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FastBound Launches Built-In NCIC Stolen Gun File Check: Seamless BSCA Compliance for FFLs

Why This Matters Now

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) opened the door for federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) to verify whether a firearm has been reported stolen, directly against the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Stolen Gun File. FastBound is proud to be among the first compliance platforms to operationalize this capability for dealers and their partners.

 

Starting on August 4, you’ll see a new “Stolen Gun Search” button on three key FastBound screens:

    • Pending Acquisition

    • Committed Acquisition Receipt

    • Item Details

 

A built-in search returns results in seconds, so you immediately know if the firearm you’re about to log has been reported stolen, helping you meet your compliance obligations faster and with less friction.

 

A Quick Refresher: What the BSCA Says About Stolen Gun Checks

In June 2022, the BSCA (Public Law 117-159) was enacted, and Section 12004(h) directs explicitly 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 Stolen Gun File before you acquire a firearm into your inventory.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI subsequently issued regulations and guidance on how FFLs can access that information. While the law doesn’t require you to run a stolen-gun query on every acquisition, it enables you to do so—and strongly encourages systems, like FastBound, to make that process straightforward, auditable, and secure.

 

Compliance Note: The BSCA language also clarifies that using or not using this verification system doesn’t create a new civil cause of action or a standard of care. That said, proactively checking for stolen firearms is both a best practice and a wise business decision, because if you pay for a stolen firearm and law enforcement confiscates it, you’re out the gun and the money.

 

How the New FastBound Feature Works

We built the “Stolen Gun Search” workflow to be:

 

    1. Efficient: Minimal extra steps—FastBound handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes so you get your result in seconds.
    2. Accurate: The firearm’s serial number is automatically passed to the query. You avoid clerical errors and keystroke mistakes.
    3. Documented: Results are stored alongside the acquisition record to support your audit readiness.
    4. Partner-Ready: Integration partners do not need to do anything for customers to access this feature; customers see these new buttons directly in FastBound’s user interface.

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Where You’ll See the Button

 

    • Pending Acquisition: Before acquiring firearms from individuals, check the serial number(s) in seconds.
    • Committed Acquisition Receipt: Need to double-check after the fact—or prove that you already did? The button is there as well.
    • Item Details Screen: At any time during the life of that firearm in your bound book, you can re-run the search.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCIC Stolen Gun File?

The NCIC Stolen Gun File is a law enforcement database maintained by the FBI that lists firearms reported stolen nationwide. FFLs can now verify serial numbers against this file to prevent stolen guns from entering inventory.

 

Is FastBound’s Stolen Gun Search feature mandatory to use?

No. The BSCA authorizes access but does not mandate usage. However, running a quick check can significantly reduce risk and demonstrate due diligence during ATF inspections.

 

Will using this feature slow down my acquisition process?

Not at all. FastBound’s built-in workflow returns results in seconds and is optimized for speed and accuracy, minimizing any impact on your daily operations.

 

Is my data secure?

Yes. FastBound transmits only the required data (like the firearm’s serial number) using secure, encrypted channels that meet or exceed industry best practices.

 

What is the NCIC?

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is an FBI-managed computerized index that shares criminal-justice data on persons (e.g., wanted or missing individuals) and property (e.g., stolen vehicles or firearms) across federal, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies.

 

What information does the NCIC Gun File contain?

It stores records of firearms reported stolen, recovered, lost, missing, or used in a felony; if police recover an unreported firearm, they may enter it as “recovered.”

 

How can an FFL search the NCIC Gun File?

Under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an FFL can:
• work through a partnering law-enforcement agency,
• use a secure state website/app that hosts NCIC data, or
• submit the serial number through the FBI’s NICS E-Check form (separate from background-check submissions).

 

Does federal law require an FFL to verify whether a firearm is stolen?

No. Federal law makes such checks voluntary for FFLs, though state, tribal or local regulations may differ.

How do I know which access method my state prefers?

The FBI and ATF have notified FFLs, and an interactive NCIC Gun File access map is posted at www.fbi.gov/nics-ffl.

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 via E-Check.

What information is required to run a search?

Only the firearm’s serial number (SER) is needed in NICS E-Check; state systems may request more.

If a firearm has several numbers, which one should I use?

Start with the number on the frame or receiver; if no match appears, submit additional queries with other numbers (e.g., on the slide).

What if the serial number is longer than 20 characters?

First search the right-most 20 characters; if nothing matches, search the left-most 20 characters.

How do I interpret the response?

NICS E-Check only returns a record when the serial number is an exact match to an NCIC stolen-gun entry. Review make, model, caliber, etc., to confirm you’re looking at the same firearm.

Who should I contact if I receive a positive match?

Promptly notify ATF and the law-enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where the firearm is located.

Am I expected to hold a firearm that returns a positive match?

No. Retaining it could violate 18 U.S.C. § 922(j); follow ATF or local-law-enforcement guidance instead.

How do I check a firearm with no serial number or with an obliterated one?

If the required serial number has been removed or altered, report the firearm to ATF and local authorities. If the gun never legally had a serial number (e.g., a pre-1968 firearm), run the search using any other identifiers present.

Must I tell the seller I’m running an NCIC check?

Federal law doesn’t mandate notice, but you should consult counsel about any state-level requirements.

When can FFLs that are not yet enrolled with NICS sign up, and when will NCIC Gun File access be active?

Enrollment is open now, and the search capability for newly enrolled FFLs will go live on Monday, August 4, 2025
 

How to Get Started in FastBound

Already using FastBound? The new Stolen Gun Search button is live right now on:

  • Pending Acquisition
  • Committed Acquisition Receipt
  • Item Details
 

New to FastBound? Try it free and see why FastBound has been the leader in firearms compliance since 2010. Spin up an account, create or import an acquisition, and run your first Stolen Gun Search in seconds—no hassle, no extra logins.

 

Pro Tip

Use the feature as part of your standard intake SOP. Even if you only run checks on consignments or private-party buys, having a consistent policy helps ensure compliance and defensibility.

 

Staying Ahead of Compliance Changes

The regulatory landscape evolves fast. FastBound will continue to track guidance from ATF, FBI, and DOJ and ship updates to keep you compliant without extra effort on your part.

 

Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Reminder)

FastBound’s mission is to simplify FFL compliance—period. The new Stolen Gun Search feature is the next step in that journey, empowering you to quickly check serial numbers against the NCIC Stolen Gun File without leaving your workflow.

 

Ready to try it?

 

    • Existing customers: Log in and give it a shot.

    • New to FastBound? Schedule a demo and see how fast compliance can be.

 

Let’s make compliance effortless—together.

 

Integration Partners: Share the Compliance Advantage

If you’re an integration partner using FastBound, you can now promote that Stolen Gun Search is available to your customers inside FastBound’s UI. There is no development needed for this feature—your customers use the new buttons within FastBound through the integration you already provide.

 

    • Update your marketing and onboarding materials to highlight the availability of Stolen Gun Search in FastBound.

    • Encourage customers to run checks during the intake process to reduce risk and demonstrate due diligence.

Article reviewed 08/01/2025

Jamison Collins

Vice President of Sales & Business Development at FastBound

About the Reviewer:

Jamison Collins boasts decades of diverse business leadership experience. Navigating various sectors, he’s carved a significant mark in the firearms industry. Renowned for driving growth and spearheading innovation, Jamison combines a deep understanding of strategic planning with hands-on market dynamics. His commitment to excellence and adaptability makes him a sought-after voice and a trusted figure in firearm industry leadership, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards.

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