Paid for Gun but Failed Background Check? 3 Steps To Take Immediately

Background check repair icon.Written by Background Check Repair

Background Checks | June 20, 2024

Man paid for gun but failed background check and wonders why would I fail a background check for a gun while looking at a firearm background check document on the left that has an x marked in red in the failed checkbox and a handgun, a dealership store and a dollar bill on the right.

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Paid for gun but failed background check?

The background check that accompanies gun purchases is an “instant” check system, and usually, it is run before the sale of the firearm is conducted. But in cases where the purchase was done online, or when protocols are ignored, the situation can arise where the firearm was bought, but the background check failed.

When this happens, there are specific steps that anyone can take immediately to have their money returned or to correct any erroneous information on the national background check.

The Brady Act,4 adopted in 1993, is a federal statute that compels legally registered firearms sellers (FFLs)5 to perform due diligence on gun buyers. The Bureau built the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)6 to conform with the Brady Act, which is a consolidated database of data made up of three independent central databases.1

These units work together to deliver an ‘instant’ background check for gun buyers, based on fingerprint records.

But if your background check has failed after you’ve paid for a gun, the first thing to do is run a background check on yourself so you can see what records exist, and how to clear them.

What Should I Do If I Paid for Gun Online but Failed Background Check?

If a gun was purchased but the background check failed, take action quickly. The following steps outline the process.

Step #1. Run a Self Background Check

This is the best and most effective method to see what shows up on a background check. Ideally, it should be done before the gun purchase.

The word 'Background Check' is underlined with a red line.

When the background check is run first, any inconsistencies or inaccuracies can be dealt with by contacting the agency that reported it. Because data entry errors do occur…and even fingerprint checks can return erroneous information, doing a background check on yourself can prevent the paid-for gun but failed background check dilemma. 

The fastest way to search your background is to contact an agency that performs the check and offers a 7-day free trial background check membership. This provides the full search without the cost.

Users can also take advantage of the Identity History Summary platform managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. With a digital fingerprint and a fee, the FBI will issue a personal RAP sheet, identifying criminal activity and convictions that can disqualify gun buyers from purchases.

Step #2. Check the Firearms Dealer Return Policy

When buying a firearm at a local store, the salesperson will usually wait until one has completed the background investigation before charging them.

If one were to place a custom order for a handgun that needed payment in advance, they should inquire about how they would manage such a case. A person might also inquire with a local gun dealer to see if they can perform a background check on them before they do anything to avoid putting money down and having a problem.2

ATF Screenshot showing the federal firearms listings search feature and how to download licensed firearm dealers lists and links to show who pays for gun background checks.

If someone buys a gun online, they pay for it in advance and then have it transported to their local FFL seller for registration and background verification.

Before proceeding, make sure to check out the online merchant’s policy for dealing with “paid for gun but failed background check” problem.

A person would expect to pay shipment and restocking costs in most circumstances where payment is accepted upfront. However, with a special-order weapon, the policy may be specific.

#3. Fix the Criminal Record

In many states, it’s easier than ever to expunge any criminal convictions that may cause someone to fail a background check.

After doing a self-criminal history search (using state sites and platforms to ensure the most accurate information), reach out to see if there is a process in place to remove the criminal record.

Alabama criminal history record information screenshot with yellow arrow pointing to information on how to get Alabama criminal history check done before having a failed gun background check.Here’s a list of states with their websites explaining the expungement process:

