Arizona Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What kind of background check is required to buy a firearm from a licensed dealer in Arizona?

1. No background check is required

2. A statewide background check only

3. A federal background check

4. Both a federal and a statewide background check

The correct answer is: A federal background check

When purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer in Arizona, a federal background check is required. This process is mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which stipulates that federally licensed firearms dealers must conduct a background check on potential buyers through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The purpose of this background check is to ensure that individuals prohibited from owning firearms—such as those with felony convictions or certain mental health adjudications—are not able to purchase guns. While Arizona does not impose an additional statewide mandatory background check for firearm purchases from licensed dealers, the federal requirement stands alone and must be adhered to for compliance with federal law. Thus, the focus remains on the federal background check as the essential and required step in the purchasing process.