Us Code § 925B - Reporting of background check denials to State authorities

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 925B — Reporting of background check denials to State authorities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 925B. Reporting of background check denials to State authorities

(a) In General.—If the national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (34 U.S.C. 40901) (referred to in this section as "NICS") provides a notice pursuant to section 922(t) that the receipt of a firearm by a person would violate subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 or State, local, or Tribal law, the Attorney General shall, in accordance with subsection (b) of this section—

(1) report to the local law enforcement authority of the State or Tribe where the person sought to acquire the firearm and, if different, the local law enforcement authorities of the State or Tribe of residence of the person—

(A) that the notice was provided;

(B) the Federal, State, local or Tribal prohibition;

(C) the date and time the notice was provided;

(D) the location of the licensee where the firearm was sought to be transferred; and

(E) the identity of the person; and


(2) where practicable, report the incident to State and local prosecutors or Tribal prosecutors in the jurisdiction where the firearm transfer was sought.


(b) Requirements for Report.—A report is made in accordance with this subsection if the report is made under subsection (a) within 24 hours after the NICS denies a firearm transfer in accordance with section 922(t) of title 18, United States Code, except that the making of the report may be delayed for so long as is necessary to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation.

(c) Amendment of Report.—If a report is made in accordance with subsection (b) and, after such report is made, the Federal Bureau of Investigation determines that the receipt of a firearm by a person for whom the report was made would not violate subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 or State, local, or Tribal law, the Attorney General shall notify any law enforcement authority and any prosecutor to whom the report was made of that determination.

(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to require a report with respect to a person to be made to the same State authorities that made the original denial determination with respect to the transfer of the firearm.

(Added Pub. L. 117–103, div. W, title XI, §1101(c), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 919.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section not effective until Oct. 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after Mar. 15, 2022, see section 4(a) of div. W of Pub. L. 117–103, set out as a note under section 6851 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 925B is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 925B. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 925B

What does United States Code § 925B cover?

Section 925B ("Reporting of background check denials to State authorities") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 925B?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 925B apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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