Submit a Pennsylvania Instant Check Challenge

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) background check program issues approval or denial determinations.

When the PICS operator notifies the dealer that the transaction is denied or undetermined, the dealer will inform the applicant of their right to challenge by submitting a PICS Challenge Form SP4-197.  

State law now provides that the Challenge form must be submitted to the PICS Challenge Unit within 30 days of the date the individual is denied.  No personal information will be discussed by phone.

Challenges are not accepted from applicants who cancel their background check prior to completion of the transaction by PICS.  Only those individuals who have been denied or undetermined by a representative of PICS may submit a challenge form.

Any challenge form submitted that is incomplete or outdated will be returned to the challenger which will delay processing.  For a challenge to be complete, all four pages must be submitted: parts I, II, and III on page one must be complete and page four must be signed and dated by the challenger. 

The Pennsylvania State Police will respond in writing within 5 business days of receipt of a properly executed challenge form. Challengers are encouraged to provide additional information for the purpose of review, such as information regarding dispositions on old arrest records, etc. that may be helpful in expediting the challenge process.   Within 60 days of receipt of a valid challenge, a final decision will be provided to the challenger.