New Hampshire does not require background checks for private or non-dealer gun sales. Only licensed firearm dealers must conduct background checks before selling a firearm.
We go into further detail on this and the state’s other gun laws in our NH gun laws article. If you’d rather learn about the background check process, keep reading.
Overview of Background Checks in New Hampshire
Are They Required?
Background checks aren’t required for gun buyers in private or non-dealer gun sales in New Hampshire. Bills of sale aren’t required for them either.
Background checks are still required for licensed dealers’ firearm sales, however. This is because federal law mandates it for them.
Eligibility
You can pass a gun background check in New Hampshire by being of the minimum age to possess the gun you’re buying and being legally eligible to own guns in the state.
As an example, you can’t pass the background check if you’re trying to buy a handgun and are 16 years old.
That’s because the minimum age to buy one is 18 if it’s from a private seller and 21 if it’s from a licensed dealer.
Timeframe
Most background checks in NH take around 3 business days. Depending on how long the queue is, it may be shorter or longer. The fastest checks take a mere few minutes.
Appeal Process
If you fail the background check and think it an error, try the appeal process:
- Ask www.fbi.gov/nics-appeals for the reason for denial.
- Provide these with the query:
- Your complete name
- Your complete mailing address
- Your NICS Transaction Number or State Transaction Number
- Wait for the Appeal Services Team’s reply.
- Challenge the cause of denial once you receive it by providing proof refuting it, preferably in the form of court or government documents.