FBI Refines Form for Challenging Your Background Blues
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The FBI wants your feedback on updating the Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) application form, which helps people check their background info. If you or anyone applying for background checks might be affected, now’s the time to share your thoughts before December 22, 2025. This update aims to make the form easier and quicker to fill out, saving time and hassle for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
VAF keeps records to avoid future denials
You can ask the FBI to keep information about you in the Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) so future National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) queries don’t cause extended delays or denials. If the FBI approves your VAF entry, you get a unique personal identification number (UPIN) to give to the firearms licensee during future NICS checks; the VAF can also be used for National Firearms Act (NFA) transfers and for a “firearm handler background check.”
VAF form revision aims to reduce burden
The FBI proposes revising the Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) application form to make it easier and quicker to fill out and to reduce respondent burden, including permitting electronic submission. The collection is voluntary, one-time, estimated at 30 minutes per respondent, with a total estimated 11,073 respondents and 5,536.5 total burden hours, and DOJ seeks Paperwork Reduction Act authorization for three (3) years.
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