This map shows the states that participate in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Image from FBI

The FBI has opened a national criminal database to tribes that want to conduct background checks on people who are applying for gun licenses.

A notice published in the Federal Register today announces the new policy. Tribal law agencies -- at their own choosing -- can access the National Instant Criminal Background Check System before issuing firearm licenses on their lands.

"If a tribe chooses to access NICS pursuant to this rule, it will improve that tribe's ability to prevent and reduce illegal gun possession in its jurisdiction," the notice states.

The NICS was created by Congress in 1993 and began operating in 1998. Since then, the system has processed more than 198 million background checks, according to the FBI.

Tribes in more than two dozen states adopted laws to address the license and possession of firearms, according to Handgun Law.

The new rule becomes effective on January 20, 2015.

Get the Story:
FBI expands background checks on tribal land (The Hill 11/19)
FBI to allow tribal police access to NICS for gun permit checks (Guns.Com 11/20)

Federal Register Notice:
National Instant Criminal Background Check System Regulation (November 20, 2014)