws for a complete understanding of its terminology. (Citations to statutes are included in the jurisdictional summaries and in tables 3, 8, 9, and 10.) Regulated sales Firearms are sold either by dealers licensed under Federal and State laws, or by unlicensed persons (private sales). Most sales occur at the business premises of licensed dealers or at gun shows, which may include licensed and unlicensed sellers. In addition to sales and gifts, firearms can be transferred in pawn transactions, where a weapon is pledged as collateral for a loan and can be redeemed when the loan is repaid. Redemptions of pawned firearms are often regulated in the same manner as sales under State law. Statutes that require prospective purchasers to obtain a permit or undergo a background check usually allow exemptions for certain types of persons or transactions. Common exemptions are those for purchases by law enforcement officers, transfers of antique and replica firearms, and gifts or loans of firearms from parents or guardians to minor children. Dealer transfers Federal law requires a check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) of all persons who receive a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) either by purchase or by redemption of a pawned firearm. Licensees have the option of requesting checks on persons who attempt to pawn a firearm. (See Background for further details on the NICS.) In addition to Federal requirements, background checks of persons seeking either to receive firearms from licensed dealers or obtain permits required for transfer are conducted in 29 States. Of these States, 18 regulate dealer transfers of all types of firearms, 2 regulate dealer transfers of handguns and assault weapons, and 9 regulate only handgun transfers by dealers. Several States regulate redemptions of pawned firearms in the same manner as sales -- by licensing pawnbrokers and requiring background checks on redemptions. The pawning of any firearm is prohibited in New Jersey, while five other States ban the pawning of handguns. Private sales The laws of 17 States regulate at least some private sales by requiring that purchasers obtain a permit or undergo a background check before receiving a firearm. Of these States, 11 require that the person receiving the firearm have a permit and 7 require the receiver to undergo a check. (Connecticut is counted twice because it mandates both procedures for handguns.) Ten States regulate private transfers of all types of firearms, one regulates private transfers of handguns and assault weapons, and six regulate only handgun transfers. Most of these regulations apply to transfers initiated at any location, whether it be a person's home, a gun show, or anywhere else. In a few States, the only private transfers regulated are those that occur at gun shows. Private sellers are required to request background checks in a variety of ways -- directly from a checking agency, through a police station, or through a licensed dealer (at the dealer's premises or a gun show). Gun shows Seven States have statutes that specifically regulate gun shows. Most of these statutes define a gun show as an event where a certain number of firearms are exhibited for transfer (for example, 25 or more in Colorado and Oregon; 50 or more in Connecticut; 25 or more pistol or revolvers or 50 or more firearms, rifles, or shotguns in New York). Some laws also define a gun show according to the number of vendors who are exhibiting firearms for transfer. Gun show regulations affect organizers, vendors, and purchasers. For example, California requires a show organizer to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the California Department of Justice, provide local law enforcement with a list of the show's sellers, and exclude minors unless they are accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian. Colorado, Connecticut, New York, and Oregon require vendors to request an instant check on every unlicensed person who attempts to make a purchase. Colorado and New York require a show organizer to secure the presence of at least one licensed dealer to process the back- ground checks. In Connecticut and Oregon, any seller can contact the State checking agency directly. Maryland requires that unlicensed gun show sellers obtain a temporary transfer permit from the State, have a fixed display, and comply with all restrictions imposed upon transfers by licensed dealers. Virginia requires that any person who sells firearms at a gun show must submit to a background check and obtain a seller identification number from the State Police. Residency rules The Gun Control Act generally prohibits interstate transfers of firearms between unlicensed persons (18 U.S.C. 922(a)(5)), a prohibition intended to channel interstate transfers through licensed dealers who are subject to scrutiny by ATF. A licensed dealer generally cannot transfer a firearm other than a rifle or shotgun to an unlicensed person who does not reside in the State where the licensee's place of business is located. A rifle or shotgun may be transferred in person by a dealer to a nonresident if the transfer complies with the laws of the State where the dealer's place of business is located and the State where the purchaser resides. (See 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(3)).) To ensure compliance with Federal law, many States have passed statutes that allow nonresidents to purchase long guns. In 2002, the laws of Georgia were amended to provide that its residents may purchase long guns in any State, and a resident of any State may purchase long guns in Georgia. Three States (Maryland, Missouri, and Virginia) require fixed periods of residency, ranging from 1 to 6 months, before a person can purchase certain firearms. Residency rules are intended to prevent nonresidents from purchasing and reselling firearms that they could not obtain in their home State. Handgun purchase limits There are no Federal restrictions on the frequency of firearm acquisition or on the quantity of firearms that can be acquired. However, a handgun purchase limit of one per month prevails in California, Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia. These limits are intended to deter persons who would purchase large quantities of handguns for resale to prohibited persons. Permits Permits are documents issued by a government agency after a background check, which are required for the purchase, possession, or carrying of firearms. (The discussion below refers to all such documents, by whatever title, as "permits," and is primarily concerned with permits that can be used during the purchase of a firearm.) Twelve States administer purchase permit systems that regulate sales of handguns. Four of these States also require a permit to purchase a long gun. In Minnesota, purchasers of handguns and assault weapons have the option of undergoing a background check to obtain a 1-year permit or submitting to a check each time they attempt a purchase. In addition to handgun and long gun permits, four States require special permits in order to purchase or possess certain types of firearms (such as machine guns) that are generally prohibited. The handgun and long gun purchase permits vary according to the duration of a permit and the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time or during the tenure of a permit. Most handgun permits have a duration of between 10 days and 1 year, with a few remaining in effect for a longer duration. Long gun permits generally remain effective for a longer period than handgun permits. New Jersey's identification card for long guns remains in effect until revoked for a violation of law; among the other three States with long gun permits, the duration of permits ranges from 1 to 5 years. The number of handguns that can be purchased by one person is sometimes limited by a State permit. In seven States, only one handgun can be purchased with a permit. Six of these States mandate a new permit for a second handgun, with New York requiring an amendment to the purchaser's handgun license. Five States allow unlimited handgun purchases during the effective period of a permit. Unlimited purchases of rifles and shotguns are allowed in the four States that issue long gun permits. In six States, holders of purchase permits must undergo another background check before receiving a firearm from a licensed dealer. Connecticut and Illinois mandate the additional check by statute; in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey, purchasers must undergo a NICS check requested by a dealer because their purchase permits have not been qualified by ATF as an alternative to the NICS requirements. (See Background.) Federal law does not mandate a permit to purchase firearms. However, ATF-qualified State permits for purchase, carrying, or other activities can be used to exempt the holder from a NICS check at the point of sale. Some carry permits can be used to exempt the holder from a background check required by State law. As of June 30, 2002, 19 States issued carry permits that exempted the holder from a check under the permanent Brady law or a State law or both. Certain permits issued before November 30, 1998 were "grandfathered" in as exempt from the NICS check because they were qualified by ATF under the interim Brady law. Many of these grandfathered permits have now expired. In addition, a few States exempt certain permit holders from waiting period requirements. Concealed firearm permits usually regulate the carrying of a handgun beyond the holder's residence or business premises. Some States allow a handgun to be carried openly, but most require a permit holder to conceal the weapon. Restrictions on permit holders vary considerably in regard to the premises where carrying is forbidden. States that issue carry permits are generally categorized as having either a "shall issue" or a "discretionary" system. The former system mandates issuance of a permit if no statutory reason for denial is revealed during a background check of the applicant. The latter system allows a law enforcement officer to consider the applicant's history, character, and intended purpose for carrying a firearm. As of June 30, 2002, carry permits are required in 42 States; Vermont allows carrying without a permit, and seven States prohibit concealed firearms. Nearly all of the States that prohibit concealed firearms are in the Midwest. Certain types of persons may be required to obtain a permit in order to possess a firearm. Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Washington allow certain aliens to apply for a permit to possess a firearm. In Rhode Island, a person under 18 years of age must have a permit to participate in legal firearm activities. Between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2002, permit laws in Connecticut and Michigan were substantially revised. A New Mexico law that provided for concealed handgun licenses was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2001; however, the law was declared unconstitutional by the New Mexico Supreme Court. See Baca v. New Mexico Department of Public Safety, 132 N.M. 282, 47 P. 3d 441 (2002). Approval systems Over 3,000 State and local agencies are required by law to determine the eligibility of persons who attempt to receive a transferred firearm. Systems for determining the legal eligibility of prospective purchasers can generally be classified as "instant approval," "purchase permit," or "other approval" systems. Carry permits, which can be used for a transfer in many States, have approval procedures similar to those required for purchase permits, and may have more stringent requirements. Instant approval (instant check) systems allow licensed firearms dealers to contact a checking agency by telephone or other electronic means and receive a response immediately, or as soon as possible without delay, as to whether a prospective purchaser is ineligible under law. In a few States, an unlicensed seller can contact the checking agency directly. In some other States, unlicensed sellers are required to request a check through a licensed dealer or a law enforcement agency. Purchase permit systems require a prospective firearm purchaser to file an application with the appropriate checking agency, which is given time to investigate the applicant's background. An approved applicant must present the permit to a seller in order to receive a firearm. (See Permits.) Other approval systems combine some of the characteristics found in instant check and permit systems. Generally, these systems require sellers to convey purchaser information to a law enforcement agency by mail, telephone, or other electronic means. The agency is not required to respond immediately, but usually must complete checks within a waiting period or statutory time limit. Instant approval systems include the FBI's NICS operation (Background) and the procedures of 16 States; 12 States utilize purchase permits, and 4 States maintain other approval systems. (Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey are each counted twice because these States operate permit and instant approval systems.) The instant approval systems allow a firearm transfer to proceed as soon as the checking agency informs the seller that no disqualifying record was found on the purchaser, unless the applicable State law requires a waiting period. Three of the four other approval systems require a waiting period after a firearm purchase application is filed with a seller and before the transfer can be completed, regardless of when the checking agency completes the background investigation. (See Waiting periods.) A few purchase permit systems mandate a waiting period after an application is filed and before the permit can be issued or a firearm acquired. Almost all approval systems limit the time allowed for a checking agency to conduct a background investigation and reach a decision on the applicant's eligibility, with time limits imposed either by State statute or application of the Brady Act's 3-day limit. The time limit for an instant approval system is usually 3 days or less, while other approval systems allow 7 to 10 days. The time limits for checking on a purchase permit application range from 2 days in Nebraska to 180 days in New York. Most purchase permit systems allow 7 to 30 days for a background check; some carry permit statutes allow a longer period. Some statutes allow an extension of the time available to complete a back- ground check, if specific circumstances are present. For example, if an applicant's history includes a felony arrest without a recorded disposition, the checking agency may be granted additional time to contact the agency that originated the record and inquire about the outcome of charges against the applicant. In a few States, the checking agency is allowed more time to investigate an applicant who resides in another State. Instant approval and other approval systems usually allow a transfer to proceed if the seller has not received a response from the checking agency by the end of the applicable period. Permit systems usually require the checking agency to reach a decision and inform the applicant of the decision before the end of the statutory time limit. Checking process Development of the NICS has increased the national uniformity of procedures used to approve or disapprove firearm transfers. However, approval systems established by State laws still employ a variety of procedures to determine the eligibility of prospective purchasers. The process for determining eligibility may be divided into three stages: application, back- ground check, and post-denial. Application Federal and State laws require prospective firearm purchasers to provide information that is needed to initiate a background check. In order to receive a firearm from a licensed dealer, Federal law requires submission of a Firearm Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473. (See Federal summary for contents.) A few instant approval systems only require information from the ATF form, but most require the completion of an additional form as well. All purchase permit systems require specific information from applicants except in North Carolina, where the county sheriff is allowed to determine what information is necessary. State laws vary widely in regard to the types of information required from applicants. (See Jurisdictional summaries.) Depending on the type of approval system, checking agencies receive applicant information in person or by mail, telephone, or the Internet. (See Approval systems.) Under Federal law and the laws of 25 States, making a false statement in an attempt to obtain a firearm or a permit may be grounds for denial of an application, or subject the applicant to a fine or incarceration. (See table 10 for a list of statutes.) The laws of 23 States allow a checking agency to charge a fee for processing a sale transaction or issuing a purchase permit. Eight States do not charge a fee for a point-of-sale background check. Point-of-sale fees (usually collected by dealers and remitted to the State) range from $2 in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to $20 in California (for a single handgun or any number of long guns, plus $16 for each additional handgun purchased). Checking agencies in Michigan and Minnesota do not charge for a purchase permit. Hawaiian checking agencies collect a fee from first-time applicants but do not charge for permit renewals. Fees charged for purchase permits range from $5 in several States to $94 for a pistol permit in Connecticut. Several States include a charge that covers fingerprint processing by the FBI. In some States, the checking agency can adjust the amount of the fee or is given discretion as to whether any fee will be charged. Background check Generally, automated checking agencies conduct a single background check that incorporates Federal and State requirements for each transaction. Checking agencies normally access the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a set of Federal databases with fugitive and other prohibited person data, and the Interstate Identification Index, a national system which points to States with a criminal history record on an individual. NICS point of contact agencies also access the FBI's NICS Index, which contains records on prohibited persons compiled from other Federal and State data sources. State records accessed for background checks and used to identify prohibited persons may be in a statewide database. A State may also have a system for identifying certain types of records within a central database. Additional records may be maintained by county courts or other local agencies. As of June 30, 2002, all States maintained criminal history databases that recorded, at a minimum, felony arrests and dispositions. Statewide systems for identifying fugitives from justice, court restraining orders, and domestic violence misdemeanor convictions exist in more than two-thirds of the States. About a third of the States maintained data on juvenile offenders and persons who have been adjudicated mentally ill or committed to a mental institution. Since the implementation of the Brady Act in 1994, records of disqualifying factors other than felonies have become more widely accessible. (See Improving Criminal History Records for Background Checks, February 2002, NCJ 192928.) Methods for accessing records vary according to the type of prohibition involved. Domestic violence misde- meanor convictions are often identified by the use of a "flag," an entry in a criminal history record that denotes the conviction as being the result of a domestic violence incident. Restraining orders intended to prevent domestic violence may also be flagged within criminal history records. Some States immediately transmit restraining order records to the NCIC Protection Order File, as an alternative to maintaining their own database. A State mental health department may keep records of persons who have been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a treatment facility. The effectiveness of background checks is affected by the type of record search conducted (automated or manual) and by the data available during each type of search. The vast majority of record searches are automated, but some types of data, such as local mental health records, tend to be maintained manually. In addition, some mental illness data is inaccessible because of State privacy laws. The exhaustiveness of a check may also be limited by missing arrest dispositions and other instances of incomplete records. The time an agency needs to obtain complete information may be lengthened if records on an applicant are maintained in another jurisdiction. (For information on the automation and completeness of criminal history records see Survey of State Criminal History Information Systems, 1999, June 2000, NCJ 184793.) The majority of background checks processed by State approval systems are initiated with information received by telephone or computer from a licensed dealer. State instant approval systems use a variety of terminology, but all generate an initial response to the dealer indicating that the transaction may proceed, may not proceed, or must be delayed pending further research on an applicant's records. If no record retrieval problems emerge, most State instant approval systems are able to process a check and provide a final response to a dealer in less than five minutes. Some systems are able to complete the checking process in less than one minute. (See Jurisdictional summaries.) If a transaction is allowed to proceed, the firearm dealer is given an approval number to record on the forms filed by the applicant. Federal and State procedures vary as to the period of time for which the approval remains valid (the period during which the applicant must complete a transaction by receiving a firearm from the seller). For example, an approval by the FBI is valid for 30 days; an approval of a private sale by the Oregon State Police is valid for 24 hours. A person who does not receive the firearm during the applicable period is required to undergo another background check. State laws differ regarding the length of time that a transaction can be delayed and the circumstances that allow a delay. A checking agency's search for a missing arrest disposition is the most common reason for a delay. If a final disposition such as a conviction cannot be found, Federal or State law usually dictates the checking agency’s response to the firearm dealer. Some States apply the Brady Act’s rule that if a disqualifying conviction record is not found within 3 days, a transfer may proceed at the discretion of the dealer (termed a “default proceed” by the NICS). Other States have laws and regulations that allow their agencies to deny a transfer if an applicant was arrested for a disqualifying offense (regardless of whether the disposition has been recorded). A checking agency may continue to research an incomplete record even after a "default proceed" has occurred. If a disqualifying record is found at a later date (termed a "delayed denial" by the NICS), the dealer may be contacted to determine if the applicant completed the transaction and received a firearm. If the transfer has occurred, law enforcement officers may locate the purchaser and confiscate the firearm. Post-denial appeal procedures are available to applicants who have been denied a firearm because the checking agency cannot locate an exonerating record such as an acquittal or a dismissal of criminal charges. (See Appeals of denials.) Another aspect of the checking process involves notifying other law enforcement agencies of denied persons who are wanted for an outstanding warrant or who may have attempted to obtain a firearm in violation of Federal or State law. A denied person may have acted illegally by submitting false information or failing to disclose required information on an application, attempting a purchase while subject to a prohibition, or attempting to obtain a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person. Numerous agencies receive notices of denied persons, including special police units, ATF, and agencies with jurisdiction over the location of the transaction (usually a dealer's premises) or the applicant's residence. (For statistics on arrests of denied persons, see Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2001, November 2002, NCJ 195235). Various types of paper and electronic records are generated by application and background check procedures for firearm transfers. Whether these records are saved or destroyed by checking agencies depends upon the applicable Federal or State law. (See Retention ofrecords/ registration.) A few States amended application procedures between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2002. California increased check fees for sales transactions, Connecticut increased pistol permit fees, and Michigan eliminated its fee for a license to purchase a handgun. In addition, three States modified requirements for information from permit applicants. Several States have initiatives planned or underway to improve access to records used for background checks, including a new criminal justice information system in Hawaii. Among other initiatives are an effort to electronically submit mental health records to NICS and a new protection order registry in Georgia. North Dakota is flagging misdemeanor domestic violence records and developing an automated system for entering protection order data and transmitting it to NCIC. Waiting periods A waiting period is a length of time after a firearm purchase application is filed with a seller or a permit application is filed with a law enforcement agency, which must expire before transfer of the firearm or issuance of the permit can be completed. The length of time an applicant must wait is sometimes referred to as a "cooling-off" period, intended to deter persons who desire a firearm immediately for use in a specific misdeed. Another purpose of a waiting period is to provide sufficient time for law enforcement agencies to investigate and resolve questions about an applicant's background, especially if searches of local or manual records are necessary. However, mandatory waiting periods should be distinguished from time limits on inquiries by a checking agency into an applicant's background. (See Approval systems.) Twelve States require waiting periods, which range in length from 1 to 14 days. Of these States, 11 require a waiting period for handgun permits or purchases; 2 include assault weapons, and 5 include long guns within their waiting period regulations. Waiting periods have been enacted in every region of the Nation and are most often found in States with extensive firearm regulations. Exemptions from waiting periods have been enacted in some States for law enforcement officers, holders of valid carry permits, or other specific classes of persons who have demonstrated the ability to handle a firearm responsibly. Several States mandate both a waiting period and a time limit on inquiries by a checking agency, which may or may not be the same length of time. The Federal instant check law (NICS) provides 3 days for a checking agency to respond to an inquiry from a licensed dealer, but does not mandate a waiting period for purchasers. (See Background.) Retention of records/registration Federal and State laws determine the types of information that must be provided by prospective firearm purchasers, as well as the types of information that must be retained or purged by checking agencies or other agencies. These laws also determine the length of time that records must be saved and when records must be destroyed. Some checking agencies receive and retain paper records of permit or purchase applications. Nevertheless, most information on purchasers is transmitted over the telephone or via computer by a licensed dealer, and stored electronically by the checking agency. Requirements for maintaining or purging transaction data vary among the States. Retention of information on approved firearm transactions is often limited by Federal and State laws, because of concern for the privacy of lawful firearm owners. Some checking agencies purge a transaction record almost immediately after it is approved. In contrast, retention of information on denied transactions is seldom limited, due to its usefulness for judicial and law enforcement purposes. Thirty States require a permit, point-of- sale background check, or waiting period before a firearm transfer can be completed. Checking agencies in nearly half of these States retain records of approved transactions for less than 90 days, pursuant to statute or agency regulations. In contrast, nearly all agencies retain records of denied transactions indefinitely or for a specific length of time longer than 90 days. In States where county sheriffs or municipal police departments issue permits or purchase approvals, the retention period for transaction records is usually at the discretion of the checking agency. Some State agencies are required to maintain copies of transaction records forwarded by local checking agencies. Records of permit applications or sale transactions are retained by checking agencies in order to monitor agency performance or achieve a law enforcement objective. With computerized checking systems, the complete electronic record of a transaction is generally maintained for a short period of time in order to facilitate audits of system performance or correction of errors. In some States, certain information such as a name, approval number, and date from an approved transaction may be retained for auditing purposes for a longer period than other data about the applicant. Retention of all approved transaction records is mandated in two States for certain types of firearms: handguns in California and regulated firearms (handguns and assault weapons) in Maryland. Checking agency records may also be referenced in order to verify that licensed firearms dealers are maintaining records as required by law. In States that require a firearm owner to have a license or identification card, records of approved applications are retained in order for law