Not sure what happened, but I'm pleased

* Who can request a NICS Appeal? Individuals who believe they have been erroneously denied a firearm transfer based on a match to a record returned by the NICS may request an appeal of their deny decision.
* How do I initiate an appeal request? All appeal inquiries must be submitted to the NICS Section’s Appeal Services Team (AST) in writing. Due to the Privacy Act of 1974, specific information cannot be disseminated to you via telephone. Appeal requests can be mailed, faxed, or electronically transmitted via the Internet.
* How do I request an appeal packet? To request an appeal packet, you can either print a copy of the appeal brochure and downloadable fingerprint card from the NICS Appeal website or you can call the NICS Customer Service at 1-877-FBI-NICS (324-6427). Appeal packets can be sent to you via mail, e-mail, or fax. You will need to provide your complete name and address, e-mail address, or fax number to the NICS customer service representative.
* How will I know the NICS received my appeal request? The AST will respond to your initial appeal request, in writing, by providing you the general reason for your denial within five business days. They will also advise you if a fingerprint card or additional documentation is necessary to further your appeal process.
* What do I need to include in my appeal request? You must provide your complete name, complete mailing address, and NICS Transaction Number (NTN) or State Transaction Number (STN). Failure to submit all required information may result in the rejection of your appeal request.
* What is a NICS NTN or STN? An NTN is a unique number assigned to each valid background check inquiry received by the NICS. An STN is a unique number assigned by a State Point of Contact to a valid background check inquiry. The primary purpose of an NTN or STN is to provide a means of associating inquiries to the NICS with the responses provided by the NICS to the Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs).
* Where can I get my NTN or STN? You must go to the FFL or state agency who initiated your NICS background check and request your NTN or STN.
* Should I submit my fingerprints along with my initial appeal request? Yes, providing your fingerprints along with your initial appeal request may help accelerate the appeal process.
* Is a fingerprint card mandatory to initiate an appeal request? In cases involving criminal history records, if fingerprints are not submitted along with an individual’s initial appeal request, they may subsequently be required to submit their fingerprints or certified court documentation to help establish positive proof of identity.
* Where should I go to get my fingerprint impressions rolled? Law enforcement agencies such as sheriff’s offices, police departments, etc., or any other authorized fingerprinting agency can roll your fingerprints for you.
* Do all fingerprinting agencies charge a fingerprinting fee? Fingerprinting agencies have the option to set their own individual rates or fees for fingerprint processing.
* Are electronic scanned fingerprint images accepted? Yes, individuals must request the fingerprinting agency to print a copy of their electronic scanned fingerprint images which will then need to be mailed to the AST. Note: Appeal Fingerprint Cards are not accepted via fax or the Internet.
* What do I do if my fingerprint card was rejected by the AST? You should first read the appeal response letter to determine if the fingerprint card was rejected because the fingerprints were insufficient and could not be processed, or if the fingerprint card information was incomplete. Either way, you will need to go back to the agency who initially rolled your fingerprints and ask the agency to complete the missing information or re-roll your fingerprints again if the fingerprint images were unable to be processed. (Note: The agency rolling the fingerprint impressions must include its agency name and address on the fingerprint card. The agency’s telephone number and employee’s signature must also be included.)
* Is there a way to find out the current status of my appeal request? You may contact the NICS Customer Service at 1-877-FBI-NICS (324-6427) for a status check. You will need to provide your name and NTN or STN to receive a NICS appeal status update.
* How can I cancel my appeal request? You must request the cancellation of your appeal request in writing. The request must include your complete name, mailing address, and NTN or STN.
* Can I have my response letter sent to my e-mail address? All appeal response letters are sent via the U.S. Postal Service. They cannot be sent via e-mail due to the Privacy Act of 1974.
* What do I do once I receive the overturn appeal letter and the appeal certificate? You must take the embossed overturn appeal certificate to the original FFL. If 30 days have elapsed since the initial background check, the FFL must recheck the NICS before allowing the transfer.
* How do I get a copy of my FBI identification record? If you have appealed a denied transaction and submitted your fingerprints to the AST, you will receive a copy of your FBI identification record only if your appeal is unable to be resolved. If you would like a copy of your FBI identification record without filing a NICS appeal, you may contact the Biometric Services Section’s Customer Service Group at (304) 625-5590.
* How can I challenge the accuracy of my FBI identification record? You may challenge the accuracy of the record used in the evaluation of your denial or declare your rights to obtain a firearm have been restored, etc. If you have additional information (e.g., court documentation), you should include the information along with your written appeal request. Please be advised every attempt is made to update all appropriate records in order to alleviate any complication on future background checks. You may also pursue completion or correction of any criminal history record maintained by the state and forward any modifications of your criminal history record directly to the NICS Section. You must include your NTN or STN on your additional documentation.
* Can I appeal a delay status? Appeal requests are for denied transactions. If you are experiencing extended delays, you will need to complete a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) Application. You can either print a copy of the VAF Application and downloadable fingerprint card from the NICS Appeal website or you can request a VAF Application by contacting the NICS Customer Service at 1-877-FBI-NICS (324-6427). VAF packets can be sent to you via mail, e-mail, or fax. You will need to provide your complete name and address, e-mail address, or fax number to the NICS customer service representative.
* If my mailing address changes, who should I contact? If your address changes during the time your appeal request is in process, you should contact the NICS Customer Service at 1-877-FBI-NICS (324-6427) and advise them you have appealed a transaction and you need to have your new address updated. You will need to provide your name, NTN and/or STN, and the new address to the NICS customer service representative. Address changes may also be requested by writing to the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, National Instant Criminal Background Check System Section, Appeal Services Team, Post Office Box 4278, Clarksburg, WV 26302-4278.

NRA_guy wrote:About 12 years ago I was going through the same delay in approvals. I was told that it could be something like a felon who has a name similar to mine or a SSN close to mine.

I just got a CCW permit and there is no longer any background check when I buy a gun.

Hrdnox wrote:If I'm not mistaken, you fill out the 4473 and there's someplace to record your CCW # on it and the phone call never has to be made at all. Bad thing is, the ATF has the FFLs so scared of making a mistake that not all of them honor it. Even then, the phone call with your CCW # should provide an instant approval to proceed.

lpdb185 wrote:cool. i've learned something new today. but, it'll probably be a while before i get another gun and get to try it out, LOL.

jakeg823 wrote:

lpdb185 wrote:cool. i've learned something new today. but, it'll probably be a while before i get another gun and get to try it out, LOL.

It definitely makes life easier