If the state is acting as a POC, does that mean that all NICS checks go through the POC rather than the FBI?

That depends on the state. In some states, the POC conducts background checks for all firearms transactions. In other states, licensees must contact the POC for handgun transactions and the FBI for long gun transactions. In some POC states, NICS checks for pawn redemptions are handled by the FBI.

Last Reviewed May 15, 2020