enforcement officers to determine whether a particular person is legally in possession of a firearm. States that require a waiting period retain records of approved transactions in order to verify that a seller waited the proper length of time before transferring a firearm to the buyer. Records of denied transactions are retained to facilitate appeals, arrests, and prosecutions, and to build databases on prohibited persons. Registration records, which normally include information on a firearm and its owner, facilitate tracing of firearms that are resold illegally, used in a crime, or stolen. Federal law requires registration of a machine gun or a short-barrel rifle or shotgun. Twelve States register at least one type of firearm. The types of firearms most commonly registered by these States are machine guns, assault weapons, and handguns. A few States register short-barrel rifles or shotguns, or all rifles and shotguns. (Statutes requiring registration are listed in table 10.) Appeals of denials Appeal procedures for firearm denials provide specific means by which applicants can challenge decisions on firearm purchase eligibility. These appeals often serve the practical purposes of resolving questions of identity and updating incomplete criminal history records. Federal law provides the right to challenge a NICS denial by the FBI or a State point of contact. (See Background.) Specific appeal procedures are codified in the laws of nearly all States that require background checks of firearm permit or purchase applicants. The most common State procedure allows an appeal to the checking agency for reconsideration of a denial, and a subsequent appeal to a court. In some States, a government official in a department separate from the checking unit conducts an administrative review as the first or second step in the appeal process. Most purchase permit statutes require the checking agency to inform an applicant in writing of the reason for a denial. With instant approval systems, an applicant usually is informed of a denial by the dealer who requested the background check. The applicant must then call or write the checking agency to learn the reason for the denial. Statewide checking agencies often have forms available to initiate a request for reconsideration. Some States impose a deadline on denied applicants for filing the initial appeal. Other agencies involved in firearm appeals are those that maintain criminal history, restraining order, mental health, or other records that could disqualify an applicant. The appellant may be required to obtain data from or submit data to the agency that originated a disputed record. Appeals often arise when a denied person claims that he or she is not the individual named in a disqualifying record found by the checking agency. To resolve the identity question, the appellant will ordinarily submit fingerprints (if they are not already on file) which will be checked against Federal and/or State arrestee print records. If the appellant's prints do not match any disqualifying records on file, the denial can be reversed. A few States require submission of fingerprints with all requests for reconsideration. Another common appeal issue arises when a denied person claims that a disqualifying record is incomplete. For example, if a background check reveals a felony charge without a recorded disposition, the checking agency may be required by State law to issue a denial. The applicant can have the denial reversed by submitting court records to prove that the charge was subsequently dismissed. An appeal procedure may give the denied person the alternative of requesting that the appellate review agency contact the agency of record to inquire about a missing disposition. An appeal may be filed when there is no entry in criminal history records for a proceeding that restored the applicant's firearm rights. An administrative agency or a court may also need to decide whether a pardon or an expungement of a conviction was sufficient to restore an applicant's firearm rights. In addition to record challenge procedures, some States allow an appellant or the reviewing agency to request an administrative hearing. State laws vary widely in regard to deadlines for administrative decisions and subsequent appeals by a denied applicant. Whether a checking agency is required by law to approve, delay, or deny a person with an incomplete record may affect the number of appeals filed in a State. (See Firearm rejection rates.) Existing data indicates that the vast majority of disputed firearm denials are resolved at the administrative level, and are rarely appealed to the courts. The paucity of court appeals is not surprising because most disputes turn upon the accuracy of records, not upon an interpretation of the law. Firearm rejection rates State and local checking agencies received an estimated 3.7 million firearm transfer applications during 2001; an estimated 86,000 applications were rejected, a rejection rate of 2.3% (FBI checks are not included in these figures). The predominant reason (58%) for rejection of an application by a State or local checking agency was the applicant's indictment or conviction for a felony offense. (See Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2001, September 2002, NCJ 195235.) The 2001 statistics included applications for transfers, permits required for transfers, and carry permits that could be used to exempt the holder from a point-of- transfer background check. This national estimate combined actual counts from statewide reporting agencies with an estimate for aggregated local agencies. The rejection rates among statewide agencies for the various types of firearm approval systems were estimated to be 2.9% for exempt carry permits, 2.5% for instant approvals, 2.0% for purchase permits, and 1.1% for other approval systems. The rejection rates among local agencies for the various types of firearm approval systems were estimated to be 2.2% for exempt carry permits, 2.1% for purchase permits, and 0.9% for other approval systems (no local agencies administer instant approval systems). Statewide rates The number of applications received and rejected, and rejection rates for statewide agencies during 2001 are reproduced in table 1. Seventeen instant approval systems exhibit the widest variation in rejection rates, ranging from 0.3% (Connecticut and New Jersey) to 4.6% (Colorado). Statewide rejection rates for purchase permit applications are available from Illinois (2.1%), and New Jersey (2.1%). Rejection rates for eight States that reported exempt carry permit counts range between 0.2% (North Dakota) and 5.8% (Arizona). Complete state- wide data was also reported by the "other approval" system for California, with a rejection rate of 1.0%. Variations in rejection rates among States may be influenced by many interrelated factors, including the type of approval system, the number of years the system has operated, the extent of State firearm regulation, the length of time allowed for an agency to complete a check, the decision-making process for records with missing arrest dispositions, and the extent of automation of criminal histories and other records. Additional research is needed to determine the relationship between each factor and the rejection rates. Although the full impact of these factors has not been quantified, a few observations are possible from the limited information available. Among the lowest rates are those of New Jersey (0.3%) and Illinois (0.8%), where an instant check at the point of transfer is the second step required for approval of prospective firearm owners. Before an instant sale check can be conducted, both States require a prospective owner to obtain some type of purchase permit such as an identification card or a handgun permit. During the first step of the process, the rejection rates are considerably higher in New Jersey (2.1%) and Illinois (2.1%), and are closer to the national average than the rates for the second step. The highest rejection rates tend to occur in States that implemented an instant approval system on or after the effective date of the Brady Act. These States include Colorado (4.6%), Tennessee (4.2%), and Georgia (4.1%). In contrast, approval systems established before passage of the Brady Act tend to have lower rejection rates. These systems include Virginia (1.4%) and Wisconsin (1.4%), as well as several States mentioned above: California, Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey. Extensive regulation of firearm sales by States with older approval systems may influence rejection rates. As prospective firearm owners become more knowledgeable about laws and procedures in the States with well-established systems, some persons with potentially disqualifying records may be discouraged from applying for a purchase or permit in those States. Rejection rates may be influenced by a State's policy toward applicants who have incomplete records for criminal history and other disqualifying factors. Checking agencies most frequently encounter delays while attempting to determine the final disposition of a criminal charge that is indicated by an arrest, information, or indictment record. If the final disposition cannot be found during the time allowed for a background check, the agency must decide, based on Federal or State law, whether the application will be approved, denied, or delayed pending further research. A State's rejection rate will tend to be low if an approval is mandated and high if a denial is mandated. Some States apply the Brady Act's rule that if a disqualifying record is not found within 3 days, a transfer may proceed. Other States have laws and regulations that allow their agencies to deny or delay a transfer if an incomplete record is being researched when the time limit for a response expires. These types of rules may partially account for the comparatively high rejection rates in Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia. Local agency rates Rejection rates among local agencies may be influenced by many of the same factors that influence the rates of agencies with statewide jurisdiction. Local agencies that provided data for the Firearm Inquiry Statistics (FIST) project were grouped according to the size of the community they served: small (under 10,000 people), medium (10,000 to 100,000), or large (over 100,000). In 2001, rates varied among local agencies by size of the population served and type of permit. For purchase permits, rejection rates were highest in large communities (2.33%) and lowest in small communities (1.25%). No similar pattern appeared for exempt carry permits, although rejection rates were also highest in large communities (2.49%). (See table 1a.) Information included in the Federal and State summaries References on this page to "State" generally include all jurisdictions summarized (the United States and each State, Territory, Commonwealth, and District). Topics listed are not alphabetized; they follow the order of presentation used in the summaries. Laws that apply nationwide are included in the Federal summary and generally not repeated elsewhere. State participation in the NICS is described in subheadings for the summaries. Prohibited persons. Categories of persons prohibited permanently or temporarily from purchasing, possessing, or transferring firearms. Restoration of rights. Pardons, court procedures, or other means by which adult or juvenile offenders can regain the right to possess or purchase firearms. Regulated sales. The scope of firearm transfer restrictions such as background checks, permit and license requirements, residency rules, and handgun purchase limits. Includes types of transferors (licensed or unlicensed), firearms (such as handguns and long guns), and transactions (such as sale and redemption) regulated. Permits. Documents (such as entitled permit, license, and identification card) issued by a law enforcement agency, which are required for the purchase, possession, or carrying of firearms. Background checks. Procedures and requirements for conducting criminal history and other checks on firearms purchasers or permit applicants under Federal and State laws, including time limits imposed on checking agencies. Waiting period. A period of time after a firearm purchase application is filed with a seller or a permit application is filed with a law enforcement agency, which must expire before transfer of the firearm or issuance of the permit can be completed. Information from applicants. Required or optional information provided by persons applying for a purchase from a firearm seller or for a purchase permit from a law enforcement agency. Purchaser fees. The amounts charged to firearms purchasers for background checks or the issuance of documents needed for purchase. State data. Automated and manual databases maintained by State agencies that are normally available to checking agencies during the course of a background check on a prospective firearm buyer. Check processing time. The length of time needed, on average, for checking agencies to complete background checks on routine transactions and those that require additional research on missing dispositions and other questions. Retention of records. Time limits on retention of data from approved and denied firearm transactions by checking agencies and other agencies, based on Federal or State law or agency policies. Registration. State procedures for maintaining permanent records on firearms and firearms owners. Appeals of denials. Statutory or administrative procedures for appealing a denial of the right to purchase a firearm or obtain a permit required for purchase. Arrests of denied persons. Arrest and notification procedures followed by checking agencies in regard to persons who are denied a firearm or a permit because they submitted false information or have an outstanding warrant. 2001/2002 legislation. Significant changes in laws related to firearm sales that became effective between July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2002. Relevant laws. Citations to statutes governing the transfer, possession, and use of firearms. Source of information. State agencies that contributed to the survey. Federal system Prohibited persons. Federal law prohibits firearm possession by or transfer to a person who is: under indictment for or convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year; a fugitive from justice; an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; an illegal alien or an alien admitted under a nonimmigrant visa; dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; a renounced U.S. citizen; restrained by court order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child; or convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. It is unlawful for a federally-licensed dealer to transfer a long gun to a person under 18 years of age or a handgun to a person under 21 years of age. Further, it is unlawful for any person to transfer a handgun to a juvenile (under 18) or for a juvenile to possess a handgun, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. Federal firearm rights can be restored by a presidential pardon or by ATF; agency decisions can be appealed to Federal district court. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful, with limited exceptions, to possess or transfer a machine gun, a firearm not detectable by airport security devices, or a semiautomatic assault weapon. Regulated sales. Record checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) are required on persons who purchase firearms or redeem pawned firearms from federally-licensed dealers. A licensee has the option of requesting a check when a firearm is pawned. A handgun cannot be transferred by a licensee to a person who does not reside in the State where the licensee’s business is located. An interstate transfer of a handgun or long gun between unlicensed persons is prohibited. Permits. Federal law does not require a permit to purchase a firearm. Background checks. NICS checks are conducted by the FBI and State point of contact (POC) agencies. The FBI checks handgun and long gun buyers in 26 States and only long gun buyers in 10 additional States. Dealers contact the system by telephone or other electronic means and receive an immediate response as to whether a transfer may proceed, may not proceed, or will be delayed pending further review. If no response is received within 3 business days, the transfer may proceed (known as a "default proceed"). Waiting period. No Federal requirements. Information from applicants. The standard ATF form filed with a licensee requires the buyer's full name, residence address, place of birth, height, weight, gender, date of birth, race, State of residence, country of citizenship, and alien or admission number. A Social Security Number is optional. Purchaser fees. NICS checks by the FBI are without charge. State laws establish POC fees. Federal data. The three major Federal databases are the Interstate Identification Index (III), containing pointers to State criminal histories; the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), containing fugitive, protection order, and deported felons data; and the NICS Index, containing denied person, dishonorable discharge, renunciation of citizenship, mental defective, drug abuser, and illegal alien data. Check processing time. Over 70% of the inquiries conducted by the FBI in 2001 resulted in an immediate “proceed” response. Retention of records. Information on applicants denied by the FBI is retained indefinitely. Most information on transfers allowed by the FBI is not retained; certain items may be retained for auditing purposes for not more than 90 days. Registration. A short-barrel shotgun or rifle or a machine gun must be registered. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm after a NICS check can appeal to the denying agency (FBI or POC), and may be required to contact the agency that originated the disqualifying record. As an alternative, the appellant can ask the FBI to review a POC denial. A further appeal may be filed in Federal district court. Arrests of denied persons. The FBI notifies ATF of NICS denials and persons who obtain a firearm by “default proceed” but are subsequently determined to be prohibited. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. United States Code 18-922 et seq. Source of information. Federal Bureau of Investigation, NICS Program Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Alabama FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits ownership, possession, or control of a handgun by a person who has been convicted in Alabama or elsewhere of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence or is a drug addict or habitual drunkard. It is illegal to deliver a handgun to any person under the age of 18 or to one who the seller has reasonable cause to believe has been convicted of a crime of violence or is a drug addict, a habitual drunkard, or of unsound mind. Restoration of rights. State law does not provide for restoration of firearm rights. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal for a person to possess, obtain, receive, sell, or use a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, except for a peace officer engaged in official duties. Regulated sales. Background checks on firearms purchasers are not required by Alabama law. Residents of adjoining States may purchase long guns in Alabama unless otherwise prohibited. No person shall make any loan secured by a mortgage, deposit, or pledge of a handgun. A State license is required for retail dealers of handguns. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed dealers in Alabama contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirement. Information from applicants. No State requirement. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Alabama makes fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, and domestic violence restraining order data available on the statewide computer network. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Code of Alabama 13A-11-50 et seq. Source of information. Alabama Bureau of Investigation; Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center. Alaska FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Alaska law prohibits handgun possession by or sale to a person who was convicted of a felony or adjudicated a delinquent minor for conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult. It is illegal for a firearm to be possessed by or sold to a person whose physical or mental condition is substantially impaired by intoxicating liquor or controlled substances. An unemancipated minor under 16 years of age cannot possess a firearm without the consent of a parent or guardian. Restoration of rights. The State allows a convicted felon's right to own a handgun to be restored if the conviction is pardoned or set aside. If at least 10 years have elapsed since the offender's unconditional discharge, firearm rights are restored except for those who committed felony "crimes against persons." Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, transport, sell, or transfer a prohibited weapon, which includes a machine gun, short-barrel rifle, or short-barrel shotgun. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Permits. Alaska does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed dealers in Alaska contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The Alaska Department of Public Safety conducts background checks on applicants for concealed handgun permits. ATF allows a valid concealed handgun permit to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Alaska maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence restraining order data on a statewide network. Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions can be identified from records created after January 15, 1998. Check processing time. No information is available.. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed handgun permit is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal under Federal law. A denial of a concealed handgun permit application may be appealed to the commissioner of public safety. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Alaska Statutes 11.61.190 et seq; 18.65.700 et seq. Source of information. Alaska Department of Public Safety. Arizona FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Arizona law makes it illegal to sell or transfer a firearm to a prohibited possessor, defined as any person who has been found to be mentally ill by a court, convicted of a felony, adjudicated delinquent, imprisoned, or serving a term of probation, parole, community supervision, work furlough, home arrest, or release on any other basis because of a domestic violence or felony offense. It is illegal to knowingly transfer a firearm to a person who intends to use the firearm in the commission of any felony. A firearm cannot be transferred to or possessed by a minor under the age of 18 except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. Adult felons convicted of "dangerous offenses" cannot regain the right to possess firearms. All other felons discharged from probation must wait a certain length of time, depending on the offense, before applying for a court order to restore firearm rights. For adult felons, the waiting period is 10 years for "serious offenses" and 2 years for other offenses. For juvenile felons, the waiting period is until age 30 for dangerous and serious offenses, and 2 years for most other offenses. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, transport, sell, or transfer a prohibited weapon, which includes a machine gun or a short-barreled rifle or shotgun (unless it is registered in accordance with federal law). Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on persons who purchase firearms. Permits. Arizona does not require a permit to purchase firearms. Carrying a concealed weapon requires a permit. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Arizona contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Concealed Weapons Unit conducts background checks on applicants for concealed carry permits. ATF allows a valid concealed weapon permit to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements for purchase applicants. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Arizona maintains fully automated fugitive and criminal history (including probation/parole) data on a statewide network. Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions and restraining orders are found in court and criminal history records. The courts report limited data on mental health commitments to DPS. Sex offender registration and department of corrections data are also available. The State is pursuing technical improvements to restraining order records. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. Data on persons who are denied a concealed weapon permit are kept on paper for 5 years and in electronic format indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal pursuant to Federal law. A person who is denied a concealed weapon permit may request reconsideration by submitting additional data to DPS. An administrative hearing may be held. A further appeal may be filed in superior court. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. The statute that mandated background checks by the Department of Public Safety on persons who purchase firearms from licensed dealers was repealed as of June 4, 2002. Relevant laws. Arizona Revised Statutes 13-905 et seq; 13-3101 et seq. Source of information. Arizona Department of Public Safety. Arkansas FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Arkansas law provides that no person shall possess or own any firearm who has been convicted of a felony, adjudicated mentally ill, or committed involuntarily to any mental institution. No person under the age of 18 shall possess a handgun except in limited circumstances. It is illegal to furnish a firearm or other deadly weapon to a minor (under 18) without the consent of a parent or guardian, or to furnish a handgun or prohibited weapon to a felon, or to knowingly sell, rent, or transfer a firearm to a person prohibited by State or Federal law. Restoration of rights. The governor can restore a felon's right to own a firearm upon a recommendation from a chief law enforcement officer if the underlying offense did not involve the use of a weapon and occurred more than 8 years ago. Restoration of rights can also occur with a pardon. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to use, possess, make, repair, sell, or otherwise deal in a machine gun or sawed-off shotgun or rifle, or a firearm specially made or specially adapted for silent discharge. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of adjacent States may purchase long guns in Arkansas unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Arkansas does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Arkansas contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The Arkansas State Police conducts background checks on applicants for concealed handgun permits. ATF allows a valid concealed handgun permit to be used for a purchase without a NICS check, if the permit was issued prior to November 30, 1998, or issued on or after April 1, 1999. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Fully automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor data are available on the statewide network. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed handgun permit is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Arkansas Code 5-73-101 et seq; 5-73-201 et seq. Source of information. Arkansas State Police and the Office of the Attorney General. California State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. California prohibits possession of firearms by certain persons who were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors specified in State law; are addicted to any narcotic drug; are prohibited as a condition of probation; are subject to restraining orders; were adjudged wards of the juvenile court (until age 30); or are mentally ill as defined in State law. A firearm cannot be transferred to a minor (under 21 for handguns; under 18 for long guns) except in limited circumstances. Handgun owners must pass a safety course or show proof of exemption. Restoration of rights. Firearm rights can be restored by a governor's pardon or if an underlying conviction is reopened and the subject pleads to a lesser charge. Persons convicted of specified misdemeanors or committed to a mental institution can have their rights restored by the proper court. Those who committed disqualifying acts as juveniles can have their right to possess a firearm automatically restored at age 30 if no additional violations occur. Prohibited firearms. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns, unsafe handguns, machine guns, assault weapons, and several other types of firearms are prohibited, with limited exceptions. Regulated sales. Background checks are required for firearm sales by State-licensed dealers and unlicensed persons, and for pawn redemptions processed through dealers. Additional regulations apply to gun shows. Handgun purchases are limited to 1 in a 30-day period. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms, but is required to possess a machine gun or an assault weapon. Carrying a concealed firearm requires a license. Background checks. