The Tennessee Instant Check System (TICS) is a critical component of gun law enforcement in the United States, used to ensure responsible firearm purchases and transfers. Operated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the system enforces state and federal laws by requiring firearms dealers to conduct background checks for all gun buyers and those looking to redeem firearms from pawn shops. The TBI examines each applicant’s background and checks for prior criminal charges or mental illness records to verify their eligibility. This process is integral to preventing gun violence by ensuring that firearms aren’t sold to individuals prohibited from owning or carrying them.
Key Information Collected in the TICS Process
Gathering background information on each applicant is crucial to the TICS process. It allows the TBI to conduct thorough background checks that align with Tennessee law and federal law enforcement.
- Personal identification details, including full name and driver’s license number
- A criminal history record with felony convictions or restraining orders
- Existing mental health information
To be eligible to own a firearm in Tennessee, individuals cannot be prohibited from owning a handgun in any state, cannot have a felony conviction, and cannot have a charge for domestic violence. This process allows the TBI to conduct a thorough review of the applicant to confirm their eligibility for firearm ownership. It ensures that applicants adhere to state and federal guidelines to help prevent prohibited persons from purchasing a firearm.
TICS Appeals and Denials
While the goal is a quick and efficient background check for firearm purchasers, there are times when an application is denied. This outcome is typically due to the discovery of disqualifying factors such as prior criminal activity that prohibits someone from owning a firearm.
How to Challenge a TICS Denial
- File an Appeal: Individuals have 30 days from the notice of denial to submit the appeal form to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The TBI has a fax number for applicants to conveniently submit their appeals: 615-744-4660.
- Check Appeal Status: There is a system for applicants to check the status of their appeal form. After entering the state transaction number and their date of birth, they can receive updates on the progress of their case.
- Review and Decision: The TBI reviews the appeal, considering all additional information that was provided. If the appeal shows that the individual has no disqualifying criteria, the denial may be overturned and they can proceed with their gun purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the TBI has a background check record with outstanding disqualifying charges or the final disposition hasn’t occurred, the transaction will be denied. If the buyer submits an appeal, the TBI will look for more information on those charges to decide if the buyer is eligible or not. If they can’t obtain the final disposition information within the required 15 days, the transaction will be marked as “Conditional Proceed.” This gives the gun dealer the option to finalize the sale, but it doesn’t mean they have to complete it.
Yes, individuals with a carry permit still have to go through an extensive background check through the FBI’s background check system. The carry permit isn’t enough to show that you are eligible to own a firearm.
If you haven’t heard anything back after submitting an appeal form, you can check the status by contacting the federal firearms dealer who ran your transaction.
Once the licensed firearm dealer initiates the background check, it typically takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.
Yes, all firearm sales or redemptions from licensed dealers require a TICS check. Private sellers are not required to conduct a background check, but they should still keep a record of the buyer’s name, address, and driver’s license.