USPS now accepts fingerprints for FBI gun purchase denials

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The FBI is teaming up with the USPS to help out people trying to buy guns with a new fingerprinting service.

The FBI announced in a press release on July 15 that it is partnering up with the USPS to help people who have registered with the Identity History Summary Check (IdHSC) program. This is to streamline the process people go through when appealing firearm purchase denials from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

People can register with a participating post office to access these new digital fingerprinting services. At a cost of $50, people can have the post office send their fingerprints off to the FBI.

Registrants can obtain an IdHSC, known as a "rap sheet," for different kinds of NICS appeals. These include the following:

• Challenges to IdHSC records. Examples include if an applicant believes a record entry is incorrect or an entry record is not complete.
• Challenges to firearm purchase denials. Some reasons given by the FBI for incorrect denials could be cases of mistaken identity or incorrect entries in IdHSC records.
• People who want to participate in the Voluntary Appeal File. This file contains clarifying information to help bring down unnecessary delays or incorrect denials for firearm purchasers who were denied more than once or who experienced frequent delays.

To find a participating USPS post office for the fingerprinting program or to register with the IdHSC program, click here.

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