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is a NICS point of contact and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Gun show transfers and other private sales are processed through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency. Dealers contact DOJ by telephone or computerized "point-of-sale device." A denial by DOJ based on a Federal prohibition (except mental illness) is reported back to NICS. Waiting period. A 10-day waiting period is required for all firearms, regardless of when a background check is completed. Information from applicants. The Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) form requires a buyer's name, alias, gender, home address, local address if traveling, California driver's license, California ID card or military ID card number (with duty orders showing a station in the State), Basic Firearms Safety Certificate or exemption number, height, weight, descent, hair color, eye color, responses to questions concerning potential prohibited status, and date of application. Purchaser fees. DOJ charges $20 for a check on a single handgun or an unlimited number of long guns, and $16 for additional handguns purchased at the same time (by those who are exempt from the one per 30-day rule). State data. California maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic abuse restraining order/ conviction, probation/parole, juvenile, mental health, and prohibited armed persons data. Check processing time. Background checks are processed within the 10-day waiting period. Retention of records. Data on approved long gun transactions can be retained for 5 days; data on prohibited long gun transfers are retained indefinitely. Other transaction data are retained indefinitely on microfiche if entered prior to April 1, 1997, or in an automated file if entered after that date. Registration. Handguns are not registered, but the automated files maintain a record of handgun transfers. New residents must report handgun ownership within 60 days of moving to California. Assault weapons are registered. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm can appeal to California DOJ. Arrests of denied persons. In cases involving falsified applications or outstanding warrants, DOJ informs the agency with jurisdiction over the individual. Persons with warrants cannot receive a firearm if a conviction would disqualify them. In cases involving armed prohibited persons, DOJ enforcement and local law enforcement serve search warrants and arrest and prosecute such persons who are found to be in possession of firearms. 2001/2002 legislation. Amendments included an increase in background check fees and the establishment of a prohibited armed persons file. Relevant laws. California Penal Code 12000 et seq. Source of information. California Department of Justice. Colorado State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Colorado law forbids transfer of a firearm to any person who is prohibited by Federal or State law; arrested for or charged with a crime for which the person, if convicted, would be prohibited by Federal or State law; or the subject of an indictment, information, or felony complaint alleging a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who is a previous felony offender or was adjudicated for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult. A firearm cannot be possessed by or transferred to a person who has not attained the age of 18 years, except in limited circumstances. It is illegal to knowingly obtain a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person. Restoration of rights. Felons and juvenile offenders can regain firearm rights if they receive a pardon from the president or the governor. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to knowingly possess a dangerous weapon, which includes a machine gun, short shotgun, or short rifle. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase firearms from licensed dealers or at a gun show. Residents of any State may purchase long guns in Colorado unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Colorado does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Licensed dealers in Colorado request instant checks by using a 1-800 number. Gun show transactions are processed through dealers. State law mandates denial of a person arrested or indicted for a potentially disqualifying offense if no final disposition of the case is noted in databases searched. A denial by CBI is not reported back to NICS. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Colorado's application includes the purchaser's name, address, race, gender, and date of birth. A Social Security number is optional. Purchaser fees. CBI does not charge a fee for an instant check. A licensed dealer may charge a fee not to exceed $10 for processing a gun show transaction. State data. Colorado maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, and domestic abuse restraining order/misdemeanor data on a statewide network. In addition, CBI receives court records of persons who have been adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent. The State is pursuing technical and administrative improvements to record systems for domestic violence misdemeanor convictions and restraining orders. Check processing time. Routine transactions are processed in less than 3 minutes; transactions requiring additional research are processed in less than 1 day. Retention of records. CBI purges data from approved transactions within 48 hours. Data from denied transactions can be retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm may request reconsideration by submitting additional information to CBI. Arrests of denied persons. All persons who are denied or have an outstanding warrant are reported to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the applicant's residence and the dealer's premises. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Colorado Revised Statutes 12-26.1-101; 18-12-101 et seq; 24-33.5-424. Source of information. Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Connecticut State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. An eligibility certificate or pistol permit for a handgun cannot be issued to a person who did not complete a firearm safety course, or was convicted of a felony or any of 11 specified misdemeanors; convicted as delinquent for commission of a serious juvenile offense; discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after being found not guilty of a crime by reason of mental disease; confined to a hospital for psychiatric disabilities within the preceding 12 months by court order; or is subject to a restraining, protective, or firearm seizure order, or is an illegal alien or under age 21. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who was convicted of a felony or a serious juvenile offense, or is subject to a restraining, protective, or firearm seizure order. Restoration of rights. The Board of Firearm Permit Examiners can restore firearm rights after a review, if the offender previously possessed a pistol permit. Prohibited firearms. Assault weapons and sawed-off shotguns are prohibited, with few exceptions. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who apply for a permit or receive a firearm, except for a long gun transfer between unlicensed persons who are not at a gun show. Firearms dealers must have a State license. Permits. An eligibility certificate or pistol permit is required to purchase a handgun. Both documents are valid for 5 years, allow unlimited purchases, and will waive the long gun waiting period. Carrying a handgun also requires a pistol permit, with a 60-day permit issued by a local official required as a prerequisite to receiving the 5- year permit issued by the Connecticut State Police (CSP). Background checks. CSP is a NICS point of contact and conducts checks on applicants for pistol permits, eligibility certificates, and firearm purchases. Applications are approved or denied within 8 weeks for a pistol permit or 90 days for an eligibility certificate. Instant checks on buyers are conducted by telephone (1-888-335-8438 in the State). A denial by CSP based on Federal data is reported back to NICS. Waiting period. A 14-day waiting period, which begins when an application is filed, is required for a long gun transfer, unless the buyer has a valid permit or qualifies for an exemption. Information from applicants. A sales application requires the buyer's full name, date of birth, current address, race, gender, height, weight, date of application, pistol permit or eligibility certificate number and expiration date, driver's license number and state of issue, hunting license number (for long gun sale), salesperson's name, and sales authorization number. A Social Security number is optional. Purchaser fees. A fee of $70 is charged to receive a 60-day and a 5-year pistol permit. Eligibility certificates cost $35. An additional $24 is charged to cover the FBI fingerprinting fee for criminal history. State data. Connecticut maintains fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, domestic abuse restraining order/misdemeanor, mental health, and juvenile data. The State is pursuing technical improvements to mental health and restraining order record systems. Check processing time. Sale checks are normally processed in less than 30 seconds if no eligibility questions arise, within 1 minute if there is an eligibility question, or within 3 days if further research is needed. Retention of records. CSP retains denied purchase applications for 5 years. A dealer must retain approved purchase applications for the life of the business. Registration. Data on the sale, weapon, buyer, and seller are recorded on a registration form for a handgun or long gun. A certificate of possession is required for an assault weapon legally owned prior to October 1, 1993. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a permit or firearm can appeal to CSP. Permit denials can be further appealed to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners. A permit denial due to a criminal record must be cleared by the Board of Pardons. Arrests of denied persons. Cases involving falsified applications or attempts by prohibited persons to buy firearms are referred to the Firearms Trafficking Unit. 2001/2002 legislation. Pistol permit procedures were revised. Persons subject to certain court orders are barred from firearm possession. Such persons must obtain authorization from CSP to transfer their firearms to an eligible person, and provide CSP with proof of transfer within two business days. Relevant laws. Connecticut General Statutes 29-27 et seq; 53-202 et seq; 53-217a et seq. Source of information. Connecticut State Police, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (860-685-8290). Delaware FBI conducts NICS checks State conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Delaware law prohibits purchase or possession of a firearm by any person who is convicted of a felony or crime of violence involving physical injury to another; committed for a mental disorder to any hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium; convicted for unlawful use, possession, or sale of a narcotic, dangerous drug, central nervous system depressant or stimulant, or controlled substance; adjudicated delinquent for conduct which if committed by an adult would constitute a felony; subject to a protection from abuse order; or convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined by statute. A juvenile cannot possess a handgun without adult supervision. It is illegal to transfer a firearm to a child under 18 years of age (without parental consent), a person who intends to commit certain crimes, or a prohibited person. A handgun cannot be sold to a person under the age of 21 or to an intoxicated person. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to own a firearm may be restored through a governor's pardon. A person who committed a disqualifying misdemeanor may regain firearm rights 5 years after conviction; those who committed disqualifying juvenile offenses regain their rights at age 25. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to sell, transfer, buy, receive, or possess a sawed-off shotgun or machine gun or any other firearm adaptable for use as a machine gun. Regulated sales. Delaware law requires background checks on persons who purchase a handgun or rifle from a licensed dealer, but a shotgun purchase is exempt. Checks are optional for private sales. A handgun dealer is required to have a State license. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. State law requires that licensed dealers call the Delaware State Police (DSP) for instant sales checks, by using a 1-800 number. DSP has a maximum of 3 days to complete a check. A holder of a concealed handgun permit issued by a county superior court is exempt from the check required by State law. Delaware is not a point of contact for the NICS; dealers must contact the FBI for handgun, rifle, and shotgun checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Delaware requires a purchase applicant's name, address, race, gender, date of birth, Social Security number, and date of application. If the application is rejected, the type, make, model, and serial number of the weapon are recorded. Purchaser fees. DSP does not charge a fee for an instant check. A dealer may charge a fee not to exceed $20 per criminal history check to process a private sale. State data. Delaware maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, juvenile, mental health, and domestic violence restraining order/ misdemeanor data on a statewide network. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 6 minutes. Transactions requiring additional research are normally processed in less than 14 minutes. Retention of records. DSP retains records of approved transactions for 60 days and records of denied transactions indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by DSP may petition for amendment of errors in the record. A further appeal may be filed in superior court. The superior court’s refusal to issue a concealed handgun permit may be appealed to the State supreme court. Arrests of denied persons. In cases involving falsified applications, DSP informs the agency with jurisdiction over the individual. When a person is denied because of an outstanding warrant, the agency with jurisdiction over the dealer is notified to apprehend the suspect. 2001/2002 legislation. Amendments included a provision that a concealed handgun permit applicant or licensee who is adversely affected by a decision of the superior court may appeal within 30 days to the State supreme court. Relevant laws. Delaware Code 11-1441 et seq; 24-901 et seq. Source of information. Delaware State Police. Florida State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Florida law prohibits the transfer of a firearm to a person who has been convicted of a felony, a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; had adjudication of guilt withheld or imposition of sentence suspended on a felony charge and 3 years have not elapsed since the completion date of any court provisions; has been indicted for a felony; is subject to a protective order; has been arrested for a "dangerous crime," or other offenses enumerated in State law; or is a minor under the age of 18 and lacks permission of a parent or guardian. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who is a felon, a delinquent, restrained by a domestic violence injunction, a violent career criminal, or mentally incompetent. Restoration of rights. Florida allows a convicted felon's right to own firearms to be restored through a pardon from the jurisdiction where the felony conviction occurred. A person convicted of a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult can regain firearm rights when the jurisdiction of the court expires. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful, with limited exceptions, for any person to own or have care, custody, possession, or control of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun or a machine gun which is or may readily be made operable. Regulated sales. Background checks are required for firearm sales by licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers. Certain pawnshop redemptions are also subject to checks. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A license is needed to carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts instant checks required by Federal and State law. Checks on firearms redeemed within 90 days of being pawned can be conducted by the FBI; if a weapon is redeemed after 90 days, the check is conducted by FDLE. If a purchaser is not disapproved within 3 business days, the dealer must contact FDLE before releasing the firearm. A denial by FDLE is not reported back to NICS. Waiting period. Handgun purchases require a waiting period of 3 business days, beginning when an application is filed, regardless of when a background check is completed. Some counties extend the waiting period by ordinance. Information from applicants. A firearm purchaser submits the standard ATF form to a dealer. State law requires that the dealer transmit the purchaser's name, date of birth, gender, race, and Social Security number (optional) or other identification number to FDLE. Purchaser fees. FDLE currently charges $5 for a background check. The maximum fee allowed by statute is $8. State data. Florida maintains fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence misdemeanor/restraining order, juvenile, and probation/parole data. The State is pursuing technical improvements that will allow access to mental illness data. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 4 minutes. Transactions requiring additional research are normally processed in less than 3 days. Retention of records. Information on an approved transaction is destroyed by FDLE within 2 days after the response to a licensee's request for a check. Information on denied transactions is retained for 1 year on paper and indefinitely in electronic format. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm may request a criminal history record review after submitting fingerprints to FDLE. Arrests of denied persons. FDLE reports persons who falsify their applications to ATF and the State agency with jurisdiction over the individual. Persons with outstanding warrants are reported to agencies with jurisdiction over the fugitive and the location of the dealer. All denied persons are reported monthly to ATF, special agency personnel, and local police by the Office of Statewide Intelligence and the Firearm Purchase Program. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Florida Statutes 790.001 et seq. Source of information. Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Firearm Purchase Program. Georgia State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who is on probation as a first offender or has been convicted of a felony in Georgia or elsewhere. A person under the age of 18 may only possess a handgun in certain circumstances, unless the person has been convicted of a forcible offense or adjudicated delinquent. A handgun cannot be sold to a person who is prohibited by State or Federal law, or has been involuntarily hospitalized within the preceding 5 years. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon can regain the right to possess firearms if the person is granted a pardon and the Pardon and Parole Board specifically restores possession rights. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to possess a sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, or machine gun. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on firearm sales by licensed dealers and on redemptions which occur more than 1 year after the firearm is pawned. A resident of any State may purchase rifles and shotguns in Georgia unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Georgia does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts checks required by Federal and State law. Holders of concealed handgun permits issued by county probate courts are exempt from sale checks under ATF and State rules. Licensed dealers request instant checks by using a 1-800 number. The GBI is allowed 3 days to complete a check. The time allowed can be extended if the applicant's criminal history record is not immediately available (no extension limit is provided in the statute). A denial by GBI is reported back to NICS. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Georgia's consent form requires the purchaser's name, gender, race, and date of birth, plus a Social Security or other identification number (a Social Security number is voluntary, but is used as a means of identification and as a search parameter). Purchaser fees. GBI charges $5 for the background check on a firearm purchaser. State data. The State maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, probation and parole, mental health, and domestic violence misdemeanor data. A State protection order registry was updated in July 2002. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 3 minutes. Transactions requiring additional research are normally processed in less than 1 day. Retention of records. The Georgia Consent Form is attached to the ATF 4473 and retained by the dealer. The GBI does not retain information on approved sales. Data on denied transactions are retained for 90 days except for transaction numbers and denial dates, which are retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm may petition GBI in writing or by telephone for an amendment of the record. A further appeal may be filed in superior court. Arrests of denied persons. A person who submits false information on an application or is subject to an outstanding warrant is reported by GBI to the agency with jurisdiction over the individual. 2001/2002 legislation. An amendment provided that residents of Georgia may purchase rifles and shotguns in any State and a resident of any State may purchase rifles and shotguns in Georgia. Relevant laws. Official Code of Georgia 16-11-101.1 et seq; 16-11-170 et seq. Source of information. Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Crime Information Center. Hawaii State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits ownership, possession, or control of a firearm by a person who is a fugitive from justice; indicted or bound over for or convicted in Hawaii or elsewhere of a felony, a crime of violence, or an illegal drug sale; addicted to drugs or alcohol; acquitted of a crime on grounds of mental disease; diagnosed as having significant behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders; under 25 years old and adjudicated to have committed certain crimes; or subject to a restraining order that prohibits firearm possession. A U.S. citizen must be 21 or more years of age to apply for a permit to acquire. Handgun permit applicants must complete a hunter education or firearm safety course. A long gun cannot be transferred to a person under the age of 18. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon may possess a firearm if the right to acquire firearms was specifically restored by a governor's pardon. Prohibited firearms. Since July 1, 1992, an assault pistol cannot be brought into Hawaii and, if legally owned before that date, can only be transferred to a licensed dealer or a county chief of police. Possession, sale, or transfer of an automatic firearm or a short barrel rifle or shotgun is prohibited. It is unlawful to possess or sell a handgun made of zinc alloy with a melting temperature of less than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulated sales. Hawaii law requires a permit to acquire the ownership of any firearm. A firearms dealer is required to have a State license. Permits. A permit to acquire, valid for 10 days, is required for every purchase of a handgun. A permit to acquire, valid for 1 year, is required for unlimited purchases of long guns. A license is needed to carry a handgun. Certain aliens may obtain a permit to acquire or use a firearm. Background checks. Four police departments are points of contact for the NICS and conduct checks required by Federal and State law on applicants for permits to acquire handguns or long guns. State law mandates that a permit application be approved or denied within 20 days. ATF allows permits to acquire and licenses to carry to be used for purchases in lieu of the NICS check. Waiting period. A 14-day waiting period, which begins when an application is filed, must expire before a permit to acquire can be issued, regardless of when a background check is completed. Information from applicants. The Hawaii permit application requests the following: name, previous name, home address, business address, occupation, race, gender, height, weight, date and place of birth, hair and eye color, Social Security number, and mental health history. Fingerprinting and photographing of first-time applicants is required; thereafter, only a yearly photograph is taken (or whenever the applicant renews a permit to acquire). Purchaser fees. First-time permit applicants are charged $24 to subsidize the FBI fingerprint check. State data. Hawaii maintains an automated control repository which includes criminal history and domestic violence misdemeanor data. A database for the State mental health facility is queried and files are manually reviewed for names with a positive hit. Restraining order data are available from court and police record systems. The State is implementing a new criminal justice information system that will include access to flagged restraining order records. Check processing time. No statewide information is available. Retention of records. Data on approved and denied applications are retained indefinitely. Registration. All firearms acquired in Hawaii or brought into the State are required to be registered, except for certain antique or inoperable devices. Appeals of denials. State law does not provide an appeal procedure for permit denials. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-1 et seq. Source of information. Hawaii Criminal Justice Information Center; Honolulu Police Department. Idaho FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Idaho law does not allow persons convicted of certain felonies to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms. It is unlawful for persons who were previously convicted of these felonies (or comparable offenses in other U.S. jurisdictions) to purchase, own, possess, or have custody or control of any firearm. A firearm cannot be sold to or possessed by a minor under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or guardian. Restoration of rights. Some convicted felons regain firearm rights upon completion of imprisonment, probation, or parole. Other felons, except for those convicted of specified offenses, may apply to the commission of pardons and parole for restoration of firearm rights if 5 years have elapsed after final discharge. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Idaho unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Idaho contact the FBI for all background checks required by the Brady Act. County sheriffs conduct background checks on applicants for concealed weapon permits. ATF allows a valid permit to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Idaho maintains fully automated fugitive and criminal history data on a statewide network, as well as a sex offender registry. Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions are found within criminal history records and civil protection orders are entered into the NCIC protection order file. The State is pursuing technical improvements to misdemeanor conviction records and a feasibility study of an automated link between law enforcement and courts for protection order data is underway. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A person who is denied a concealed weapon permit may bring a civil action in the county of application or Ada County. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Idaho Code 18-310; 18-3302 et seq. Source of information. Idaho State Police. Illinois State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards cannot be issued to persons who are prohibited by any Illinois statute or Federal law. State law prohibits firearm possession by persons who are under 21 years of age and have been convicted of misdemeanors other than a traffic offense, or adjudged delinquent; under 21 and lack parental consent to possess firearms; convicted felons; narcotic addicts; mentally ill or retarded; illegal aliens; subject to protective orders; or convicted of firearm or domestic violence offenses. It is illegal to make a straw purchase for a prohibited person. Restoration of rights. A felon may regain firearm rights if relief from an Illinois conviction is granted. A person who committed a forcible felony must complete the sentence and 20 years without additional violations before applying to the Circuit Court. A person who committed a non-forcible felony may apply to the Director of State Police. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, or carry a machine gun or a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. Regulated sales. Background checks are required on permit applicants and persons who purchase or redeem firearms from licensed dealers. All buyers must display a valid FOID card. A private seller is not required to request a check but must retain transaction records for 10 years. Long guns may be purchased in Illinois by residents of adjacent States and other nonresidents who meet certain requirements. Permits. Illinois requires residents to possess a valid FOID card to purchase firearms or ammunition. The card is valid for 5 years, with no limit on the number of firearms purchased. State law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. Background checks. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts checks required by Federal and State law. Checks are conducted on applicants for FOID cards, with a maximum of 30 days allowed to process an application. A purchase from a dealer requires a valid card and an instant check through the Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program (FTIP) Unit of ISP. Dealers use a 1-800 number to request checks. A denial by ISP is not reported back to NICS. Waiting period. After a sale application is filed, the wait is 24 hours for a long gun and 72 hours for a handgun, regardless of when a check is completed. Information from applicants. A FOID card application includes the name, address, date of birth, race, gender, height, weight, eye color, hair color, driver's license or state identification card number, recent picture, and answers to specific questions regarding eligibility factors. An FTIP transaction requires the dealer and FOID card numbers. Purchaser fees. ISP charges $5 for a FOID card and $2 for an FTIP inquiry at the time of purchase. State data. A statewide network contains automated data on fugitives, criminal history, and convictions. Other files cover mental health, juveniles, and domestic violence orders and convictions. An effort to improve reporting of mental illness prohibitions is underway. Check processing time. FTIP inquiries requiring limited analysis are completed in less than 1 minute. Inquiries requiring complete analysis are processed within 24-72 hours, depending on the type of firearm. Retention of records. Data on approved FTIP transactions from 1-800 calls are retained for 3 months; data on denied transactions are retained indefinitely. FOID card applications are retained on microform and FOID denial data are kept for 10 years. Registration. Firearms are registered by some local governments, but not by the State. Appeals of denials. A denial or revocation of a FOID card can be appealed to the director of State Police, and further to circuit court (denials for certain reasons can only be appealed to circuit court). A purchase denial can be appealed to the FTIP unit. Arrests of denied persons. A person with an outstanding warrant is reported by ISP to the agency with jurisdiction over the fugitive. Denied persons are referred to a unit within ISP, which analyzes denial information and reports significant violations to ATF. 2001/2002 legislation. FOID card procedures were amended and a project has been established to increase federal prosecutions of firearm offenders. Relevant laws. Compiled Statutes 430:65/0.01 et seq; 720:5/24-1 et seq; 725:5/112A-14.5. Source of information. Illinois State Police. Indiana FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. Indiana law prohibits a sale, gift, or other transfer of a handgun or an assault weapon to a person under 18 years of age, except in limited circumstances. Further, it is unlawful to sell, give, or in any manner transfer a handgun to a person who is convicted of a felony, adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, a drug abuser, an alcohol abuser, or mentally incompetent. A firearm cannot be possessed by a serious violent felon or a person less than 18 years of age, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a handgun may be restored by post-conviction relief or a governor's pardon. Persons who have been adjudicated delinquent can regain their rights at age 23. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to manufacture, cause to be manufactured, import, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, give, lend, or possess a sawed-off shotgun, or to own or possess a machine gun. Regulated sales. State law requires a background check on a person who obtains a handgun license or buys a handgun from a licensed dealer. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Indiana unless otherwise prohibited. A retail dealer of handguns must have a State license. It is illegal to secure a loan by a mortgage, deposit, or pledge of a handgun. Permits. Indiana does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A handgun license is required for personal protection (carrying), hunting, and target shooting. Background checks. Licensed dealers in Indiana contact the FBI for checks on persons purchasing or redeeming long guns. The Indiana State Police (ISP) is a partial point of contact for the NICS and conducts telephone instant checks on handgun purchasers. After receiving a dealer's request for a check, ISP, under Indiana law, has until the end of the next business day to advise of a prohibition. A denial by ISP is reported back to NICS. ATF and State rules allow personal protection, hunting, and target licenses issued by ISP to be used for purchases in lieu of the NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Handgun purchasers must provide the following: name, address, gender, race, place of birth, date of birth, height, weight, Social Security number, and fingerprints plus the date and hour of the transfer. Fees charged. The ISP charges $3 for an instant check, $5 for a hunting and target license, and $15 for a personal protection license. State data. Indiana maintains fully automated criminal history data on a statewide network. Check processing time. No information is available. Retention of records. Limited data on approved transactions (buyer name, dealer and approval numbers, and transaction date) can be retained by ISP for not more than one year; other data on approvals can be retained for up to 30 days. Data on denied transactions are retained indefinitely. Registration. Handguns are voluntarily registered in Indiana; there are no State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a handgun can appeal to ISP or the agency with the disqualifying record. A further appeal may be filed in circuit court. Arrests of denied persons. ISP informs ATF of persons who submit false information on a firearm application. A person with an outstanding warrant is reported to the agency with jurisdiction over the fugitive. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Indiana Code 35-47-1 et seq. Source of information. Indiana State Police. Iowa FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. Applicants for permits to acquire pistols and revolvers must meet all Federal requirements for possessing firearms. Additionally, Iowa law prohibits issuing a permit to a person who is less than 21 years of age, has been convicted of a felony, is addicted to the use of alcohol or a controlled substance, has a history of repeated acts of violence, has been convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes of assault, or has been adjudged mentally incompetent. A person who is convicted of a felony or adjudicated delinquent for conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult cannot possess or receive a firearm. It is illegal to sell, loan, give, or make available a long gun to a person below the age of 18 or a handgun to a person below the age of 21, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. Iowa allows a convicted felon's right to own a handgun to be restored through a pardon or a special restoration of rights with firearms privileges. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to knowingly possess a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, silenced firearm, or any part or combination of parts designed or intended to be used to convert any device into a prohibited firearm. Regulated sales. Permit regulations pertain to all handgun sales by licensed dealers, pawnshops, and unlicensed persons. A resident of an adjacent State may purchase a long gun from a licensed dealer in Iowa unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Iowa requires an annually renewed permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, unless the purchaser holds a valid permit to carry firearms. An unlimited number of handguns can be purchased with either permit. Background checks. Ninety-nine county sheriffs are partial points of contact for the NICS, conducting checks of applicants for permits to acquire or carry handguns. State employees and nonresidents are checked by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Licensed dealers in Iowa contact the FBI for checks on persons who purchase long guns or redeem a firearm without a permit. ATF allows permits to acquire or carry to be used for a purchase in lieu of a NICS check. Waiting period. An Iowa permit to acquire handguns becomes valid 3 days after the date of application unless the applicant is found to be disqualified. Information from applicants. An applicant for a permit to acquire must provide the following: name, driver's license or nonoperator's identification card number, address, date of birth, application date, and a driver's license or nonoperator's identification card with a color photograph. Fees charged. There is no statutory fee for a permit to acquire handguns. The statutory fee for a new permit to carry weapons is $10 and a renewal is $5. Some sheriffs charge a fee for processing a permit. State data. Iowa maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic abuse protective order/misdemeanor data on a statewide network. Checking agencies also have access to some probation, parole, and juvenile data. Some agencies check county court records to obtain mental incompetence data. Check processing time. No statewide information is available. Retention of records. Sheriffs retain approved permits for the remainder of the issuing year plus an additional 3 years. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a permit under Iowa law can appeal to Iowa district court. A person who is denied under Federal law can appeal to the FBI's NICS Program Office. Arrests of denied persons. Persons with outstanding warrants are arrested by the checking agency in some cases. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Iowa Code 702.7; 724.1 et seq. Source of information. Iowa Department of Public Safety. Kansas FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. It is illegal to knowingly transfer a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches to a person under 18 years of age, or to knowingly transfer a firearm to a person who is both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance, or has been convicted of a felony described in the criminal disposal of firearms statute. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who is both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance, or has been convicted of a felony or adjudicated as a juvenile offender, under circumstances described in the criminal possession of a firearm statute. A person less than 18 years of age cannot knowingly possess a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. The prohibition against possession of a firearm no longer applies if 5 years (or 10 years in certain cases) have elapsed since the date of conviction for a felony or release from imprisonment for a felony (whichever date is later) or adjudication as a juvenile offender. Rights are not restored to certain offenders who possessed a firearm at the time of commission of the offense. An expungement or a pardon may also restore possession rights in certain cases. Regulated sales. Kansas law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States are allowed to purchase long guns from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector in Kansas unless otherwise prohibited. Prohibited firearms. It is a criminal use of a weapon to knowingly sell, manufacture, purchase, possess, or carry a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches in length or any other firearm designed to discharge or capable of discharging automatically more than once by a single function of the trigger. This prohibition does not apply to certain persons. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm. State law does not provide for a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Kansas contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Kansas maintains criminal history, juvenile offender, and offender registration data on the statewide computer network. Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions can be identified within criminal history by statute citation. Restraining orders are available as hot files over Kansas NLETS. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Kansas Statutes 21-4201 et seq. Source of information. Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Kentucky FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Kentucky law prohibits the possession, manufacture, or transport of a firearm by a person who has been convicted of a felony in any State or Federal court, and by any youthful offender convicted of a felony offense under the laws of Kentucky. No person shall knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to any person prohibited from possessing the firearm. A handgun cannot be possessed, manufactured, or transported by a person under the age of 18 except in limited circumstances. It is unlawful in certain circumstances to provide a handgun to a person under the age of 18. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored through a full pardon from the governor or the president, or through relief by the secretary of the treasury. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Kentucky unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Kentucky does not require a permit to purchase a firearm. A license is required to carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed dealers in Kentucky contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. ATF allows a concealed firearm license issued after July 15, 1998, or before November 30, 1998, to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Kentucky maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence restraining order data on a statewide network. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. When a person subject to a restraining order attempts to buy a firearm in violation of federal law, the agency receiving notice of the attempt must notify the court and law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the case. 2001/2002 legislation. Upon notice that a prohibited person has purchased or attempted to purchase a firearm, the Justice Cabinet shall make a reasonable effort to notify the petitioner of a domestic violence order that such a purchase or attempt was made. Relevant laws. Kentucky Revised Statutes 237.030 et seq; 431.064; 527.010 et seq. Source of information. Kentucky State Police. Louisiana FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Louisiana law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who has been convicted of certain State felonies (or a similar offense in another jurisdiction), unless the person has not been convicted of a felony for a period of 10 years from the date of completion of sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. A firearm cannot be sold or otherwise delivered to a person under the age of 18. It is unlawful for a person who has not attained the age of 17 years to possess a handgun except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored in Louisiana through a governor's pardon or by certain law enforcement officers. Upon completion of sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, convicted felons may apply to the sheriff of their parish of residence (or in Orleans parish, the superintendent of police) for a permit to possess firearms. Prohibited firearms. No person (with limited exceptions) shall sell, keep or offer for sale, loan or give away, purchase, possess, carry, or transport a machine gun. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Louisiana unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. No permit is needed to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Louisiana contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Louisiana maintains a statewide computer network with fugitive data and criminal histories that include domestic violence offenses and some mental health data. These files are fully automated. Other mental health data are maintained by local coroners. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. Machine guns, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, short barrel rifles and shotguns, and certain modified firearms are required to be registered. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:91; 14:95 et seq; 40:1379.3: 40:1751 et seq. Source of information. Louisiana State Police. Maine FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Maine law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who committed a crime punishable by imprisonment for 1 year or more; committed a firearms offense; engaged in conduct as a juvenile that if committed by an adult would have been a disqualifying offense; or is subject to a domestic violence restraining order. It is unlawful to transfer a firearm to a person under the age of 16, except for a parent or guardian of the minor. Restoration of rights. Firearm rights may be restored by the commissioner of public safety, a court order, or a governor's pardon. A person convicted of a disqualifying offense can apply to the commissioner for a permit to possess a firearm if 5 years have elapsed since the date of final discharge from the sentence. The commissioner's decision can be appealed to superior court. Nonviolent juvenile offenders regain firearm rights 3 years after completion of their dispositions or upon reaching 18 years of age, whichever is later. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal for a person to possess a machine gun, except for law enforcement or military personnel in the discharge of official duties, or if the machine gun is possessed in accordance with the National Firearms Act. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Permits. Maine does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. An offender whose rights have been restored may be issued a possession permit but cannot carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Maine contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. State agencies maintain fugitive, criminal history, motor vehicle, and domestic violence restraining order data. These files are maintained manually and are accessed via teletype. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Maine Revised Statutes 15.393; 13A.554; 25.2001 et seq. Source of information. Maine State Police. Maryland FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. A "regulated firearm" (handgun or assault weapon) cannot be transferred to or possessed by a person who is convicted of a crime of violence, a felony, or any common law offense or misdemeanor that carries more than a 2-year term of imprisonment; a fugitive; a habitual drunkard; addicted to a controlled substance; mentally disordered as defined in State law; under 21 years of age; less than 30 years of age and was adjudicated delinquent; or subject to a protective order. In addition, it is illegal to transfer a regulated firearm to a person who is visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a participant in a straw purchase. A regulated firearms buyer is required to complete a safety training course. A person under the age of 18 cannot purchase a long gun. Restoration of rights. The right to own a firearm may be restored by a governor's pardon. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to possess or transfer an assault pistol on or after July 1, 1994, or to possess a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. Any type of handgun that is not on the Maryland handgun roster may not be manufactured for sale in the State. Regulated sales. Background checks are required on all persons who buy a regulated firearm. A dealer is required to have a Maryland regulated-firearms license. An unlicensed person selling at a gun show must obtain a temporary transfer permit, have a fixed display, and comply with the same restrictions imposed upon licensed dealers. Regulated firearm purchasers must have resided in Maryland for 90 days, and are limited to one purchase every 30 days. Residents of adjacent States may purchase long guns from licensed dealers in Maryland unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A permit issued by the secretary of the Maryland State Police (MP) is required to carry a handgun. Background checks. The Maryland State Police is a partial point of contact for the NICS and conducts checks on regulated firearms buyers. Dealers transmit applications to MP by certified mail or fax. Private sales are processed through dealers or MP installations. Checks must be completed within 7 days unless placed on hold because of a criminal proceeding without a disposition. A denial by MP is not reported back to NICS. The FBI checks all redemptions, and sales of long guns not regulated by Maryland law. Waiting period. Transfers of regulated firearms require a 7-day waiting period that begins when an application is filed, regardless of when a check is completed. Information from applicants. A regulated firearm application requires the buyer's name, address, race, gender, height, weight, hair and eye color, date and place of birth, driver's identification number, occupation, and date of application, plus the weapon caliber, make, model, and serial number. A Social Security number is optional. Purchaser fees. A $10 application fee is required. State data. Maryland maintains fully automated fugitive and criminal history files, plus domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor and probation/parole data. Check processing time. Routine applications are processed in about 5 days. Additional research is normally completed in less than 1 month. Retention of records. Permanent transaction records, containing the caliber, make, model, serial number, and special characteristics of each regulated firearm transferred, are maintained by MP. Denied applications are maintained indefinitely. Registration. Machine guns and assault pistols (owned before June 1, 1994) must be registered. Appeals of denials. A person denied a regulated firearm can appeal to MP and further to State court. Arrests of denied persons. All denied persons are reported to the MP Firearms Investigation Unit. 2001/2002 legislation. A regulated firearms buyer who applied after January 1, 2002, is required to complete a certified safety training course. Relevant laws. Code of Maryland, Article 27, sections 36 et seq., 372 et seq., 441 et seq., 481A et seq. Source of information. Maryland State Police Firearms Enforcement Division. Massachusetts FBI conducts NICS checks State conducts separate check Prohibited persons. A firearm identification card or license to carry will not be issued to a person who is convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child in Massachusetts, another State, or a federal jurisdiction for commission of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment, a violent crime, or a weapon or drug offense, or who is mentally ill, a drug or alcohol addict, under age, subject to a protection order, or a wanted person. A permit to purchase may be issued with restrictions to a person who is not a minor if it appears that the purchase is for a proper purpose. Temporary licenses and permits may be issued to non-residents and aliens, with certain restrictions. Restoration of rights. A person who committed a disqualifying adult or juvenile offense (except for certain offenses) can regain the right to possess a rifle or shotgun 5 years after completion of a sentence or adjudication without new violations. This right must be fully restored in any jurisdiction where an adjudication or a conviction occurred. Addicted persons may apply for restoration if 5 years have elapsed after completion of treatment. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to possess a machine gun (with limited exceptions) or a sawed-off shotgun. A firearm cannot be sold if it does not meet certain manufacturing standards or pass a firing test. Regulated sales. A permit is required to receive a rifle, shotgun, or "firearm" from a dealer or private person. Weapon types are mainly distinguished by barrel length: rifles, equal to or greater than 16 inches; shotguns, equal to or greater than 18 inches; "firearms," less than 16 inches or shotguns less than 18 inches. Firearms cannot be pawned. A dealer must have a State license. Permits. Two classes of licenses to carry allow, for 4 years, possession of certain types of weapons: Class A, large capacity firearms, rifles, and shotguns; Class B, non-large capacity firearms, and large capacity rifles and shotguns. A firearms identification card allows, unless otherwise prohibited, possession of rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and chemical mace or similar substances. Certain firearm purchases require a permit that is valid for 10 days. Background checks. Licensing authorities (351 police departments) forward license and identification card applications to the Massachusetts State Police (MP), which conducts criminal history and fingerprint checks. MP informs a licensing authority of check results within 30 days; the authority renders a decision within 40 days from the date of application. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Dealers contact the FBI for checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. License or identification card applicants must provide: name, aliases, mother's maiden name, father's name, date and place of birth, home and business addresses, employer, occupation, telephone number, build, complexion, eye and hair color, height, weight, fingerprints, photograph, and references. A Social Security number is optional. Purchaser fees. A $25 fee is charged for licenses to carry, identification cards, and permits to purchase. State data. Massachusetts maintains fully automated criminal history, probation, parole, juvenile, domestic violence restraining order, and fugitive data. Mental health files are manual. Check processing time. No data is available. Retention of records. Licensing authorities keep copies of approved and denied applications indefinitely. Information on applicants is also maintained in the Firearms Record Bureau database. Registration. Rifles, shotguns, and firearms purchased in Massachusetts are registered. New residents have 60 days to register their firearms. Appeals of denials. Identification card and license to carry denials can be appealed to State district court. Arrests of denied persons. An applicant who is denied a license or identification card may be arrested if the person has an outstanding warrant. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 140, section 121 et seq. Source of information. Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board, Executive Office of Public Safety. Michigan FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. Michigan prohibits issuing licenses to purchase handguns to persons who the licensing agency has probable cause to believe will use the gun to harm themselves or others, or to violate the law. Further, licenses cannot be issued to persons who are subject to various orders and dispositions; under the age of 18; not legal residents of the State; charged with or convicted of felonies; adjudged legally insane or incapacitated; or involuntarily committed due to mental illness. Firearms cannot be possessed by convicted felons or by persons under the age of 18 who are not supervised by an adult. Restoration of rights. State law allows persons convicted of nonviolent or drug offenses to regain the right to own a handgun 3 years after completion of their sentences. Violent offenders may have their rights restored 5 years after completion of a sentence, if approved by a county Concealed Weapons Licensing Board, or upon appeal to circuit court. Rights may also be restored if a conviction is expunged or set aside or the offender is pardoned. However, current Federal law does not recognize restoration by these procedures. Prohibited firearms. A person shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess a machine gun or a short-barreled shotgun or rifle, with limited exceptions. Regulated sales. A person shall not purchase a handgun without first having obtained a license. Handguns cannot be pawned for resale. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Michigan unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Michigan requires a license, which is valid for 10 days, for every purchase of a handgun, unless the purchaser holds a license to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. Checks on applicants for handgun purchase licenses are conducted by 595 sheriffs and police departments, which are partial points of contact for the NICS. Larger agencies generally have their own automated inquiry system, while other agencies use the statewide system to check on license applicants. Firearms dealers in Michigan must contact the FBI for checks on sales and redemptions of long guns required by the Brady Act. ATF allows a handgun purchase license (but not a concealed carry license) to be used at the point of sale in lieu of the NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. The State's application for a license to purchase includes the person's name, address, and date of birth. At the time of registration, the buyer's race, gender, height, and hair and eye color are recorded, along with the make, caliber, type, model, and serial number of the handgun. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Fully automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence restraining order, probation/parole, adjudicated mentally defective, and juvenile (if reportable to the State) data are available statewide. Some corrections data are also available. Domestic violence misdemeanors can be located through an automated pointer that requires manual research. Check processing time. Routine license applications are normally processed by nonautomated agencies in less than 1 hour, and by automated agencies in less than 5 minutes. Applications requiring additional research are normally processed in less than 5 days. Retention of records. State law requires that sheriffs and police departments retain approved license applications for 6 years. Denied applications are kept at the discretion of the licensing agencies. Registration. Michigan requires registration of handguns. Appeals of denials. A person denied a handgun purchase or concealed carry license can appeal to circuit court or through NICS. Arrests of denied persons. Persons with outstanding warrants are arrested in some cases. 