Getting a Charge Expunged in Each StateState Expunction Lookup
AlabamaPetition for Expungement of Records – E-Forms
AlaskaREQUEST TO SEAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION
ArizonaNo Specific Law. Closest Solution is ARS 13-905, which has a conviction set aside.
ArkansasEXPUNGEMENT – Arkansas Department of Corrections
CaliforniaClean Your Record – criminal_selfhelp – California Courts
ColoradoSelf Help – Forms – Seal My Case
ConnecticutErasure of Criminal Records – Connecticut General Assembly
DelawareDelaware State Courts Expungement/Pardon of Criminal Record
FloridaSeal and Expunge Process – Florida Department of Law
GeorgiaFile Request to Expunge a Criminal Record | Georgia
HawaiiHawaii Criminal Justice Data Center | Expungements
IdahoDo you qualify for an Expungement? – Idaho State Police
IllinoisAdult Expungement & Sealing Information and Forms – Illinois
IndianaISP: Expunge Criminal History – IN
IowaApplication to Expunge Misdemeanor Court Records
KansasExpungement Of Criminal History Records – Kansas
KentuckyExpungement Certification Process – Kentucky Court of Justice
LouisianaLA Clerks of Court Association Expungements
MaineCriminal Record Challenge Process – Maine.
MarylandExpungement (Adult) – Maryland Courts
MassachusettsExpunge Your Criminal Record | Mass
MichiganExpungement Assistance – State of Michigan
MinnesotaCriminal Expungement – Minnesota Judicial Branch
MississippiMississippi – Expungement – Criminal Justice and Employment
MissouriExpungement of Criminal Records – Missouri State Public Defender System
MontanaConviction Expungement Process
NebraskaPetition to Set Aside a Criminal Conviction – Nebraska Judicial 
NevadaInformation on the Sealing of Nevada Criminal History Records
New HampshireAnnulment of Criminal Records – NH
New JerseyeCourts Expungement System – NJ Courts
New MexicoExpungement – Supreme Court Law Library
New YorkSealed Criminal Records | NY Court Help – Unified Court System
North CarolinaExpunctions | North Carolina Judicial Branch
North DakotaEXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS – North Dakota 
OhioSealing An Ohio Criminal Record – Legal
OklahomaCriminal History Record Expungement – Oklahoma State
OregonExpungement: Self Help: State of Oregon
PennsylvaniaCriminal Expungement Process – Pennsylvania State Police
Rhode IslandExpunge my criminal record under Rhode Island law
South CarolinaExpungement -SC Eleventh Judicial Circuit
South DakotaUJS Pro Se Expungement Forms – SD Law Help
TennesseeTennessee Expunction – TN
TexasGeneral Information – Expunctions and Nondisclosure Orders
UtahExpunging Adult Criminal Records – Utah Courts
VermontExpungement and Sealing of Criminal History Records
VirginiaExpungement of Criminal Records 
WashingtonSealing and Destroying Court Records, Vacating Convictions
West VirginiaEXPUNGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS – West Virginia Judiciary
WisconsinPardons – Wisconsin State Law Library
WyomingExpungement of Criminal Records – Equal Justice Wyoming

It’s often advisable to reach out to an attorney for help since the expungement process is conducted through the court system.

What Will Fail a Gun Background Check? (Why Would I Fail a Background Check for a Gun?)

Various criminal convictions impact whether a person is allowed to purchase a firearm. But, all states have their own laws and statutes.

The following table shows what will disqualify a person from a gun background check and the gun laws in all 50 states.

StateDisqualifiersGun laws
AlabamaCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
Gun Laws | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
AlaskaCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
Alaska Concealed Handgun
ArizonaCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
ARIZONA WEAPONS AND FIREARMS LAWS
ArkansasCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
Handgun law – Arkansas
CaliforniaCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
Bureau of Firearms | State of California – Department of Justice
ColoradoCriminal history of a felony
Criminal history of domestic violence
Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
Criminal history of drug abuse
Domestic violence restraining orders
Colorado Gun Laws | Colorado State Patrol – CSP
ConnecticutRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Firearms – CT.
DelawareRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons (CCDW)
FloridaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Florida Gun Laws
GeorgiaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Georgia Gun Laws
HawaiiRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Hawaii Gun Laws
IdahoRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Gun & Weapon Law 
IllinoisRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Illinois Gun Laws
IndianaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Indiana Handgun Laws
IowaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Iowa Weapons Law
KansasRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Kansas Gun Laws
KentuckyRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Kentucky Gun Laws
LouisianaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Louisiana Gun Laws
MaineRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Concealed Carry in Maine 
MarylandRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Handgun Laws Maryland
MassachusettsRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Gun ownership in Massachusetts
MichiganRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Statewide Handgun Regulations
MinnesotaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Minnesota Firearms Laws
MississippiRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Mississippi | Handgun law
MissouriRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Handgun Laws in Missouri
MontanaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Concealed Weapons – Montana Department of Justice
NebraskaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Firearm Laws in Nebraska
NevadaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
Handgun laws in Nevada 
New HampshireRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Unlawful User/Addicted to a Controlled Substance,
Fugitive from Justice,
New Hampshire Handgun laws 
New JerseyRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Firearms and Weapons 
New MexicoRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Handgun laws | New Mexico
New YorkRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
NY SAFE Act
North CarolinaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
NORTH CAROLINA FIREARMS LAWS 
North DakotaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Constitutional Concealed Carry
OhioRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Ohio Gun Laws
OklahomaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Oklahoma – Handgun laws
OregonRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Firearms – Oregon State Legislature
PennsylvaniaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania
Rhode IslandRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Rhode Island Gun Laws
South CarolinaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
South Carolina – Handgun laws
South DakotaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
South Dakota Firearm Handbook
TennesseeRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Handgun Related Laws
TexasRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Carry of Firearms – Gun Laws
UtahDishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Utah | Handgun laws
VermontRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Protection/Restraining Order for Domestic Violence,
Under Indictment/Information,
Vermont – Handgun laws
VirginiaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Virginia Gun Laws
WashingtonRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Under Indictment/Information,
Washington Firearms Laws Summary
West VirginiaRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibition
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Firearms Handbook 
WisconsinRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Concealed Carry Weapons Law
WyomingRenounced U.S. Citizenship
Dishonorable discharge,
Illegal/Unlawful Alien,
Adjudicated Mental Health,
Under Indictment/Information,
State Prohibitor
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence Conviction,
Handgun laws – Wyoming

