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As a result of the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) of 2022, the PICS Section has been working towards the implementation of an enhanced background check process for persons between the ages of 18-20. The enhancement provides the opportunity for additional outreach and research to be conducted regarding the existence of any juvenile adjudication information and/or mental health prohibition. As a result, transactions on persons between the ages of 18-20 will initially be delayed allowing for additional outreach. To conduct this outreach and research, the address of the individual will be collected so that the appropriate local law enforcement entities may be contacted.

For all FFLs conducting checks through the Pennsylvania State Police, the enhanced process for persons under the age of 21 will begin on June 15, 2023. Please note, if no potentially prohibiting information is located, the transaction will proceed as soon as possible. PICS transactions for persons under the age of 21 could be extended for a period up to ten business days.

The PICS Section is working in collaboration with numerous other entities in the implementation of all aspects of the BSCA and will keep you informed as additional information and/or guidance becomes available.
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WARNING: Web access to the Pennsylvania Instant Check System is for Official Use Only. E-PICS is intended for use by Pennsylvania Licensed Firearm Dealers, County Sheriffs and Law Enforcement Officers upon lawful application for the purchase/transfer of a firearm, obtaining a License to Carry a Firearm, or before returning firearms held in safekeeping or evidence. E-PICS shall not be used solely to verify an individual's eligibility to possess a firearm.

As provided in 18 Pa. C.S. § 6111(g) (3) of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, "...Any person, licensed dealer, licensed manufacturer or licensed importer who knowingly and intentionally requests a criminal history, juvenile delinquency or mental health record check or other confidential information from the Pennsylvania State Police under this chapter for any purpose other than compliance with this chapter or knowingly and intentionally disseminates any criminal history, juvenile delinquency or mental health record or other confidential information to any person other than the subject of the information commits a felony of the third degree."