2001/2002 legislation. A respondent to a protection order must be served or have notice before being prohibited from obtaining a pistol or concealed weapon license. The section that allowed a fee of not more than $5 for a handgun purchase license was repealed. Amendments to the concealed handgun license statutes included revised background check and appeal procedures. Relevant laws. Michigan Compiled Laws 28.421 et seq; 123.1101 et seq; 750.222 et seq. Source of information. Michigan State Police. Minnesota FBI conducts NICS checks State conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Minnesota law prohibits firearm possession by certain persons who are under the age of 18, convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for or charged with committing crimes of violence, mentally ill, drug addicts, domestic violence offenders, convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year, fugitives, or illegal aliens, or those who have been dishonorably discharged from the military or have renounced U.S. citizenship. Restoration of rights. A person convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for committing a crime of violence may possess a firearm if 10 years have elapsed since restoration of civil rights or expiration of the sentence or disposition (whichever occurs first), and no further conviction or adjudication for another crime of violence has occurred. Civil rights are restored at discharge. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to own or possess a machine gun or short- barreled shotgun. A "Saturday Night Special Pistol" cannot be sold by a licensed dealer or manufactured or assembled by any person. Regulated sales. State law requires a check on all persons who attempt to obtain a permit or purchase a handgun or assault weapon from a licensed dealer. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Minnesota unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Minnesota allows its citizens to obtain a transferee permit which is valid for 1 year and can be used to purchase an unlimited number of handguns and assault weapons. A permit to carry is required to possess a concealed firearm and also constitutes a transferee permit. In the alternative, a buyer can undergo a background check for each purchase of an unlimited number of handguns or assault weapons. Background checks. Five-hundred sixty-eight sheriffs and police departments conduct checks after receiving transferee permit applications or transfer reports (on persons without permits) from dealers. A permit shall be issued or denied within 7 days of application. After a transfer report is filed, a dealer can complete the transaction if a notice of disqualification from the checking agency is not received within 5 business days. In addition, dealers in Minnesota contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No person shall deliver a handgun or assault weapon until 5 business days after the date the agreement to transfer is delivered to a chief of police or sheriff. All or part of the waiting period can be waived by the checking agency because of a threat to the life of the transferee or a member of the transferee's household. Information from applicants. A permit application or transfer report requires the applicant's name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, gender, date of birth, height, weight, eye color, and distinguishing physical characteristics. Applicants must show identification with a color photograph. Purchaser fees. There is no fee for a transferee permit or a transfer report. A fee not to exceed $10 may be charged for a background check on a carry permit applicant. State data. A statewide network maintains automated criminal history, fugitive, juvenile, and domestic restraining order data. Mental health and chemical dependency files are manual. Automation of mental health and domestic misdemeanor data are underway. Check processing time. Background checks are normally completed in less than 5 days. Retention of records. Copies of applications are retained at the discretion of the checking agency. However, a sheriff or chief of police will not maintain any record of an approved transferee's identity if that person requests return of the transfer report. Registration. A report of ownership must be filed for a machine gun or short-barreled shotgun. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a permit or firearm can appeal to the district court. Arrests of denied persons. A person who makes a false statement on a permit or transfer application can be charged with a gross misdemeanor. 2001/2002 legislation. Chiefs of police and sheriffs are now required to report specified carry permit data to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Relevant laws. Minnesota Statutes 609.66 et seq; 609.165; 624.71 et seq. Source of information. Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Mississippi FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Mississippi law makes it unlawful to sell, give, or lend a firearm to a person whom the transferor knows to be a minor under 18 years of age, or intoxicated. A person convicted of a felony under the laws of Mississippi, any other State, or the United States cannot possess any firearm. It is an act of delinquency for a person under the age of 18 years to knowingly possess a handgun, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored by a governor's pardon, Federal relief, or a certificate of rehabilitation from the court of conviction. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearm purchasers. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A license is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Mississippi contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety conducts background checks on applicants for concealed handgun licenses. ATF allows a valid license issued to an individual to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. There is no State waiting period to purchase a firearm. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Mississippi maintains an automated message switch that allows local agencies to access the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III). Arrest and disposition records on felonies and misdemeanors are available online. Check processing time. No statewide data is available. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed handgun license is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A person who is denied a concealed handgun license may appeal to the commissioner of public safety and further to the circuit or county court. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Mississippi Code 45-9-101; 97-37-1 et seq. Source of information. Mississippi Department of Public Safety. (Note:The Department of Public Safety is the agency responsible for the issuance of individual firearm permits and does not regulate the purchasing of firearms.) Missouri FBI conducts NICS checks State conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Missouri law requires that an applicant for a permit to acquire a handgun be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and a State resident for at least 6 months. A permit cannot be issued to a person who has pled guilty to or been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor as specified in State law; is a fugitive from justice or someone charged with a specified crime; has been dishonorably discharged from U.S. armed forces; is publicly known to be habitually intoxicated or drugged; is currently adjudged mentally incompetent; has been committed to a mental health facility; or has rendered a false statement on the application. It is unlawful to recklessly transfer a firearm to a person less than 18 years old (without consent of the child's parent or guardian) or to a person who is intoxicated. It is unlawful to receive a handgun without obtaining a valid permit or to deliver a handgun to a person without a valid permit. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to own a handgun can be restored through a governor's pardon. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell a machine gun or a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. Regulated sales. Permit regulations pertain to all handgun transfers by licensed dealers, pawnshops, and unlicensed persons. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Missouri unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Missouri mandates a permit to acquire which is valid for 30 days and can be used to purchase one handgun. State law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. Background checks. One-hundred fourteen county sheriffs and the St. Louis County Police Department conduct background checks on applicants for permits to acquire handguns. A permit shall be issued or denied within 7 business days. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Missouri contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. A permit applicant must provide the following: name, residence and business addresses, height, hair and eye color, date of birth, Social Security number, occupation, reason for desiring a permit, statement of compliance with statutory requirements, and date of application. The person who receives the permit from the applicant shall return it to the sheriff with a description of the handgun obtained, including the make, model, and serial number. Purchaser fees. A fee of $10 is charged for a permit. State data. Missouri maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence restraining order, and probation/parole data on a statewide computer network. The State is pursuing technical and administrative improvements to record systems for domestic violence misdemeanor convictions and restraining orders. Check processing time. No statewide information is available. Retention of records. Sheriffs are required to keep a record of all applications for permits and the actions taken on applications, and to preserve all returned permits. The permit statute does not specify a record retention period. Registration. Handguns are not registered by the State, but are registered by some counties and municipalities. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a permit may appeal to small claims court. Arrests of denied persons. An applicant may be arrested for obtaining a permit upon a false representation. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Missouri Revised Statutes 407.500, 407.505; 571.010 et seq. Source of information. Missouri State Highway Patrol. Montana FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Montana law prohibits purchase or possession of a firearm by a person who has been convicted of certain felonies or an equivalent offense in another jurisdiction. A minor child under the age of 14 years cannot carry or use firearms in public without adult supervision. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored by a governor's pardon or upon completion of the sentence, except for certain offenders who must apply to the district court for a permit to purchase and possess firearms. Prohibited firearms. It is an offense, except under certain circumstances, to possess a sawed-off rifle or a sawed-off shotgun. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Montana unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Montana does not require a permit to purchase a firearm. A permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Montana contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. County sheriffs conduct background checks on applicants for concealed weapon permits. ATF allows a valid permit to be used for a purchase in lieu of a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Montana maintains fully automated fugitive and criminal history data on a statewide network. Since April 2001, all Montana domestic violence restraining orders have been immediately entered into the NCIC protection order file. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A denial of a concealed weapon permit may be appealed to Montana district court. Arrests of denied persons. Persons denied a concealed weapon permit are arrested in some cases. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Montana Code 45-8-301 et seq; 46-18-801. Source of information. Montana Department of Justice. Nebraska FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. A handgun transfer certificate cannot be issued to a person who is under 21 years of age or whose purchase or possession of a handgun would be in violation of applicable Federal, State, or local law. Nebraska law makes it unlawful for a handgun to be possessed by or transferred to a person under the age of 18, except in limited circumstances. A person who has previously been convicted of a felony in any United States jurisdiction or is a fugitive from justice cannot possess a firearm. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon can possess a firearm if restoration of such rights is included in a pardon. Prohibited firearms. It is an offense, except under certain circumstances, to possess a sawed-off rifle or a sawed-off shotgun. Regulated sales. A transfer certificate is required to purchase, lease, rent, or receive a handgun from a licensed dealer or an unlicensed person, with limited exceptions. Permits. The transfer certificate needed to receive a handgun is valid for up to 3 years and can be used for an unlimited number of purchases. State law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. Background checks. Ninety-three county sheriffs and the Lincoln and Omaha Police departments are partial points of contact for the NICS. These agencies conduct checks required by Federal and State law on applicants for handgun transfer certificates. The application may be made in person or by mail. State law allows a maximum period of 2 days to investigate and decide on an application for a certificate. Licensed firearms dealers in Nebraska contact the FBI for checks on long gun purchasers required by the Brady Act. ATF allows a handgun transfer certificate to be used in lieu of a NICS check at the point of sale. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. A transfer certificate application includes the person's name, address, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, date of birth, and Social Security number plus the date of application. Purchaser fees. State agencies charge $5 for a background check. State data. Nebraska maintains a statewide network with automated data on fugitives, criminal history, domestic violence restraining orders, probation/parole, and mental health commitments without a discharge in the last 5 years. Some domestic violence misdemeanor convictions can be identified from court or criminal history records. Check processing time. Routine applications are normally processed in less than 1 day. Applications requiring additional research are normally processed in less than 2 days. Retention of records. Approved and denied applications are retained at the discretion of the checking agencies. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A denial or revocation of a handgun transfer certificate can be appealed to the county court. Arrests of denied persons. Persons who are denied handgun transfer certificates because they submitted false information or have an outstanding warrant are arrested in some cases. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Nebraska Revised Statutes 28-1201 et seq; 69-2401 et seq. Source of information. Nebraska State Patrol. Nevada State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Nevada prohibits possession or control of a firearm by a person who is under 18 years of age (except in limited circumstances) or has been convicted of a felony under the laws of Nevada, another State, or the United States. It is illegal to recklessly or knowingly sell or barter a handgun to a child who is under the age of 18. Restoration of rights. State law allows a convicted felon's right to possess firearms to be restored if the person is honorably discharged from probation. Restoration can occur through a governor's pardon that does not restrict the right to bear arms. If a pardon does not restore civil rights, the person may apply to a board of pardon commissioners, whose decision can be appealed to Nevada district court. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to knowingly or willfully possess, manufacture, or dispose of a short- barreled rifle or shotgun, or to possess or use a machine gun. Regulated sales. Pursuant to an executive order of the governor, Nevada enforces the Brady Act's requirement of background checks on firearm transfers by licensed dealers. State law gives unlicensed sellers the option of requesting a check on a purchaser from the Nevada Point-Of-Sale Firearms Program. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Nevada unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. State law does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by the Brady Act. Licensed firearms dealers in Nevada request instant checks by telephone. A denial by NHP is reported back to NICS. In addition, NHP conducts checks requested by unlicensed sellers, which must be completed within 5 business days. County sheriffs conduct background checks on applicants for concealed firearm permits. ATF allows a valid permit to be used for a purchase without a subsequent NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Licensed dealers in Nevada use the standard ATF forms when preparing to conduct a firearm transaction. No separate State form is required. Purchaser fees. The fee for a firearms background check is $15. State data. Nevada maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence misdemeanor data, and a protective order registry on a statewide network. Mental health facilities may be contacted by NHP for data on mental illness prohibitions. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 3 minutes. Transactions requiring additional research normally are processed in less than 3 days. Retention of records. Information from approved transactions is retained for a maximum period of 20 days. Information from denied transactions is retained indefinitely. Registration. Firearms are not registered in Nevada except in Clark County. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm may request reconsideration from NHP, and appeal further to the Hearings Office of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety. A person who is denied a concealed firearm permit may file a petition in Nevada district court. Arrests of denied persons. NHP notifies ATF of persons who submit false information on purchase forms. When a person is denied because of an outstanding warrant, the NHP notifies the agency with jurisdiction over the site of the transaction. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Nevada Revised Statutes 176A.860; 202.253 et seq; 213.090. Source of information. Nevada Highway Patrol. New Hampshire FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. A firearm cannot be owned, possessed, or controlled by a person who has been convicted of certain felonies in any United States jurisdiction. No person shall sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer a firearm to a person who has been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony. It is illegal to sell, barter, hire, lend, or give a handgun to a minor (under age 18) except in limited circumstances. A licensed dealer shall not sell handguns to nonresidents who are prohibited in their States of residence. It is illegal to knowingly attempt to purchase a firearm while subject to a protective order. Restoration of rights. A felon convicted in New Hampshire may regain firearm rights through a full and unconditional pardon by the governor or an annulment of the conviction. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. New Hampshire law requires a retail seller of handguns to obtain a license from the selectmen of a town or the chief of police of a city. The State conducts background checks on persons who purchase handguns from licensed dealers. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The New Hampshire Department of Safety (DOS) is a partial point of contact for the NICS, processing background checks on persons who purchase or redeem handguns from licensed dealers. An instant check may be requested by way of a 1-800 number. A handgun transfer may proceed if the dealer is not informed of a prohibition by DOS within 3 days. A denial by DOS is reported back to NICS. In addition, licensed dealers in New Hampshire contact the FBI for checks on persons who purchase or redeem long guns. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. New Hampshire's application includes the purchaser's name, race, gender, date of birth, and Social Security or driver's license number, plus the date of application. Purchaser fees. None. State data. New Hampshire maintains fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence restraining order/ misdemeanor data on a statewide computer network. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 5 minutes. Transactions requiring additional research normally are processed in less than 4 hours. Retention of records. State law requires destruction of information on approved transactions within 24 hours after approval (except for request dates and approval numbers, which may be maintained indefinitely). Information on denied transactions shall be retained for 3 years. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person denied a handgun by DOS can appeal to that agency, and further to superior court. Arrests of denied persons. If an applicant submits false information, DOS notifies ATF and agencies with jurisdiction over the venue of the transaction and the person's residence. In cases involving outstanding warrants, DOS notifies the agency with jurisdiction over the fugitive. 2001/2002 legislation. Two amendments provide that a convicted felon who attempts to purchase a firearm is guilty of a class B felony and that a plaintiff with a protective order must be notified of a failed attempt by a defendant to buy a firearm. Relevant laws. New Hampshire Revised Statutes, Chapters 159 and 159-D. Source of information. New Hampshire State Police. New Jersey State conducts NICS checks State conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. A handgun permit or firearm identification card cannot be issued to a person who is convicted of a crime, drug dependent, confined for a mental disorder, a habitual drunkard, physically unable to handle firearms, found to have submitted false information, under age 18 (for an identification card) or 21 (for a permit), barred from firearm possession by court order, or adjudicated delinquent for a firearm offense. Issuance of a permit must not contravene the interest of public health, safety, or welfare. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess firearms can be restored if the offender's criminal record is expunged by the court. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful, with limited exceptions, to possess, manufacture, cause to be manufactured, transport, ship, sell, or dispose of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or assault firearm. Regulated sales. Permit regulations apply to all handgun transfers, and an identification card is required to receive a long gun. A firearm cannot be security for a loan. A dealer must have a State license. Permits. State law mandates a permit to purchase a handgun, which is valid for 90 days and may be renewed for an additional 90 days. A firearms purchaser identification card, which is valid until revoked for a violation of law, is require for unlimited long gun purchases. A permit is required to carry a handgun. A license issued by the superior court is required to purchase or possess an assault weapon. Background checks. Applicants for permits and identification cards are checked by 505 local police departments, and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) for some unincorporated areas. If no cause for denial exists, a permit or identification card shall be granted within 30 days (45 days for a nonresident) from the completion date of the investigation of the applicant. In addition, NJSP is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by the Brady Act. Licensed dealers call NJSP for instant checks on purchasers who have obtained a permit or an identification card. A purchase denial by NJSP based on a Federal disqualifier is reported back to NICS. Waiting period. No handgun shall be delivered by a licensed dealer unless a valid permit is exhibited and at least 7 days have elapsed since the date of application for the permit. Information from applicants. Identification card and permit applications require a person's name, residence, place of business, age, date of birth, occupation, gender, physical description, citizenship, two references, and responses to firearms disability questions. First-time applicants must submit fingerprints. Purchaser fees. The fingerprint fee is $49. Document fees are $2 for a handgun permit and $5 for an identification card. An assault weapon or machine gun license costs $75. State data. New Jersey maintains fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence restraining order, misdemeanor, juvenile, and probation/parole data. Some automated mental health data are available statewide. Check processing time. Permit and identification card applications are normally processed in less than 1 month, or less than 6 months if additional research is needed. Retention of records. Permit and identification card applications are retained indefinitely. Registration. Handguns and assault weapons are registered. Appeals of denials. A permit or identification card denial can be appealed to the superior court for the county where the application was filed, with notice to the issuing authority. A purchase denial can be appealed to the NICS unit. Arrests of denied persons. Local police departments arrest denied persons in some cases. NJSP's NICS Unit reports all denied persons to the Firearms Investigation Unit. NCIC felony warrants are reported to the fugitive unit; other felony warrants are reported to local departments. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. New Jersey Statutes 2C:39-1 et seq; 2C:58-1 et seq. Source of information. New Jersey State Police. New Mexico FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. New Mexico makes it unlawful for a person under the age of 19 to knowingly possess or transport a handgun, except in limited circumstances. It is unlawful for a firearm to be received, transported, or possessed by a felon, defined as a person convicted of a felony offense by a court of the United States or of any State or political subdivision thereof and less than ten years have passed since the person completed a sentence or period of probation (whichever is later) and the person has not been pardoned or received a deferred sentence. Restoration of rights. State law allows a convicted felon's right to possess firearms to be restored by a governor's pardon or upon the expiration of 10 years after completion of a sentence or a period of probation without additional violations. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. New Mexico law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase firearms in New Mexico unless otherwise prohibited. Permit. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. State law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in New Mexico contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. New Mexico maintains criminal history, domestic violence misdemeanor, and juvenile data on a statewide network. These files are approximately 60% automated and 40% manual, with search requests made by teletype to the Department of Public Safety. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. The statute that makes it unlawful for a felon to receive, transport, or possess any firearm was amended to revise the definition of "felon." A new article provided for concealed handgun licenses, effective July 1, 2001; however, the law was held unconstitutional by the New Mexico Supreme Court. Relevant laws. New Mexico Statutes 30-7-1 et seq. Source of information. New Mexico Department of Public Safety. New York FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. New York law prohibits issuing a license to carry or possess a handgun to any person who is under 21, is not of good moral character, has been convicted of a felony or "serious offense," suffers from mental illness or has been confined to any hospital or institution for mental illness, has had a license revoked, is under a suspension or ineligibility order, or did not complete a safety course and test (Westchester County only), or concerning whom good cause exists for denial. A long gun cannot be possessed by a person who has been convicted of a felony or serious offense, or certified not suitable to possess a rifle or shotgun. A person under 16 cannot possess a firearm except in limited circumstances. It is unlawful to knowingly purchase a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person. Restoration of rights. Certificates of relief from disabilities and good conduct are issued at the discretion of the court of conviction or the Board of Parole. Even if relief from a firearms disability is granted, a licensing official can rely on the underlying conviction to deny a handgun license application. