Firearm Background Checks and Compliance
Every firearm transfer to a non-licensee in the United States must follow strict regulations to confirm a buyer’s eligibility. A firearm background check helps firearm dealers confirm whether a buyer can legally own a gun under federal law and state law. These checks protect firearm rights while maintaining public safety and industry accountability.
FastBound simplifies this complex process. Its secure, automated platform connects directly with state and federal agencies to perform instant background checks through NICS E-Check. This ensures every Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) can meet compliance requirements with less manual work and greater accuracy.
By automating information collection and verification, FastBound empowers firearm dealers to stay compliant, protect customers, and reduce risk during every firearm transaction.
What is NICS and Why Does It Matter?
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is managed by the Department of Justice and operated by the FBI. It allows firearm dealers to quickly verify if a buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms under federal law.
When a buyer attempts a firearm transfer, the dealer submits a NICS request to confirm eligibility. NICS searches multiple federal and state databases, including the NICS Index, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the Interstate Identification Index (III), to identify any disqualifying records.
These safeguards help maintain the integrity of firearm sales while supporting the goals of law enforcement and official government organizations. For both FFLs and customers, NICS ensures legal and transparent firearm transactions across the U.S.
Why Automate Background Checks?
Manual entry and paper forms increase the risk of human error and compliance issues. By automating the background check process, FastBound helps firearm dealers:
- Save time by eliminating redundant data entry.
- Reduce mistakes when entering buyer details or serial numbers.
- Improve record-keeping accuracy for audits and inspections.
- Maintain faster turnaround times for NICS background check results.
Automation keeps federal firearms licensees compliant with changing regulations and minimizes costly administrative work. FastBound connects dealers directly to the national instant criminal background check system, allowing real-time processing, improved data security, and streamlined compliance for every firearm transaction.
The Role of FastBound in NICS Integration
FastBound’s platform offers direct NICS E-Check integration, allowing firearm dealers to connect directly to NICS Web Services, providing instant firearm background checks without even switching tabs. It automates data submission, maintains audit logs, and supports integration with participating state agencies for local compliance.
- California DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) Entry System (DES)
- Colorado CBI InstaCheck
- Florida FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan RI-060
- New Hampshire State Police
- New Jersey
- New York NICS
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS)
- Tennessee Instant Check System (TICS)
- Utah BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification)
- Virginia
- Washington SAFE System
FastBound centralizes these varying systems into one compliant interface, providing FFLs with consistent access to state and federal background check databases within a single, secure environment.
NICS Direct Integration: Instant, Seamless, and Efficient
FastBound’s NICS Direct Integration provides instant access to background checks through secure information services access built into the platform. This feature allows dealers to handle every step of the NICS process in one place, improving speed, accuracy, and compliance.
Key Advantages:
Dealers can initiate and track background checks directly in FastBound, reducing time spent switching between systems.
Each firearm transaction updates automatically when results are received, eliminating manual status checks and keeping records accurate.
Automatically updates Section Q27.e with the final status and includes updated contact details for better coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Dealers do not need to set up or maintain static IP addresses or digital certificates. FastBound manages the required configuration and security, removing the technical burden without the need for dedicated servers.
This integration improves accuracy and compliance for every FFL, reducing friction in the background check process while meeting all NICS section reporting requirements.
The Importance of NCIC Checks (New BSCA Feature)
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) maintains a database that tracks stolen or lost firearms through the gun file. Under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), FFLs can now verify whether a firearm has been reported stolen before acquiring it.
FastBound’s new Stolen Gun Search connects directly to the NCIC system, automatically submitting a firearm’s serial number for verification.
This feature helps:
- Identify stolen firearms instantly.
- Protect dealers from potential confiscations.
- Maintain compliance with the latest federal agency regulations.
By integrating NCIC checks into FastBound, FFLs gain confidence in their acquisitions and uphold accountability with every firearm record they manage.
Stay Compliant with FastBound
FastBound provides the most advanced, automated solution for firearm background checks in the industry. With real-time NICS e-check and NCIC gun file integrations, dealers can process transactions quickly, securely, and confidently, no matter their location or size. Whether managing a single store or a multi-state operation, FastBound empowers every dealer to stay compliant, simplify reporting, and protect their business.
Discover how FastBound transforms compliance. Start your free trial today and experience instant background check automation built for the future of firearm compliance.