What Happens to a Gun Purchaser Who Fails the Background Check?

Paid for gun but failed background check? Before a background investigation can begin, all buyers must fill out a Firearms Transaction Record or Form 4473.

Guns and cartridges with a public domain Form 4473 required for firearm purchase.

Individuals will have perpetrated a new misdemeanor punishable by a jail term not exceeding five years in imprisonment if they falsify a prior criminal record on the form; however, it is unclear how far these felonies are prosecuted.

With a Failed Gun Background Check, Can I Get My Money Back?

When the background investigation disqualifies an individual, the weapon is to be given back to the seller and the acquisition cost is reimbursed in most cases. There may be additional fees charged by the seller if the gun was purchased online, such as restocking fees, etc.

So, have you paid for gun but failed background check?

Every year, the national instant background check system prevents thousands of people who are forbidden from possessing weapons from purchasing them. Some people may have paid for gun but failed background check, and in that case, they can work to get their record cleared so that they may legally own a self-defense weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paid for Gun About Failed Background Checks

Who Pays for Gun Background Checks?

Anyone who wishes to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in the U.S.3

How Many Gun Background Checks Are Denied?

A total of 300,000-gun sales were halted due to background checks, a new high in 2021.

Why Would a Firearm Background Check Be Denied?

  • Criminal history of a felony
  • Criminal history of domestic violence
  • Criminal records of other Crimes, etc.)
  • Criminal history of drug abuse
  • Domestic violence restraining orders

I Have Just Been "Delayed" for a Firearm Purchase. Does This Mean I Can't Go to Another Gun Shop and Try The Purchase Again?

A licensed seller can legitimately transfer a gun to a delayed buyer once 3 business days are up under federal law.3

What Happens to a Gun Purchaser Who Fails the Background Check?

A state or federal weapon restriction may apply to potential gun buyers who get a “Denied” designation on their vetting. Individuals who have been denied may file a dispute in the Voluntary Appeal File.7

What Should I Do If I Get a “Delay” in a Gun Purchase?

File a dispute to the Voluntary Appeal File.

Can I Check My Own Background for a Gun Purchase Without Wasting Time at the Dealer?

No. The background check must be accomplished using official channels.

Can I Get a Free Gun Background Check?

No. One must pay the dealer.

Can I Find Out Why I Was Delayed for a Gun Purchase?

Yes. By running a background check on yourself, you can find out which convictions disqualified the purchase.


References

1Background Check Procedures. (2022, February 3). Giffords. <https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/policy-areas/background-checks/background-check-procedures/>

2Does a gun store refund your purchase price if you fail background check? (2022, June 3). Quora. <https://www.quora.com/Does-a-gun-store-refund-your-purchase-price-if-you-fail-back-ground-check>

3Background Checks for Guns: What Do You Need to Know? (2020, July 20). CriminalWatchDog. <https://www.criminalwatchdog.com/faq/background-checks-for-guns>

4Frandsen, R. J. (2010, June). Enforcement of the Brady Act, 2008: Federal and State Investigations and Prosecutions of Firearm Applicants Denied by a NICS Check in 2008. Retrieved June 06, 2022, from <https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/bjs/231052.pdf>

5ATF. (2022). Federal Firearms Listings. Listing of Federal Firearms Licensees. Retrieved June 06, 2022, from <https://www.atf.gov/firearms/listing-federal-firearms-licensees>

6National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). (2022). Services. Retrieved June 06, 2022, from <https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics>

7FBI. (2022). Firearm-Related Challenge (Appeal) and Voluntary Appeal File (VAF). Services. Retrieved June 06, 2022, from <https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics/national-instant-criminal-background-check-system-nics-appeals-vaf#:~:text=Prospective%20firearms%20buyers%20who%20receive,to%20the%20Voluntary%20Appeal%20File>

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