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to possess a short barrel rifle or shotgun, a machine gun, a disguised gun, or an assault weapon, with limited exceptions. Regulated sales. Every person who receives a handgun must have a license. A firearms dealer is required to have a New York license. A NICS check through a dealer is required on all persons who receive a firearm at a gun show. Permits. Each handgun purchased requires a license, issued by a designated county or city judicial or law enforcement officer, which specifies conditions for possession and carrying. A license is valid throughout the State, except in New York City, where additional rules of validity apply. Licenses are valid until revoked but have a fixed duration in New York City (3 years) and in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties (5 years). Purchasing additional handguns requires a license amendment. Background checks. Sheriffs and police departments are partial points of contact for the NICS and conduct checks of handgun license applicants on behalf of licensing officers. Fingerprints of applicants are processed by the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI. Applications must be acted upon within 6 months unless there is good cause for delay. A NICS check is required for amendments to non-expiring licenses unless a check on the holder occurred during the preceding 5 years. Dealers contact the FBI for checks on long gun sales and firearm redemptions required by the Brady Act, and for gun show transfer checks required by New York law. ATF allows a license to be used for a purchase from a dealer without the Brady check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. License applicants provide: name, address, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, date of birth, Social Security number, fingerprints, business address, previous address, occupation, character references, and the type, make, model, and serial number of the weapon. Purchaser fees. Handgun license fees vary by issuing authority, but are at least $74, the cost of State and Federal fingerprint processing. State data. New York maintains criminal history, fugitive, and domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor data. Limited mental health information is available from the New York State Office of Mental Health, on patients and former patients of State-operated mental health facilities. Check processing time. No statewide data available. Retention of records. The State Police Pistol Permit Bureau receives copies of approved license applications, renewals, and amendments. Denied applications are retained at the discretion of the licensing authorities. Registration. Handguns are registered in New York. Appeals of denials. State law does not provide an appeal procedure for handgun license denials. Arrests of denied persons. Persons denied a license are arrested in some cases. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Penal Law articles 265 & 400; General Business Law article 39-DD. Source of information. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. North Carolina FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. North Carolina law requires that an applicant for a handgun purchase permit be of good moral character and desire possession of the weapon for protection, target shooting, collecting, or hunting. A permit may not be issued to a person who is under indictment for or convicted of certain felonies; a fugitive; an unlawful user of drugs or a drug addict; adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution; an illegal alien; dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; subject to a domestic violence restraining order; or who has renounced U.S. citizenship. It is illegal for a minor under the age of 18 to possess a handgun and for a minor under the age of 12 to possess any firearm, except in limited circumstances. A firearm cannot be purchased by a person who has been restrained by a domestic violence order, convicted of a felony, acquitted by reason of insanity, or determined to lack the capacity to stand trial. Restoration of rights. Firearm rights can be regained if a conviction has been expunged or set aside (the person is not considered to have been convicted), or if a person has been pardoned or had civil rights restored (where the law of the applicable jurisdiction provided for loss of civil rights). However, rights are not regained if a pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful to manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, or acquire a fully automatic firearm, a short-barrel rifle or shotgun, or certain other firearms; or to manufacture, sell, give away, or possess machine guns, sub-machine guns, or other like weapons, except in limited circumstances. Regulated sales. Handgun permit requirements apply to all transfers by licensed dealers and unlicensed persons. Permits. North Carolina requires a permit, valid for 5 years, to purchase a handgun. A separate permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. A person who may possess a machine gun is required to obtain a permit from the county sheriff. Background checks. One-hundred county sheriffs are partial points of contact for the NICS and conduct checks on applicants for permits to purchase or carry a handgun. State law allows a sheriff 30 days to decide on a purchase permit application. Licensed dealers in North Carolina contact the FBI for checks on long gun sales and firearm redemptions. ATF allows handgun purchase and carry permits to be used at the point of sale in lieu of the NICS check. These permits can be used to purchase multiple long guns, but only in a single transaction. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Information requested from purchase permit applicants is at the discretion of the county sheriffs, in conformity with the standards set forth in the permit statutes. Purchaser fees. State law mandates a charge of $5 for processing a purchase permit application. State data. North Carolina maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, domestic violence misdemeanor conviction, and motor vehicle data on a statewide network. State law requires prompt entry of all domestic violence orders into the NCIC protection order file. Mental health records are accessed manually by checking agencies. Check processing time. No statewide information is available. Retention of records. County sheriffs destroy permits and licenses after 10 years; other records are destroyed when their reference value ends. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. Handgun permit denials can be appealed to the Chief District Court Judge for the district in which the application is filed. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. North Carolina General Statutes 14-269.7 et seq; 14-402 et seq. Source of information. North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; North Carolina Department of Justice. North Dakota FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. North Dakota law prohibits ownership, possession, or control of a firearm for a period of 10 years by a person who has been convicted anywhere of a felony involving violence or intimidation, or for a period of 5 years by a person convicted of any other felony or a misdemeanor involving violence or intimidation committed while using a firearm or dangerous weapon. A person who was diagnosed and confined or committed to a hospital or institution in North Dakota or elsewhere as mentally ill or mentally deficient is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or controlling a firearm except when the person has not suffered from the disability for the previous three years. It is illegal for a handgun or other firearm to be transferred if the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the transferee is a prohibited person. A handgun cannot be possessed by or transferred to a person under the age of 18, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. A person who has been convicted of a felony or a disqualifying misdemeanor will regain the right to possess a firearm 5 or 10 years (depending on the type of offense committed) after the date of conviction or the date of release from incarceration or probation, whichever is later. Prohibited firearms. No person may possess, obtain, receive, sell, or use a short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or purchase, sell, have, or possess a machine gun or fully automatic rifle, unless the person is within one of the limited exceptions. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Permits. North Dakota does not require a permit to purchase a firearm. A license is required to carry a concealed weapon. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in North Dakota contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducts background checks on applicants for concealed weapon licenses. ATF allows a valid license to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. North Dakota maintains partially automated fugitive and criminal history data on a statewide network. Court protection order data are also available. In 2003, criminal history records will be flagged to identify misdemeanor domestic violence offenses and a new automated protection order system will allow electronic entry of records by courts in large jurisdictions. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed weapon license is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A denial of a concealed weapon license may be appealed to North Dakota district court. Arrests of denied persons. BCI notifies other agencies of concealed weapon license applicants who have outstanding warrants. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. North Dakota Century Code 62.1-01 et seq. Source of information. North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Ohio FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Ohio law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who is a fugitive from justice; under indictment for or convicted of any felony offense of violence; adjudicated as a delinquent child for an offense that if committed by an adult would have been a felony offense of violence; under indictment for or convicted of any offense involving possession or sale of drugs; adjudicated as a delinquent child for an offense that if committed by an adult would have been an offense involving possession or sale of drugs; drug dependent; a chronic alcoholic; or under adjudication of mental incompetence. It is illegal to transfer a firearm to a prohibited person. A handgun cannot be transferred to or purchased by a person under 21 years of age and a firearm cannot be transferred to or purchased by a person under 18 years of age, except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. A person convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for a felony offense of violence or a drug offense can have firearm rights restored by a court of common pleas if the person has been law abiding since completion of the sentence or adjudication, and is not otherwise prohibited. Prohibited firearms. No person shall knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any dangerous ordnance, which includes any automatic or sawed-off firearm or zip-gun. Certain exceptions are allowed. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearm purchasers. Residents of adjacent States may purchase long guns in Ohio unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. Ohio law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. A person who is qualified to acquire, possess, carry, or use any automatic or sawed-off firearm or zip-gun must apply to the sheriff of a county or safety director or police chief of a municipality for a license or temporary permit. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed dealers in Ohio contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Ohio maintains automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor, and probation/parole data on a statewide network. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. An amendment revised the penalty for underage purchase of a firearm. Relevant laws. Ohio Revised Code 2923.11 et seq. Source of information. Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification. Oklahoma FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Oklahoma law prohibits transfer of a firearm to a person who is under 18 years of age (except in limited circumstances), to any convicted felon or adjudicated delinquent, or to any individual who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or is mentally or emotionally unbalanced or disturbed. It is unlawful for a firearm to be possessed or controlled by a person who is a convicted felon, adjudicated as a delinquent child or a youthful offender, or subject to Department of Corrections supervision, probation, parole, or inmate status. Restoration of rights. In Oklahoma, a convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored if the person was convicted of a nonviolent felony, has received a full and complete pardon from the proper authority, and has not been convicted of any other felony offense which has not been pardoned. An adjudicated delinquent regains the right to possess a firearm when 10 years have elapsed since the adjudication occurred. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to possess or control a sawed-off shotgun or a sawed-off rifle, unless the firearm has been registered pursuant to Federal law. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Oklahoma unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Oklahoma contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Oklahoma maintains fully automated criminal history data on a statewide network. Domestic violence misdemeanors may be identified in court or criminal history records by the title of the charging offense. Restraining orders may be found in court records or entered by a sheriff’s office into the FBI’s national file. The State is currently flagging domestic offense records and increasing automation of court records and restraining order reporting. Involuntary commitment records are searched during a check on an applicant for a concealed handgun license. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. The category of youthful offender has been added to persons prohibited from possessing a firearm. Relevant laws. Oklahoma Statutes 21-1271.1 et seq. Source of information. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Oregon State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Oregon law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who is under 18 years of age, a juvenile offender, a felon, or mentally ill. It is illegal to transfer a firearm to a person who is under 18 years of age, convicted of a felony, named in a felony warrant, free on felony pretrial release, found to be mentally ill, or convicted within the previous 4 years of a misdemeanor for assault 4th degree, menacing, reckless endangering, or intimidation 2nd degree. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess a firearm can be restored by expungement or the passage of 15 years since completion of a sentence for a felony which did not involve criminal homicide or the use of a weapon, provided there is only one felony conviction on the person's record. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful to knowingly possess a machine gun, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun, unless the firearm is registered as required under Federal law. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer or at a gun show. A seller who is not subject to these requirements may voluntarily request a background check on a purchaser. Permits. Oregon does not require a permit to purchase firearms but does require a license to carry a concealed weapon. Background checks. The Oregon State Police Firearms Unit is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Licensed dealers call a 1-800 number for the Firearms Unit. Unlicensed sellers can call the 1-800 number or complete a transfer through a dealer. Queries are processed on the purchaser and the weapon being sold; the caller is given a transaction number for an approval or informed that the applicant is denied. An approval number is valid for 24 hours on a private sale or 30 days on a dealer transfer. A denial by the Firearms Unit is not reported back to NICS. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. A purchase from a licensed dealer requires submission of the standard ATF form and a State Police thumbprint form. If the transferor is not a dealer, the prospective buyer must provide name, date of birth, race, gender, address, and the type, issuer, and number of a current photo identification. A buyer may voluntarily provide a Social Security number. Purchaser fees. A fee of $9 is charged for a background check by the Firearms Unit. State data. Oregon maintains criminal history, fugitive, stolen gun, domestic violence restraining order, juvenile, and mental health data on a statewide computer network. Sources for identifying domestic violence misdemeanor convictions include court and criminal history records. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 5 minutes. Transactions that require additional research are normally processed in less than 3 days. Retention of records. The firearms unit retains records of approved and denied transactions for 5 years. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm may appeal to the State Police Identification Services Section upon submission of fingerprints. Arrests of denied persons. For persons who submit false information or have outstanding warrants, the Firearms Unit notifies the agency with jurisdiction over the individual. 2001/2002 legislation. The crime of assaulting a public safety officer was raised to a felony offense and removed from the list of misdemeanors that disqualify a person from receiving a firearm. Relevant laws. Oregon Revised Statutes 166.410 et seq. Source of information. Oregon State Police. Pennsylvania State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits firearm possession by a person who is convicted of an "enumerated offense" or an equivalent offense in another jurisdiction; a fugitive from justice; convicted of certain drug offenses or equivalent offenses in other jurisdictions; convicted of three alcohol- related driving offenses in a 5-year period; adjudicated incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution; an illegal alien; subject to an active protection from abuse order; adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses; or under 18 (with limited exceptions). Pennsylvania criminal history records that are prohibiting under Federal law include all convictions for a felony, a misdemeanor 1, or an ungraded misdemeanor for which a person could have been sentenced to more than 2 years in prison. Restoration of rights. A prohibited person may apply for relief if 10 years (not including incarceration time) have elapsed since the most recent prohibiting conviction prior to applying to the county court, or if the person received a full pardon by the governor or Federal firearm disability relief. A prohibition based on juvenile records terminates 15 years after the last applicable delinquent adjudication or upon the person reaching the age of 30, whichever is earlier. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to sell or possess a machine gun, a sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, or a firearm made or adapted for concealment or silent discharge, except when in compliance with the National Firearms Act. Regulated sales. Pennsylvania law requires background checks on persons who purchase firearms from a State-licensed dealer or an unlicensed individual. Checks are required to be conducted at a dealer’s place of business, from a gun show, or through a county sheriff. Handguns cannot be pawned. Permits. A permit is not required to buy a firearm. A license is required to carry a firearm concealed. Background checks. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is a NICS point of contact for checks on sales or redemptions required by Federal and State law. State licensees contact the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) by using a toll-free number. On average, 60% of checks are handled through automation and an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) component. If a potentially prohibiting record is identified or the buyer is not a State resident, the call is automatically transferred to a staff operator. A denial by PSP is not reported back to NICS. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Handgun buyers provide: name, address, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, date of birth, Social Security and Pennsylvania driver's license numbers, occupation, residence and work telephone numbers, and the make, model, serial number, caliber, and barrel length of the firearm. Purchaser fees. State law requires a fee of $2 for each background check and a $3 surcharge for each taxable sale of a firearm. State data. A statewide network contains automated criminal history, fugitive, protection order, probation, and parole data. Mental health data supplied by county officials are available to PICS staff only to enforce the State firearms act. A research/denial challenge database contains updated records to eliminate duplicate research on future transactions. Currently, a conviction determined to be domestic violence related is flagged; record upgrades will incorporate flagging routines. Check processing time. Over 50% of calls are approved automatically in 2 to 3 minutes on average. An additional 30% of calls are completed by an operator while on the original call. Any further research is completed within 15 days. Retention of records. Information on the subject of a background check is not retained by PICS upon approval of a transaction. PICS retains records on denied persons for 6 months on paper (3 years if a challenge occurs) and 20 years in electronic format. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied by PICS may file a challenge with the PICS Legal Assistance Unit. Subsequent appeals may be filed with the State attorney general and commonwealth court. Arrests of denied persons. Notice of persons who submit false purchase applications is given to local, State, and Federal (ATF) authorities. If a fugitive is identified at the time of purchase, the local agency with jurisdiction is notified immediately. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18, Chapter 61 (Uniform Firearms Act). Source of information. Pennsylvania State Police. Rhode Island FBI conducts NICS checks State conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Rhode Island law prohibits purchase or possession of firearms by persons who are convicted of a crime of violence; fugitives from justice; convicted of certain felonies; subject to electronic surveillance or monitoring; mentally incompetent; drug addicts; habitual drunkards; or illegal aliens. It is unlawful to sell, transfer, give, or convey a firearm to a person under 18 years of age without consent of a parent or guardian. A person under 18 years of age cannot possess a firearm except in limited circumstances. Handgun purchasers must be 21 years of age and complete a firearm safety course. It is unlawful to sell a handgun to a person under the age of 21 or to a person otherwise prohibited. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to own firearms can be restored through a governor's pardon. Prohibited firearms. No person shall manufacture, sell, purchase, or possess a machine gun, or possess or control a sawed-off shotgun or sawed-off rifle unless the person is within one of the limited exceptions. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who receive firearms from licensed dealers and unlicensed individuals. Any citizen of the United States may purchase a long gun in Rhode Island unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. Rhode Island does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. A person under 18 years of age must have a permit to participate in legal firearm activities. Background checks. Thirty-nine local police departments conduct checks on firearms purchasers required by Rhode Island law. Sellers transmit purchase applications by certified mail or in person to the police departments. If notice of denial is not received by the seller within 7 days, a transfer can proceed. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed dealers in Rhode Island contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. A 7-day waiting period, which begins at noon on the day after an application is filed, is required for all firearm transfers, regardless of when a background check is completed. Information from applicants. Rhode Island's application includes the purchaser's name, address, date of birth, place of birth, gender, height, weight, hair and eye color, scars, tattoos and other identifying marks, and questions concerning eligibility. Purchaser fees. Fees are not mandated by State law but are at the discretion of the police departments. State data. Rhode Island maintains automated fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, and domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor data on a statewide network. The State is pursuing improved automation of restraining order data. Check processing time. Background checks are normally completed within 5 days. Retention of records. The checking agency and the State attorney general receive copies of each purchase application, and are required to retain approved and denied applications for no more than 30 days. Original copies of applications must be retained by sellers for 6 years. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. State law does not provide a procedure for appealing a firearm denial. A person who is denied by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Rhode Island General Laws 11-47-1 et seq. Source of information. Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General. South Carolina FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. South Carolina law prohibits handgun sales to or possession by any person who is convicted of a crime of violence in any U.S. jurisdiction; a fugitive from justice; a habitual drunkard or drug addict; adjudicated mentally incompetent; a member of a subversive organization; under 21 years of age (with limited exceptions); or adjudged unfit to carry or possess a pistol. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to own a handgun can be restored if that person receives a pardon or an expungement of the conviction, unless the offense committed was a crime of violence. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful, with limited exceptions, for a person to transport, store, keep, possess, sell, rent, or give away a machine gun, military firearm, or sawed-off shotgun or rifle. No licensed retail dealer may hold, store, handle, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise possess a pistol or other handgun with a die-cast, metal alloy frame or receiver which melts at a temperature of less than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulated sales of handguns. State law requires a background check on handgun purchasers. Retail dealers of handguns must have a State license. A person who buys a handgun from a licensed dealer must be a South Carolina resident. Handgun purchases are limited to one in each 30-day period. A resident of any State may purchase a long gun in South Carolina unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) issues concealed handgun permits and special licenses required for possession, transportation or sale of machine guns. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in South Carolina call the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. ATF allows a concealed handgun permit issued by SLED to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. South Carolina's application for a handgun purchase from a dealer includes the applicant's name, home address, business address, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, driver's license and telephone numbers, State or military identification number, and date of application plus the type, make, model, and serial number of the weapon. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. South Carolina maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence misdemeanor/restraining order, and juvenile data on a statewide network. In addition, SLED maintains a "30-day, one handgun purchase" file. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. SLED retains a copy of every handgun purchase application filed with a State-licensed dealer. Information on persons who are denied a concealed handgun permit is retained indefinitely. Registration. Every person permitted to possess a machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, or sawed-off rifle must register the firearm with SLED. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A person who is denied a concealed handgun permit may appeal to the Chief of SLED and further to an adminstrative law judge. Arrests of denied persons. SLED notifies other agencies of concealed handgun permits applicants who have outstanding warrants. 2001/2002 legislation. The concealable weapon permit statute was amended to modify photograph, fingerprint, and residency requirements for initial and renewed applications. Relevant laws. South Carolina Code of Laws 16-23-10 et seq; 23-31-10 et seq. Source of information. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. South Dakota FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. South Dakota law prohibits possession or control of a firearm by a person who has been convicted in the State or elsewhere of a crime of violence or a felony controlled substance/marijuana violation, or who has a prior conviction for drug possession. A person under the age of 18 cannot knowingly possess a handgun except in limited circumstances. It is illegal to transfer a firearm to a known prohibited person or to a person under the age of 18 if the transferor knows or reasonably believes that the minor recipient intends to use the firearm to commit a crime of violence. Restoration of rights. The right to possess a firearm can be restored through a governor's pardon or the passage of time. A person who was last discharged from prison, jail, probation, or parole for a crime of violence or a felony controlled substances/marijuana violation (except mere possession) more than 15 years ago regains the right to possess or control a firearm. For felony possession of controlled substances or marijuana, the time period is 5 years. However, no person convicted of a crime of violence may ever lawfully purchase a pistol at retail. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal, with limited exceptions, to knowingly possess a controlled weapon, which includes a machine gun or short shotgun. