Looking for how to locate or verify a serial number on a firearm in general? See our guide on how to check serial numbers on guns.
About the NCIC Stolen Gun File
The NCIC Stolen Gun File is a national database maintained by the FBI under the National Crime Information Center. It stores gun records of firearms reported stolen, lost, recovered, or used in a felony across federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Federal firearm licensees can query this database to verify if a firearm has been reported stolen.
In June 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA, Public Law 117-159) was enacted. Section 12004(h) directs the FBI to provide FFLs “information necessary to verify whether firearms offered for sale to such licensees have been stolen.” In plain English: the law gives you a pathway to check the NCIC Gun File before you acquire a firearm into your inventory.
- As of August 4, 2025, all federal firearm licensees can voluntarily query the FBI’s NCIC Gun File to determine if a firearm has been reported as stolen. On the same date, FastBound launched a built-in NCIC Stolen Gun Search inside its bound book software.
- While federal law does not require FFLs to check if firearms are stolen before acquisition, state law or local law may.
- The check applies to acquisitions from individuals, private sale transactions, and used firearm intake.
How to Access the NCIC Stolen Gun File
The FBI has provided three methods for querying stolen gun records. FFLs can use the NICS E-Check portal directly, partner with a local law enforcement agency, or use a state-hosted secure site if one is available in their state. Access method options vary depending on where the firearm dealer operates.
NICS E-Check Portal
The NICS E-Check portal at cjis.gov gives FFLs direct access to the FBI’s NICS Section. Use the “Stolen Gun Query” tool, which is separate from standard background check forms.
- Your FFL must be registered to access eNICS.
- Results come directly from the NCIC database.
- A match only returns when the gun serial number is an exact match.
- Result fields include serial number, make, model, caliber, and type.
State or Local Law Enforcement Partnering
Some states have existing partnerships that allow agencies to run NCIC queries on behalf of FFLs. A local police department or sheriff’s office may handle the serial number check for your firearm business. Contact your local law enforcement agency to confirm the process.
State-Hosted Secure Site or Data Extract
A few states offer access through a secure application or extract of the NCIC Gun File. The Colorado CBI Instacheck Unit, for example, provides state-administered access for FFLs in Colorado. View state-specific access methods at www.fbi.gov/nics-ffl.
Before you check to see if a firearm is stolen, confirm what your state, local, and business license requirements are when acquiring firearms from a non-licensee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FBI’s lost and stolen gun serial number database?
The FBI maintains the NCIC Stolen Gun File, a national database of firearms reported stolen. Federal firearm licensees gained voluntary access to query this database in August 2025 under Section 12004(h) of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. FFLs can submit a firearm’s serial number through the NICS E-Check Portal, a state partnership, or a state-hosted secure site.
Does federal law require an FFL to verify whether a firearm is stolen?
No. Federal law makes such checks voluntary for FFLs, though state law, tribal regulations, or local rules may differ. Even where checks are voluntary, running a serial number check on every acquisition reduces risk to the firearm dealer and demonstrates due diligence during ATF inspections.
Do I have access to the NCIC Stolen Gun File in my state?
Yes. All FFLs in the United States have access to the NCIC Gun File. Some states may additionally require the use of a state-administered process. For state-by-state details, see the NCIC Stolen Gun File Access page or the FBI’s NICS participation map.
I’m in a Point-of-Contact (POC) state for NICS background checks, may I still use NICS E-Check?
Yes. POC-state FFLs can register with the FBI’s NICS Section to run stolen-gun checks through NICS E-Check. The stolen gun query runs separately from the standard firearm background check process. Hours of access match the FBI’s E-Check availability schedule.
What information is required to run a search?
Only the firearm’s serial number is needed for an NCIC search through NICS E-Check. State systems may request additional information such as make, model, or caliber. The serial number returns a match only when it exactly matches an entry in the NCIC Gun File.
How do I run an NCIC query when the serial number is unusual?
For NCIC E-Check searches, start with the number on the frame or receiver. If the serial number is longer than 20 characters, search the right-most 20 characters first, then the left-most 20 if no match appears. For general questions about locating a serial number on a firearm, see how to check serial numbers on guns.
What response will I get from an NCIC search?
The NCIC system returns one of two responses to a serial number check. A positive match flags the firearm as a potential stolen gun. A “No Record” response means no stolen entries matched the serial number submitted. A “No Record” response does not guarantee the firearm was never stolen, only that no record matches the serial number queried.
Who should I contact if I receive a positive match?
Promptly notify the ATF and the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where the firearm is located. Retaining a firearm flagged as stolen could violate 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). The store owner or FFL should follow ATF or local-law-enforcement guidance instead of holding the firearm.
Am I expected to hold a firearm that returns a positive match?
No. Retaining a flagged firearm could violate federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). Follow ATF or local-law-enforcement guidance for next steps. Document the inquiry, the response, and the law enforcement contact in your inventory records to show due diligence.
Must I tell the seller I’m running an NCIC check?
Federal law does not require an FFL to notify the seller before running an NCIC check. State law may impose notice requirements. Consult counsel for any state-level rules that apply to your firearm business.
How is the NCIC Gun File different from firearm tracing?
The NCIC Gun File flags whether a firearm has been reported stolen. Firearm tracing is a separate ATF process that tracks the chain of ownership of a firearm used in a criminal investigation. The NCIC check happens before acquisition. Tracing happens after a firearm is recovered by law enforcement.
Where can I learn more about reporting a stolen firearm?
If a firearm is missing from your inventory, see FastBound’s guide on how to report a stolen gun. The report goes to your local police department and the ATF. Public records and reporting agency entries help recover firearms when serial numbers are documented.
How FFLs Check Stolen Guns in FastBound
FastBound built the NCIC Stolen Gun Search directly into its bound book software. FFLs can run a query from the Pending Acquisition, Acquisition Receipt, or Item Details screens without leaving the bound book workflow. See the step-by-step workflow for full instructions.
A firearm may still be stolen even when the NCIC Stolen Gun File returns a “No Record” response. If you are unsure or suspect the firearm may be stolen, seek advice from your legal counsel, local law enforcement, the ATF, or refuse to purchase the firearm from the seller.
FastBound helps FFLs stay compliant without the extra workload. Start a free trial to see the NCIC Stolen Gun Search in action.