Many electronic Form 4473 software products do not require the transferee to sign and date the certification in items 22 and 23 until after the NICS process is completed and the form is printed. Is this permissible?

No. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) information, regardless of method of entry, may only be entered after the transferee/buyer signs and certifies the eForm 4473 (items 22 and 23).

[27 CFR 478.124(c)(3)(iv)]

Last Reviewed July 8, 2021