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in South Dakota unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. An application (see below) is required to purchase a pistol if the purchaser does not have a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in South Dakota contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No seller may deliver a handgun to a purchaser until 48 hours have elapsed from the time of the sale, regardless of when a background check is completed. Holders of valid, concealed handgun permits are exempt from the waiting period. Information from applicants. State law requires the following information on an application to purchase a pistol: complete name, address, occupation, place and date of birth, physical description, the date and hour of application, a statement that the applicant has never pled guilty to, nolo contendere to, or been convicted of a crime of violence, a statement that the information on the application is true and correct, and the applicant's signature. Purchaser fees. None. State data. South Dakota maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, probation/parole, and domestic violence protective order data on a statewide network. A driver's history file is available to check for additional data. Domestic violence misdemeanors can be identified by researching criminal history. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. The seller of a pistol shall within 6 hours send by first class mail or hand deliver the completed application to the chief of police of the municipality or the sheriff of the county of which the purchaser is a resident. State law requires chiefs of police and sheriffs to retain their copies of applications for a period of 1 year. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. Reciprocal concealed carry permit legislation was enacted and South Dakota recognized permits from 10 other States. Relevant laws. South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapters 22-14 and 23-7. Source of information. South Dakota Attorney General's Office. Tennessee State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. Tennessee law prohibits the intentional, knowing, or reckless sale, loan, or gift of a firearm to a person who is a minor or intoxicated. A licensed dealer cannot sell a firearm to a person who is addicted to alcohol or ineligible to receive a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922. A firearm transfer is denied if the buyer was charged with a crime for which a conviction would cause a prohibition under State or Federal law, and the final disposition of the case has not occurred or is not recorded. A handgun cannot be possessed by a person who is convicted of a felony involving the use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon, convicted of a felony drug offense, less than 18 (with limited exceptions), or under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Restoration of rights. Firearm rights may be regained by a convicted felon who obtains a pardon, a set aside or an expungement of the conviction, or restoration of civil rights by a circuit court. A person convicted of a felony involving use or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon, or a felony drug offense cannot possess a handgun even if civil rights have been restored. Prohibited firearms. It is an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell a machine gun or short-barrel rifle or shotgun, except in limited circumstances. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase firearms from licensed dealers. Permits. No permit is required to purchase a firearm. A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Licensed dealers contact TBI by telephone; high volume dealers can also use computers with a "point-of-sale device." A denial by TBI is electronically reported to NICS. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Tennessee's application includes the purchaser's name, date and place of birth, address, Social Security number, race, gender, thumbprint, and date of application. The make, model, caliber, and manufacturer's serial number of a firearm are checked through the FBI/NCIC Stolen Gun File. TBI refers stolen gun reports to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction. If a theft is verified, the firearm will be confiscated. Purchaser fees. TBI may charge a reasonable fee, not to exceed $10, for a background check. State data. Tennessee's Law Enforcement Communications Network maintains criminal history, fugitive, domestic abuse restraining order, and sex offender data. Domestic abuse misdemeanor convictions can be identified if annotated on a fingerprint card by a local agency. Check processing time. Transactions are normally processed in less than 5 minutes or in less than 1 day if additional research is required. Retention of records. Information on approved transactions is not retained by TBI, except for approval numbers and dates assigned. Information on denied transactions is retained indefinitely, but is destroyed if the decision is reversed on appeal. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who requests reconsidera- tion of a TBI denial is furnished a letter of instructions and an FBI final disposition form, which must be filled out by the arresting agency or clerk of the appropriate court and returned to TBI. For a denial based upon an arrest with no disposition recorded, TBI has 15 calendar days after the applicant appeals to obtain the final disposition. If TBI cannot obtain the disposition, the dealer is notified that the transaction is a “conditional proceed,” (neither denied nor approved) and the dealer may lawfully transfer the firearm. Arrests of denied persons. TBI notifies ATF of persons who submit false information on an application. For persons with outstanding warrants, TBI notifies the agency with jurisdiction over the dealer's premises and the agency which entered the warrant. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Tennessee Code 39-17-1301 et seq. Source of information. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Texas FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Texas law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who has been convicted of any felony or a Class A misdemeanor involving a member of the person’s family or household, and five years have not elapsed since the person’s release from confinement or supervision. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who is subject to certain family violence orders. It is unlawful to knowingly transfer a handgun to a person who intends to use it unlawfully or in the commission of an unlawful act, or is subject to an active protective order. A firearm cannot be knowingly transferred to a person who is younger than 18 years (without parental consent), intoxicated, or a convicted felon. Restoration of rights. A person who has been convicted of any felony or a Class A misdemeanor involving a member of the person’s family or household can possess a firearm if five years have elapsed since the person's release from confinement or supervision. A convicted felon with restored rights can only possess a firearm on the premises where the person lives. Prohibited firearms. It is an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell a machine gun, a short-barrel rifle or shotgun, or a zip gun except in limited circumstances. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Permits. No permit is required to purchase firearms. A license is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Texas contact the FBI for all background checks required by the Brady Act. The Texas Department of Public Safety conducts background checks on applicants for concealed handgun licenses. ATF allows a valid carry license to be used for a purchase without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. None. State data. Texas maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor, juvenile, and probation/parole data on a statewide network. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed handgun license is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI can appeal under Federal law. A denial of a concealed handgun license may be appealed to justice court. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. An amendment prohibited possession of a firearm by a person convicted of an offense involving a member of the person's family or household, and by a person subject to a protective order. Statistical data may be maintained on the Department of Public Safety website consisting of certain offenses committed by persons holding a concealed handgun license. Relevant laws. Texas Penal Code 30.06; 42.12; 46.01 et seq; Family Code 71.18; Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H. Source of information. Texas Department of Public Safety. Utah State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons. A firearm cannot be purchased, transferred, or possessed by a Category 1 or Category 2 restricted person. A Category 1 restricted person has been convicted of a violent felony, is on parole or probation for a felony, is on parole from a secure facility, or has been adjudicated delinquent within the past 10 years for an offense which if committed by an adult would have been a violent felony. A Category 2 restricted person has been convicted of or is under indictment for a felony, has been adjudicated delinquent within the past 7 years for an offense which if committed by an adult would have been a felony, is an unlawful user of a controlled substance, is in possession of a dangerous weapon and a controlled substance, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity or found mentally incompetent to stand trial for a felony, has been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, is an illegal alien, has been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, or has renounced U.S. citizenship. A minor under 18 cannot possess a handgun, sawed-off rifle or shotgun, or automatic weapon except as provided by Federal law. It is illegal to provide a firearm to a minor who is prohibited or lacks parental consent. Restoration of rights. The right to possess a firearm can be restored if a conviction is expunged or otherwise removed from the record. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase firearms from licensed dealers. Permits. Utah does not require a permit to purchase firearms. A permit is required to carry a concealed firearm. Background checks. The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Licensed firearms dealers request instant checks by using a 1-800 number, a local telephone number, or a computer. Some denials by BCI are reported back to NICS, depending on the reason for denial. Holders of concealed firearm permits issued by BCI are exempt from point-of-sale background checks under an ATF ruling and Utah law. BCI verifies the validity of permits presented to dealers. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. Utah requires an applicant's name, address, race, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, date and place of birth, citizenship, Social Security number, and date of application. Purchaser fees. BCI charges $7.50 for a background check. State data. Utah maintains automated fugitive, criminal history, domestic abuse restraining order/misdemeanor, adjudicated mentally defective, and motor vehicle data on a statewide network. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 5 minutes. Retention of records. State law allows BCI to retain data on approved transactions for a maximum period of 20 days. Dealer numbers and transaction numbers and dates are maintained for 12 months. Data on denied transactions are retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm can appeal to BCI and further to a State review board. A concealed firearm permit denial may also be appealed to the review board. Arrests of denied persons. A person who submits false information on an application or has an outstanding warrant is reported by BCI to the agency with jurisdiction over the location of the dealer. Federal offenders are reported to ATF. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Utah Code 53-5-702 et seq; 76-10-501 et seq. Source of information. Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Vermont FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Vermont law prohibits a person, firm, or corporation, other than a parent or guardian, from selling or furnishing a firearm to a child under the age of 16 years. A handgun cannot be possessed by a child under the age of 16 years without the consent of a parent or guardian. Restoration of rights. No State requirements. Prohibited firearms. A person who possesses, sells, or offers for sale a zip gun shall be imprisoned or fined or both. Regulated sales. Vermont does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Vermont unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. State law does not require a permit to purchase or carry firearms. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Vermont contact the FBI for all background checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Vermont maintains automated files containing fugitive and domestic abuse misdemeanor information. Criminal history, probation/parole, and court restraining order data are also available. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. The responsibility for conducting background checks on firearm sales applicants became the sole responsibility of the FBI, with all Vermont points of contact eliminated. Manual records of Vermont felony convictions will be automated by the State and transferred to the FBI. Relevant laws. Vermont Statutes 13-4001 et seq. Source of information. Vermont Department of Public Safety; Newport City Police Department. Virginia State requests NICS checks Prohibited persons Virginia law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who is acquitted by reason of insanity; adjudicated incompetent or incapacitated; involuntarily committed; subject to a protective order; convicted of a felony; or found guilty as a juvenile of a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult. It is unlawful for an alien to possess an assault firearm, or for a person under 18 years of age to possess a handgun or assault firearm. Handguns cannot be purchased by certain persons who have been convicted of two misdemeanor drug offenses within 36 months. Restoration of rights The governor may grant a pardon or removal of political disabilities to a person who committed a felony or delinquent act, and may condition reinstatement of firearm rights. The circuit court may issue a permit to carry a firearm to a person whose civil rights have been restored. Regulated sales State law requires background checks on persons who purchase firearms from licensed dealers. Virginia residents may purchase firearms upon proof of residency in the State for at least 30 days. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Virginia unless otherwise prohibited. A person cannot purchase more than one handgun in a 30-day period unless authorized by the State Police. Permits A permit is not required to purchase a firearm. A permit issued by a circuit court is needed to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks The Virginia State Police (VSP) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts all checks required by Federal and State law. Some dealers request instant checks by using a 1-800 number or the mail to contact the Firearms Transaction Program. High-volume dealers in the Direct Access Program use dial-in technology to request checks. Waiting period No State requirements. Information from applicants The purchaser's name, date and place of birth, current address, Social Security or other identifying number, race, gender, height, and weight are required. The number of firearms purchased in each transaction is recorded by categories (rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver). Purchaser fees VSP charges $2 for a check on a Virginia resident and $5 for a nonresident. State data Virginia maintains fully automated criminal history, fugitive, juvenile, mental health, domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor, and drug user data, plus a file on misdemeanor drug convictions and a calendar file on handgun purchases. Check processing time Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 2 minutes. Transactions that require additional research are normally processed in less than 1 day. Retention of records Data on approved transactions may be retained for 30 days; however, multiple handgun transaction records and a log of requests (with purchaser name, dealer and approval numbers, and date) may be maintained for 12 months. Records of denied transactions are retained for 2 years. Registration No State requirements. Appeals of denials A person who is denied a firearm may request correction of a criminal history record or appeal to the circuit court within 30 days of such denial. Arrests of denied persons VSP arrests all persons denied because of an outstanding warrant and arrests persons who submit false information in some cases. Using set criteria, VSP, in conjunction with commonwealth attorneys, decides which denied persons should be prosecuted under Virginia law. 2000 firearm checks Transfers: 182,170 applied; 2,568 denied (1.4%). 2000/2001 legislation An amendment provided that an order of involuntary commitment, an adjudication of incapacity, or an order restoring capacity may be used to determine a person's eligibility to possess, purchase, or transfer a firearm. Relevant laws Code of Virginia Title 18.2, Chapter 7, Article 7. Source of information Virginia State Police. Washington FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits ownership, possession, or control of a firearm by a person who is convicted of a serious offense, felony, or misdemeanor as specified by statute; involuntarily committed for mental health treatment; under 18 years of age; or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a serious offense. Offenders under the supervision of the department of corrections shall not own, use, or possess firearms. A person at least 18 but less than 21 may possess a handgun only in certain places. State law does allow permissible firearms for children under 18 years of age for events such as hunting or trapping under a valid license, target shooting or practicing at an established range, or an organized competition. Restoration of rights. An offender's right to possess firearms may be restored by a court of record or a governor's pardon. A convicted felon may petition the court of record for restoration if the offender has no previous violation and no subsequent violation for any offense for 5 years (3 years if convicted of a non-felony offense) after completing a sentence. Certain offenders are not eligible for restoration. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful, with limited exceptions, for any person to manufacture, own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, or have in possession or under control any machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase handguns from licensed dealers. Residents of other States may purchase long guns in Washington unless otherwise prohibited. A firearms dealer is required to have a State license. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A license is required to carry a concealed handgun. An alien lawfully present in the U.S. must obtain a license to possess or carry any firearm. Background checks. Applicants for handgun purchases are checked by 291 sheriffs and police departments that are partial points of contact for the NICS. Checks are conducted upon receiving applications from dealers in person, by fax, or by regular or certified mail. State law provides that a handgun can be delivered to the purchaser when the dealer is notified of an approval or when 5 business days have elapsed. The time allowed for a check can be extended up to 30 days when the applicant has a record which lacks certain dispositions, or up to 60 days for persons who are new Washington residents or lack the required identification. Licensed dealers contact the FBI for checks required by the Brady Act on persons who purchase long guns or redeem pawned firearms. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. The Washington handgun application requires the purchaser's name, address, race, gender, height, weight, eye color, date of birth, place of birth, driver's license or ID number, and date of application plus the type, make, model, and serial number of the weapon. Purchaser fees. None. State data. A statewide network maintains automated fugitive, criminal history, and domestic violence restraining order/misdemeanor data. Some juvenile data are also available. Mental health records are accessed manually and institutions are contacted by telephone or e-mail. The State is pursuing improvements to domestic violence misdemeanor and mental health record systems. Check processing time. Background checks are completed in less than 60 days. Retention of records. State law provides that a checking agency shall retain or destroy handgun purchase applications in accord with 18 U.S.C. 922. Generally, approved applications are retained for a maximum period of 20 days and denied applications are retained indefinitely. The department of licensing may keep copies or records of handgun purchase applications. Dealers retain copies of applications for 6 years. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a handgun purchase may appeal to superior court. Arrests of denied persons. In cases of outstanding warrants, checking agencies normally notify the agency with jurisdiction over the fugitive. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. WA. Revised Code 9.41.010 et seq. Source of information. Washington State Patrol. West Virginia FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. West Virginia law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who is convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; addicted to alcohol; an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; adjudicated as a mental defective or committed involuntarily to a mental institution; an illegal alien; dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; subject to a domestic violence protective order; convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; or a minor under the age of 18 (except in limited circumstances). It is illegal to sell, rent, give, or lend a firearm to a prohibited person. Restoration of rights. State law provides that prohibited persons may petition the circuit court of the county where they reside for an order which allows firearm possession. The court may enter an order if it finds such person capable of exercising the responsibility concomitant with possession of a firearm. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful for any person to carry, transport, or possess any machine gun, submachine gun, or any other fully automatic weapon, except in compliance with Federal law. Regulated sales. West Virginia does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A license is required to carry a concealed handgun. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in West Virginia contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. West Virginia maintains fully automated fugitive and criminal history data on a statewide network, and manually maintains some domestic abuse data. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. No State requirements. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal under Federal law. Arrests of denied persons. Not applicable. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. West Virginia Code 61-7-1 et seq. Source of information. West Virginia State Police. Wisconsin FBI conducts long gun NICS checks State requests handgun NICS checks Prohibited persons. State law prohibits firearm possession by or transfer to a person who has been convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or a similar crime elsewhere, adjudicated delinquent for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, found not guilty of a felony in Wisconsin or a similar offense in another jurisdiction by reason of mental disease or defect, committed for treatment and ordered not to possess a firearm, enjoined or ordered not to possess a firearm under a domestic violence injunction, or is under 18 years of age (except in limited circumstances). Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to possess firearms may be restored by a governor's pardon or Federal relief. A person who was adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile (after April 1994) may regain firearm rights if the court determines that the offender is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Prohibited firearms. No person, with limited exceptions, may sell, possess, use, or transport any machine gun or other fully automatic weapon, or sell, offer to sell, transport, purchase, or possess a short-barreled shotgun or short- barreled rifle. Regulated sales. State law requires background checks on persons who purchase handguns from licensed dealers. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. State law does not provide for concealed firearm permits. Background checks. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) is a point of contact for the NICS and conducts checks on handgun purchasers required by Federal and State law. Licensed firearms dealers request instant checks by using a 1-800 number to contact DOJ. State law requires that a check be completed before 48 hours have expired; however, the time limit can be extended by 3 days for felony charges with no recorded disposition. A denial by DOJ is not currently reported back to NICS but will be in the near future. Dealers contact the FBI for checks required by the Brady Act on persons who purchase a long gun or redeem a pawned firearm. Waiting period. A 48-hour waiting period, which begins when DOJ acknowledges receipt of purchaser information from a dealer, is required for handgun sales regardless of when a background check is completed. Information from applicants. Handgun purchasers must provide the following information: name, previous names, address, race, gender, height, weight, date of birth, hair color, eye color, date of application, and certification that no disqualifying grounds exist. Purchaser fees. A fee of $8 is charged for a background check. State data. Wisconsin maintains fully automated fugitive, criminal history, juvenile, domestic violence misdemeanor/ restraining order, and mental health data on a statewide network. Probation and parole files are kept manually. Check processing time. Routine transactions are normally processed in less than 2 minutes. Transactions that require additional research normally are processed in less than 1 day. Retention of records. Data on approved transactions are retained for no more than 30 days. Data on denied transactions are retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a handgun may appeal first to the DOJ Crime Information Bureau and then to the Administrator of the Division of Law Enforcement Services. A further appeal may be filed in State court. Arrests of denied persons. DOJ reports denied persons to ATF, the Wisconsin Department of Investigation, local police, district attorneys, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Wisconsin Statutes 175.30; 175.35; 941.20 et seq; 948.60. Source of information. Wisconsin Department of Justice. Wyoming FBI conducts NICS checks Prohibited persons. Wyoming law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who has previously pleaded guilty to or been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a violent felony or a felony of causing bodily injury to a peace officer, and has not been pardoned. Restoration of rights. A person convicted of a violent felony may regain the right to possess a firearm through a governor's pardon. Prohibited firearms. None. Regulated sales. State law does not require background checks on firearms purchasers. Residents of contiguous States may purchase long guns in Wyoming unless otherwise prohibited. Permits. A permit is not required to purchase firearms. A license is required to carry a concealed dangerous weapon. Background checks. The State is not a point of contact for the NICS. Licensed firearms dealers in Wyoming contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. The Wyoming Attorney General’s office conducts background checks on applicants for concealed weapon licenses, after receiving applications from county sheriffs. ATF allows a holder of a valid concealed weapon license to purchase a firearm without a NICS check. Waiting period. No State requirements. Information from applicants. No State requirements. Purchaser fees. No State requirements. State data. Wyoming maintains a statewide network with fully automated records of criminal histories and fugitives who are wanted in felony or misdemeanor warrants. Misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence offenses can be identified in criminal history records. Domestic violence restraining orders are entered in State and NCIC protection order files. Wyoming is planning an interface between the court system and the State and NCIC files for automated entry of restraining orders. Check processing time. Not applicable. Retention of records. Information on persons who are denied a concealed weapon license is retained indefinitely. Registration. No State requirements. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a firearm by the FBI may appeal pursuant to Federal law. A person who is denied a concealed weapon license may submit additional documents and request reconsideration by the Attorney General. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. 2001/2002 legislation. No significant changes. Relevant laws. Wyoming Statutes 6-8-101 et seq. Source of information. Wyoming Attorney General. American Samoa FBI conducts NICS checks Territory conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. The Territory of American Samoa does not allow handguns on the island. Police officers are not required to carry firearms in the performance of their normal duties. However, police officers are authorized by statute to carry firearms, providing they have completed firearms training and are certified by a competent authority. A person's baggage is checked for firearms upon arrival. Shotguns of various gauges and .22-caliber rifles are allowed. It is unlawful to transfer a firearm to a person who is prohibited from possession, less than 18 years old (except in limited circumstances) or intoxicated. A firearm cannot be possessed by a person who has been convicted of or confined for a dangerous felony in the territory or elsewhere during the preceding 5 years, or who is a fugitive from justice, a habitual drunkard, a drug addict, or currently adjudged mentally incompetent. Restoration of rights. Restoration of firearm rights may be given at the discretion of the attorney general or the Department of Public Safety, upon review of an application. