Approvals usually happen instantly, often within 60 seconds. V-Check uses an automated workflow to determine whether to approve or delay a purchase.

Delays can occur for various reasons. One common cause is purchasing a second handgun or revolver within 30 days without a concealed handgun permit (CHP). Another occurs when someone else in the country shares the buyer’s name, as V-Check scans three federal databases for criminal history. To avoid unnecessary delays, buyers should provide unique information such as their SSN and birthdate. A common saying is, “once delayed, always delayed,” which often holds true for individuals who have ever received a delay.

The In-Research status typically applies to buyers under 21 purchasing long guns (shotguns or rifles). In these cases, VSP must manually verify eligibility through records checks. Although 18-year-olds can legally purchase shotguns and AR-15 rifles, they still face a waiting period due to this additional review. In rare cases, individuals over 21 may also be placed in the In-Research category for various reasons. Those affected may need legal counsel to request an adjudication from the VSP to correct their records.

A Denied status usually results from a buyer’s criminal history, whether known or unknown. In such cases, the firearm cannot and should not be released. However, one common false alarm occurs when someone unintentionally violates Virginia’s one-handgun-per-month law. To avoid a denial for this reason, buyers must obtain a Virginia concealed handgun permit and submit it to V-Check through their FFL.

Lots of people think that the background check will show personal criminal records. V-Check does not do this, it is simply a status indicator for whether an individual is able to receive a firearm from the FFL doing the check. You will receive a final status of either approved or denied after the check is done through V-Check.