General Questions
Q: What is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database?
A: The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was established by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (Brady Act) of 1993, Public Law 103-159. Pursuant to this law, Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must contact the NICS system to obtain immediate information with respect to whether a firearm can be transferred to an unlicensed person, or whether doing so would be in violation of Section 922 (g) or (n) of Title 18, United States Code, or state law.
Q: Who is identified in the NICS system?
A: The NICS Index contains records provided by local, state, and federal agencies about persons prohibited from receiving firearms under federal law. All records in the NICS Index are considered to be “federally disqualifying records” and will prohibit the transfer of a firearm. Among the records in the NICS system are those including the names of individuals who have been adjudicated as having a mental disability or committed to a mental institution. These terms include an involuntary commitment to a mental institution and commitment for other reasons, such as drug use (please note that involuntary commitment for substance abuse treatment is currently not authorized under New York State Law).
Q: Can an individual contest his/her inclusion in the NICS database?
A: Yes. You may contact the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act if you have been identified in the NICS system as having an involuntary hospitalization in New York, and you believe that this is factually incorrect. To contest your inclusion based on factual error, contact the Office at (518) 549-1180.
Q: How do I contact the Office to initiate a Certificate of Relief application process if I have been disqualified from possessing a firearm based on my hospitalization?
A: If you have been disqualified for firearm possession based on an involuntary admission to a hospital in New York State, you must contact the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act, via mail at P.O. Box 66329, Albany, New York 12206, via email, or via telephone at (518) 549-1180.
Q: What is a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities relating to Firearm Possession?
A: New York State Mental Hygiene Law Section 7.09(j) gives the Commissioner of Mental Health the power to permit a person who has been disqualified from possessing a firearm based on an involuntary hospitalization in New York State to petition for relief from that civil rights disability. If a Certificate of Relief from disabilities is issued, then the disqualification from possessing a firearm based on an involuntary hospitalization in New York will be removed from the NICS database.
Q: How do I apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?
A: To apply for a Certificate of Relief, you must complete the application and submit it to the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act along with all other required documentation. All documentation must be sent via mail. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Q: What documentation must be submitted to be considered for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?
A: Along with the application, the applicant for a Certificate of Relief must also provide the following required documentation.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of criminal history information?
A: To obtain a certified copy of your New York State criminal history information, you must contact New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Record Review Unit at (518) 485-7675, or go to the DCJS Record Review website. To obtain a certified copy of your criminal history information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, please visit their website. The Federal Bureau of Investigation will require a signed cover letter, provided by the FBI, along with proof of identity (set of fingerprints) and payment to be sent to:
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division - Record Request1000 Custer Hollow RoadClarksburg, West Virginia 26306
You must allow approximately 16-18 weeks for processing, upon receipt by the FBI. Either a no record response or a FBI Identification Record will be mailed to you.
Q: Will I be required to undergo a clinical evaluation and risk assessment?
A: The Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act reserves the right to request that the applicant undergo a clinical evaluation and risk assessment. The applicant will be contacted if a clinical evaluation is required. If it is required, the applicant must have the examination completed within 90 days from the date that the request for the examination is made by the Office.
Q: Does the granting of a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities automatically qualify a person to purchase a firearm?
A: No. A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities issued by the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act does not automatically qualify you to purchase or possess a firearm. A Certificate of Relief will only remove the disability based on your psychiatric hospitalization in New York State.
Q:If the application for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is denied, can the applicant re-apply?
A: Yes. However, if you are denied you may not apply again for a Certificate of Relief until one year after the date that the written determination of denial is issued.
For Law Enforcement
Q: How does a law enforcement official contact the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act regarding firearm possession?
A: Law enforcement agencies seeking verification of the identity of an individual identified in the NICS system must contact the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act at (518) 549-1180 or via email.
Q: What if a disqualified applicant contests his/her inclusion in the NICS database?
A: The individual should be directed to contact the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act. A representative will assist the caller in verifying if any episode of involuntary care occurred at a psychiatric center in New York State.
Q: Will the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act provide verification for an individual contesting his/her inclusion in the NICS database?
A: The Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act will notify NICS if it is determined that the individual in question was improperly identified by the NICS system.
The Office will advise the individual in question that he/she may apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities if it determines that the individual in question did have an episode of involuntary care in New York.
Q: What information do I have to provide to the Office of NICS Appeals and SAFE Act for the verification process?
A: You should provide your full name and a copy of your social security card, birth certificate, and drivers license. Please do not send original documents.
Additional Resources
Q: What if I have questions about the application process?
A: Questions or comments related to a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities process can be directed to the Office of NICS Appeals via email or by phone at (518) 549-1180.