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful to knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell a machine gun, a short barreled rifle or shotgun, or any other firearm for which a valid license from the commissioner of public safety has not been obtained. (Exceptions to these prohibitions are stated in the prohibited weapons statute.) Regulated sales. Territorial licensing requirements apply to all transfers of legal firearms. Permits. A license is required to possess, import, or sell firearms. Each license issued shall specify the number, quantity, and description of the arms which may be possessed, imported, or sold, or otherwise transferred. A license to possess must be renewed every year and must be in the licensee's possession when carrying such arms. Background checks. The checks required by American Samoa law on purchasers of shotguns and .22-caliber rifles are performed by the territorial police, after the owner brings in the sales receipt and the weapon. The police conduct background checks and issue licenses. The process includes checking NCIC through the American Samoa Office of Territorial and International Criminal Intelligence and Drug Enforcement (OTICIDE), as well as checking with police departments on neighboring islands. Waiting period. No requirements. Information from applicants. Territorial law allows requests by the police for any information as may be reasonably required. Purchaser fees. A fee of $2 is charged by the police for first time license applicants, and $2 is charged for renewal of a license. The late registration fee is $2. State data. Information is maintained manually. Check processing time. No information is available. Retention of records. License records are retained in accordance with territorial statutes of limitation or as long as a licensee is in possession of firearms. Registration. Legal firearms are marked with such letters as may be designated by the commissioner of public safety and also marked with a number indicating the order of the license and registration as specified in the license, unless the arm has a plainly visible and distinctive serial number stamped on it. Appeals of denials. An appeal of a license denial may be addressed to the attorney general. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. Relevant laws. American Samoa Code 46.4201 et seq. Source of information. American Samoa Office of Territorial and International Criminal Intelligence and Drug Enforcement (OTICIDE). Guam FBI conducts NICS checks Territory conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Guam law prohibits issuing a Firearms Identification Card to a person who is convicted of a felony; an alien; charged with a felony; adjudicated incompetent or committed to a mental institution; under the age of 18; convicted of a drug offense or a misdemeanor where personal injury or use of firearms was an element or factor of the offense; or who appears to suffer from a physical or mental disease which would adversely affect the safe use of the firearm applied for. Restoration of rights. A convicted felon's right to receive an identification card cannot be restored. Prohibited firearms. The manufacture, possession, sale, barter, trade, gift, transfer, or acquisition of any machine guns, submachine guns, automatic rifles, or certain short firearms is prohibited. Regulated sales. All transfers of lawful firearms, except for temporary transfers at shooting galleries, require that the person receiving the firearm hold an identification card. Permits. A Firearms Identification Card is required to own, possess, use, carry, or acquire any lawful firearm. Background checks. The Guam Police Department (GPD) conducts background checks on identification cards applicants. FBI data and local files are checked. Waiting period. No requirements. Information from applicants. Identification card applicants must provide the following: name, current address, previous address, place of birth, date of birth, home phone, duty phone, Social Security number, occupation, employer, race, gender, height, weight, eye color, and hair color. Purchaser fees. First time applicants must submit a money order or bank draft payable to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the amount of $24, for the FBI background information fee. Once the background check is cleared and the application is approved, the applicant is charged a fee of $15 for the identification card (renewable every 3 years). There is also a fee of $20 for the registration of each firearm. State data. Guam agencies maintain fugitive, criminal history, and mental health data. Check processing time. The identification card process can take as much as 6 to 10 weeks while the applicant's background is being checked. Retention of records. GPD retains all identification card applications indefinitely. Registration. After a weapon is purchased, the receipt is taken to the GPD. The weapon is inspected by the duty armorer and registered by the department. Private sales and transfers to or from pawnbrokers require a new registration. Appeals of denials. Territorial law does not provide a procedure for appealing an identification card denial. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. Relevant laws. Guam Code 10-60100 et seq. Source of information. Guam Police Department. Puerto Rico FBI conducts NICS checks Commonwealth conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. The Superintendent of Police of Puerto Rico shall not issue a license to have or possess firearms to any person who has been convicted of any of the following offenses or of the attempt to commit the same, in or outside Puerto Rico: murder in any degree, man- slaughter, kidnaping, rape, mayhem, intent to commit any felony, aggravated assault and battery with a weapon, robbery, burglary, misappropriation, aggravated misappro- priation, arson, aggravated arson, or incest. In addition, a license cannot be issued to any person who is mentally unbalanced, a habitual drunkard, addicted to a controlled substance, or an alien, or who has been a citizen of the United States and renounced such citizenship, or has been adjudicated as a mental defective by a court or discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions, or is under a court order prohibiting stalking, spying, threatening, or approaching an intimate partner or children of an intimate partner, or has a history of violence. Restoration of rights. No regulations cover restoration of rights. Prohibited firearms. It is unlawful to sell or keep for sale, or offer, give, lease or otherwise dispose of or transport any automatic firearm, or to possess a machine gun, carbine, rifle, sawed-off shotgun or any other modification of these, or any other firearm that may be fired automatically. Regulated sales. The Weapons Law establishes that no dealer in firearms or ammunition shall deliver a firearm or issue the corresponding delivery permit to a purchaser without the latter producing a license to have and possess a firearm. No weapon is sold to the holder of a license from which the sales permit has been removed. Licensing requirements apply to all firearm sales. Permits. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires a license to purchase or carry a firearm. Background checks. License applications require background checks conducted by the Police of Puerto Rico. Applications are received by certified mail or in person. The Commonwealth is not a point of contact for the NICS. Dealers must contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No requirements. Information from applicants. Fingerprints are required and the standard ATF form is used. An application shall be made under oath. Purchaser fees. Commonwealth law requires that every application shall be accompanied by an internal voucher for $100. State data. The police department maintains an electronic registry. Check processing time. The background check process can take from 6 to 12 months. Retention of records. Approved applications are retained by the police for a maximum period of 20 days. Registration. Every firearm sold is registered with the Superintendent of Police. Appeals of denials. A license denial can be appealed under the uniform administrative procedures of the Commonwealth. Arrests of denied persons. ATF is notified of persons who submit false information on an application. Relevant laws. Laws of Puerto Rico 25-411 et seq; Law No. 404 of March 1, 2001. Source of information. Chief of the Weapons Registry for the Police of Puerto Rico. Virgin Islands FBI conducts NICS checks Territory conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. Virgin Islands law provides that a license to have and possess a firearm cannot be issued to a person who has been convicted in or outside the territory of a crime of violence, a drug law violation, or a firearms law violation, or is mentally incompetent, a habitual drunkard, a drug addict, or deemed to be an improper person by the police. A firearm cannot be sold or furnished to a minor except in limited circumstances. Restoration of rights. No information is available. Prohibited firearms. It is illegal to have, possess, bear, transport or carry any machine gun or sawed-off shotgun. Regulated sales. Licensing requirements apply to all firearm sales. Permits. A license is required to possess, transport, or carry a firearm. A purchase coupon is issued to a license applicant when the application is approved. The weapon purchased is brought in to the firearms unit of the Virgin Islands Police Department. Information about the weapon is recorded and listed on the license issued to the applicant. Background checks. License applications require a background check by the Virgin Islands Police Department, which includes contacting the FBI for a NICS check. The applicant completes and returns a notarized application. If no problems are found during the check, the information is forwarded to the Police Commissioner, who approves or disapproves the application. A purchase coupon takes the place of a NICS check at the point of sale. Waiting period. Firearm transfers require a 48-hour waiting period, regardless of when a background check is completed. Information from applicants. A license application is accompanied by four photographs and notarized statements from character references. Fingerprints are required. Other required information varies with the type of application. Purchaser fees. The Virgin Islands charges a $5 application fee, a $50 registration fee per weapon, and a $15 late registration fee. The renewal fee is $30 per weapon. New photographs are required with each renewal. State data. No information is available. Check processing time. No information is available. Retention of records. No information is available. Registration. After purchase, the bill of sale and the weapon are brought to the police, who record all pertinent information. Appeals of denials. A person who is denied a license can appeal to territorial court. Arrests of denied persons. No information is available. Relevant laws. Virgin Islands Code 14-2253; 23-451 et seq. Source of information. Virgin Islands Police Department. Washington, D.C. FBI conducts NICS checks District conducts separate checks Prohibited persons. A registration certificate for a legal firearm cannot be issued to a person who is under 18 years of age (those between the ages of 18 and 21 need a notarized statement from a parent or guardian); convicted of or under indictment for a crime of violence or weapons offense; convicted of an offense involving drugs, assaults, or threats; acquitted by reason of insanity; adjudicated a chronic alcoholic; committed to a mental hospital; suffering from a physical defect and unable to use a firearm safely; adjudicated negligent in a firearm mishap causing death or serious injury; or otherwise ineligible under District law. Registration applicants are required to demonstrate adequate vision and pass a written test evidencing satisfactory knowledge of District firearm laws. Restoration of rights. Persons convicted of offenses involving drugs, assaults, or threats, and certain other prohibited persons may be allowed to register a firearm after a 5-year disqualification. Prohibited firearms. A registration certificate shall not be issued for a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, short-barreled rifle, or handgun not validly registered prior to September 24, 1976. Handguns cannot be purchased, except by law enforcement officers, retired District police officers, military personnel, licensed dealers, and organizations employing at least one commissioned special police officer or employee licensed to carry a firearm (where the handgun is used solely during the employee's duty hours). Regulated sales. Private individuals may only sell or transfer registered firearms and ammunition to a licensed dealer in the District, and may only purchase long guns in person from a licensed dealer. Delivery of a firearm to a District resident will be withheld until a registration certificate is issued by the Metropolitan Police Department. Permits. A valid registration certificate is required for possession or transfer of any firearm. Background checks. The Chief of Police conducts background checks and issues registration certificates. The District is not a point of contact for the NICS; licensed dealers contact the FBI for all checks required by the Brady Act. Waiting period. No requirements. Information from applicants. Registration information includes the applicant's name, present address, previous addresses, occupation, business address, date and place of birth, gender, history with firearms, and the intended use and location of the firearm, along with information about the firearm to be transferred and the transferor. Fingerprints and proof of District residency are required, and two recent photographs must be submitted. Purchaser fees. The fingerprint fee is $26.50 and the firearms registration fee is $10. State data. Criminal history records include domestic violence misdemeanor conviction and restraining order data. Mental health records are checked if a registration applicant indicates a commitment. Check processing time. A check is processed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Retention of records. No information is available. Registration. All handguns owned prior to September 24, 1976 were required to be registered on or before November 22, 1976. Long guns acquired after September 24, 1976 must also be registered. Appeals of denials. Registration denials and revocations may be appealed to the Police Department. Evidence supporting reconsideration must be submitted otherwise the denial or revocation will be upheld. A police decision may be appealed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. In the event of a final unfavorable decision, the applicant or registrant must lawfully dispose of the firearm. Arrests of denied persons. A violation of the District's firearms control act may result in a $1,000 fine or 1 year in jail, or both. Relevant laws. District of Columbia Code 2001, Title 7, Chapter 25; Firearms Control Act of 1975. Source of information. United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia. Alabama Isaac Kervin, Criminal Justice Information Center, 770 Washington Avenue, Room 350, Montgomery, AL 36130, (334) 242-4900 Alaska Diane Schenker, Department of Public Safety, Division of Administrative Services, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507, (907) 269-5092 Arizona Willard Whalen, Department of Public Safety, Concealed Weapon Permit Unit, P.O. Box 6638, Phoenix, AZ 85005, (602) 223-2702 Arkansas Cora Gentry, AFIS/ID Bureau One State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209, (501) 618-8501 California Steve Buford, Department of Justice Firearms Program, P.O. Box 820200, Sacramento, CA 94203, (916) 227-3500 Colorado Michael Igoe, CBI InstaCheck Unit 690 Kipling Street, Room 3000, Denver, CO 80215, (303) 239-4235 Connecticut Robert Kiehm, State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457, (860) 685-8160 Delaware David Deputy, State Police Bureau of Identification, P.O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903, (302) 739-5872 Florida Martha Wright, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302, (850) 488-4931 Georgia Terry Gibbons, Bureau of Investigation Crime Information Center, P.O. Box 370808, Decatur, GA 30037, (404) 244-2638 Hawaii Liane Moriyama, Criminal Justice Data Center, 465 South King Street, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 587-3101 Idaho Robert Taylor, Bureau of Criminal Identification, 700 South Stratford, Meridian, ID 83642, (208) 884-7132 Illinois Scott Giles, State Police Firearms Services Bureau, 100 Iles Park Place, Springfield, IL 62708, (217) 782-5015 Indiana Fred Pryor, State Police Firearms Division, Government Center North, 100 N. Senate Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204, (317) 232-8264 Iowa Sam Knowles, Department of Public Safety, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515) 281-8422 Kansas David Sim, Bureau of Investigation, 1620 Southwest Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 291-3029 Kentucky Joe West, State Police Support Services, 1250 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 695-6205 Louisiana Kenneth Martin, State Police Concealed Handgun Section, P.O. Box 66375, Baton Rouge, LA 70896, (225) 925-4867 Maine Barry Hathaway, Department of Public Safety, 36 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04333, (207) 624-7062 Maryland W.T. Szimanski, State Police Firearms Enforcement Division, 7751 Washington Boulevard, Jessup, MD 20794, (410) 799-0191 Massachusetts Barry LaCroix, Criminal History Systems Board, 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, (617) 660-4600 Michigan Katie Bower, State Police Firearms Records Unit, 7150 Harris Drive, Lansing, MI 48913, (517) 322-5518 Minnesota Karen R. McDonald, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 1246 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104, (651) 642-0602 Mississippi Judy Tucker, Department of Public Safety, Firearm Permit Unit, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205, (601) 987-1586 Missouri T. P. McGrail, State Highway Patrol, Criminal Records Division, P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 526-6160 Montana Karen Nelson, Department of Justice, CJIS Bureau, 303 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59620, (406) 444-9621 Nebraska David Dishong, State Patrol, P.O. Box 94907, Lincoln, NE 68509, (402) 479-4099 Nevada Jeff Artz, Highway Patrol, 808 West Nye Lane, Carson City, NV 89703, (775) 687-1600 New Hampshire Patrick Poirier, Department of State Police, James H. Hayes Safety Building, 10 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305, (603) 271-3575 New Jersey Mike Aneskewich/ John O'Brien, Division of State Police, P.O. Box 7068, West Trenton, NJ 08628, (609) 882-2000 New Mexico Paul V. Herrera, Department of Public Safety, Technical and Emergency Support, P.O. Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504, (505) 827-9191 New York Kenneth J. Connolly, Division of Criminal Justice Services, 4 Tower Place, Albany, NY 12203, (518) 457-4181 North Carolina Gene Melvin, Bureau of Investigation, 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27601, (919) 662-4509 North Dakota Robert J. Helten, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Information Services Division, P.O. Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 328-5500 Ohio Lonnie Rudasill, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, P.O. Box 365, London, OH 43140, (740) 845-2000 Oklahoma Rusty Featherstone, Bureau of Investigation, 6600 North Harvey, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, (405) 879-2535 Oregon Clifford W. Daimler, State Police Identification Services, 3772 Portland Road NE, Salem, OR 97303, (503) 378-3070 Pennsylvania John Thierwechter, State Police Bureau of Records and Identification, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110, (717) 783-5592 Rhode Island Vincent McAteer, Department of the Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, 150 S. Main, Providence, RI 02903, (401) 421-5268 South Carolina Carlotta Stackhouse, Law Enforcement Division, 4400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29221, (803) 896-7143 South Dakota Robert Grandpre, Division of Criminal Investigations, Administration Services, 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, (605) 773-3331 Tennessee Doug Woodlee, Bureau of Investigation, 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216, (615) 744-4000 Texas David Gavin, Department of Public Safety, Crime Records Division, P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765, (512) 424-2077 Utah Joyce Carter, Bureau of Criminal Identification, 4501 South 2700 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, (801) 965-3810 Vermont J. Paul Duquette, Newport Police Department, 222 Main Street, Newport, VT 05855, (802) 334-6733 Virginia R. Lewis Vass, State Police Records Management Division, P.O. Box 27472, Richmond, VA 23261, (804) 674-2148 Washington Debbie Anderson, State Patrol Identification Section, P.O. Box 42619, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 570-5230 West Virginia Thomas A. Barrick, Department of State Police, 725 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309, (304) 746-2177 Wisconsin Mary Studevant, Department of Justice Criminal Records Section, 123 West Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53702, (608) 267-2776 Wyoming James M. Wilson, Division of Criminal Investigation, 316 West 22nd Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002, (307) 777-7523 American Samoa Jacinta Brown, O.T.I.C.I.D.E., P.O. Box 4567, Pago Pago, AS 96799, (684) 633-2827 Guam Edward Kabina, Police Department, 287 West Obrien Drive, Agana, GU 96910, (671) 475-8459 Puerto Rico Julio L. Rosa, Department of Justice, P.O. Box 9020192, San Juan, PR 00902-0192, (787) 729-2484 Virgin Islands Anthenia Brown, Police Department, Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802, (809) 774-2211 Washington, D.C. Thomas Zeno, U.S. Attorney's Office, 555 4th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001, (202) 514-6922 Firearm information pages and checking agency home pages: Alabama Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.state.al.us/weapon.html Alaska Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.state.ak.us/ast/achp/ Arizona Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.state.az.us/ccw/welcome.htm Arkansas State Police http://www.asp.state.ar.us/chl/chl.html California Department of Justice Firearms Division http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/ Colorado Bureau of Investigation Insta-Check Unit http://cbi.state.co.us/ic/index.htm Connecticut State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit http://www.state.ct.us/dps/SLFU/index.html Delaware State Police Bureau of Identification http://www.state.de.us/dsp/sbi.htm#Firearms Florida Department of Law Enforcement http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/ Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Information Center http://www.state.ga.us/gbi/gunckar.html Honolulu Police Department Firearms Unit http://www.honolulupd.org/html/ref/gunlaw.htm Illinois State Police http://www.isp.state.il.us/ Indiana State Police http://www.in.gov/isp/ Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Administrative Services http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/asd/license.htm Kentucky State Police http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/ksp/ccdw/ccdfr.htm Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Section http://www.dps.state.la.us/lsp/chips.html Maryland State Police http://www.inform.umd.edu/UMS+State/MD_Resources/MDSP/ Massachusetts State Police http://www.state.ma.us/msp/firearms/index.htm Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center http://www.state.mi.us/msp/cjic/Firearms.htm Mississippi Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/divpages/ ci2firearm?OpenDocument Montana Department of Justice Legal Services http://www.doj.state.mt.us/ls/weapons.htm Nevada Highway Patrol http://nhp.state.nv.us/ New Hampshire State Police http://www.state.nh.us/nhsp/index.html New Jersey State Police Bureau of Identification http://www.njsp.org/about/id.html New Mexico Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.nm.org/dps/beta/cchome2.htm New York State Police Pistol Permit Bureau http://www.troopers.state.ny.us/Firearms/Firearmsindex.html North Carolina Department of Justice http://www.jus.state.nc.us/NCJA/guns.htm North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation http://www.ag.state.nd.us/ Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation http://www.osbi.state.ok.us/ Oregon State Police http://www.osp.state.or.us/ Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division http://www.psp2.state.pa.us/ri/ Rhode Island Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation http://www.riag.state.ri.us/criminal/investig.html South Carolina Law Enforcement Division http://www.sled.state.sc.us/ Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Instant Check System http://www.tbi.state.tn.us/TICS/tics.htm Texas Department of Public Safety Concealed Handgun Licensing Section http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/ chl/chlsindex.htm Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation http://www.bci.ps.state.ut.us/ Vermont Department of Public Safety http://170.222.24.9/cjs/vtnics.html Virginia State Police Firearm Transaction Center http://www.vsp.state.va.us/cjis_ftc.htm Washington State Department of Licensing http://www.wa.gov/dol/bpd/firfront.htm West Virginia State Police Legal Division http://www.wvstatepolice.com/legal/ Wisconsin Department of Justice Handgun Hotline http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/handgunhotline.asp Wyoming Attorney General http://attorneygeneral.state.wy.us/dci/index.html Assault weapon A semiautomatic firearm with a large-capacity magazine and special features common to military weapons. Antique firearm A firearm manufactured in or before 1898 or a replica thereof, provided it is not designed for using rimfire or conventional ceterfire fixed ammunition; or any muzzle loading rifle, shotgun or pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. Curio or relic A firearm manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date or certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum, or that derives a substantial part of its monetary value from the fact that it is novel, rare, bizarre, or associated with some historical figure, period, or event. Firearm Any weapon that is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. Handgun A firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand, such as a pistol or revolver. Long gun A firearm with a barrel extended to around 30 inches to improve accuracy and range, and commonly with a shoulder butt, designed to be fired with two hands, such as a rifle or shotgun. Machine gun (automatic firearm) A firearm that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one bullet, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Pistol A weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile from a barrel when held in one hand, and having a chamber as an integral part of, or permanently aligned with, the bore, and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand and at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore. Revolver A projectile weapon, of the pistol type, having a breech loading chambered cylinder so arranged that the cocking of the hammer or movement of the trigger rotates it and brings the next cartridge in line with the barrel for firing. Rifle A weapon, designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder; and designed and made to use the energy of an explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. Semi-automatic firearm A firearm that utilizes a portion of the energy of a firing cartridge to extract the fired cartridge case and chamber the next round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each cartridge. Short-barreled rifle A rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length, and any weapon made from a rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches. Short-barreled shotgun A shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length, and any weapon made from a shotgun, whether altered or modified, if such weapon has an overall length of less then 26 inches. Shotgun A weapon designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, and designed and made to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger. Unsafe handgun ("Saturday night special" or "junk gun") A handgun with a barrel length under 4 inches that is easily concealable and is not effective for sporting or self defense purposes due to its poor quality of construction, inaccuracy, and lack of essential safety features. Definitions are from or adapted from Federal and State codes (a jurisdiction's laws should be consulted for its specific definitions). ---------------------------------------------- Acronyms ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms BJS Bureau of Justice Statistics CLEO Chief Law Enforcement Officer DOJ Department of Justice FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation FFL Federal Firearms Licensee GCA Gun Control Act III Interstate Identification Index NCHIP National Criminal History Improvement Program NCIC National Crime Information Center NICS National Instant Criminal Background Check POC Point of Contact ------------------------------------------------ End of file 04/17/03 ih Revised 4/29/03 th