Abstract: A method and system for authorizing a transaction that includes a remote location where the transaction takes place from which purchaser information may be obtained and providing that information to a central site where pre-determined information regarding the customer exists. Storing legal information at that central site provides the criterion for determining authorization by comparing the purchaser data with the stored legal information. The transaction data is stored, authorization is transmitted to the remote location, and the transaction authorization is transmitted to a temporary database available for near real-time access solely by law enforcement officers.