The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks are used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. As of September 2024, a total of 233,948 background checks have led to a Federal denial because the buyer was a fugitive from justice.
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024
NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. Before ringing up the sale, cashiers call in a check to the FBI or to other designated agencies to ensure that each customer does not have a criminal record or isn’t otherwise ineligible to make a purchase.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
FBI. (October 28, 2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
FBI. "Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024." Chart. October 28, 2024. Statista. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
FBI. (2024). Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
FBI. "Federal Denials Resulting from Background Checks Done by The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (Nics) in The United States from 1998 to 2024." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Oct 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
FBI, Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited February 12, 2025)
Federal denials resulting from background checks done by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the United States from 1998 to 2024 [Graph], FBI, October 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/249704/reasons-for-firearm-purchase-denial-following-an-nics-background-check-in-the-us/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
