The New Hampshire firearm background check system ensures that all firearm sales within the state adhere to federal and state laws. The state follows a two-tiered system – they conduct comprehensive background checks on all handgun purchases, while long guns are managed directly by the FBI. This system enhances public safety by preventing firearms from being purchased by those legally prohibited from gun ownership.
New Hampshire’s Role as a Partial POC State
As a Partial POC state for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the state takes on specific responsibilities for administering background checks. The Department of Safety handles the checks for handgun sales, ensuring that all transactions meet stringent legal criteria. However, for long guns, the responsibility shifts to the FBI, which conducts these checks directly.
Information Collected in the Background Check Process
New Hampshire law enforcement conducts thorough checks to ensure prospective buyers are vetted extensively. The key pieces of information collected include:
- Personal Identification: Verification using a government-issued photo ID to confirm the purchaser’s identity.
- Criminal History: A comprehensive check for any past criminal convictions or misdemeanors.
- Mental Health Records: Checks for any history of mental illness or being committed to a mental health or psychiatric facility.
This detailed collection process helps prevent firearms from being sold to a prohibited person – further enhancing overall public safety.
Approvals and Denials
Universal background checks result in one of two outcomes: approval or denial.
- Approval is granted when no disqualifying factors are found, allowing the gun purchase to proceed.
- Denial is issued when disqualifying information is found, such as a criminal record or history of a severe mental illness, and prevents gun sales from continuing.
When an applicant receives a denial, they can challenge the decision through an appeals process. This system helps maintain the integrity of firearm transactions and upholds the commitment to preventing gun violence.
FastBound’s Solutions
Since 2010, FastBound has processed more firearm compliance transactions for more FFLs than any other provider. We offer advanced solutions to automate state background checks for FFL, providing innovative record-keeping tools and simplifying ATF compliance for users.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no waiting period associated with purchasing guns, but there are additional gun laws that could impact potential buyers, such as:
- Concealed carry requirement
- Extreme risk protection order allows law enforcement to prevent someone from accessing guns
- Prohibits the sale of ghost guns without a background check and serial number
- Prohibits high-capacity magazines
- Etc
No, New Hampshire doesn’t require private sellers (who are not licensed dealers to go through a background check with the state.
Dealers are required to maintain detailed records of all firearm transactions, which must be available for inspection by law enforcement officers as required by state and federal law.