Federal firearms rights restoration is a legal process that allows certain people prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) to apply for relief from that prohibition. If granted under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), the individual may lawfully possess, receive, and transfer firearms under federal law, so long as no state restrictions remain in place.

Bottom line: This process can restore your federal right to own a firearm but not automatically your state rights.

For more than 30 years, Congress blocked the ATF from processing firearm rights restoration requests.
In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new regulations that transferred this authority directly to the Attorney General, reopening the process for the first time since the early 1990s. This change reactivated a long-dormant legal pathway for qualified applicants.

You may be eligible if you:

- Are prohibited under federal law (usually 18 U.S.C. § 922(g));

- Have completed all terms of your sentence;

- Are not currently dangerous; and

- Can demonstrate that granting relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

Eligibility depends heavily on:

- The nature and age of the offense,

- Evidence of rehabilitation and lawful conduct since conviction,

- The absence of violence or weapons in the offense.

Each case requires a personalized legal review to determine eligibility.

Individuals generally not eligible include those convicted of:

- Violent felonies or crimes involving serious injury,

- Domestic violence or sexual offenses,

- Terrorism-related charges,

- Firearms trafficking or explosives offenses, or

- Those currently on supervision or required to register as sex offenders.

In rare cases, extraordinary rehabilitation may justify reconsideration.

No. Federal relief restores your rights under federal law only. Separate state prohibitions may still apply, and you may need to hire an attorney licensed in your local jurisdiction to further restore your rights. We will only be able to help with this federal process.

Successful applicants often have:

- Non-violent or white-collar felony convictions,

- Old convictions followed by long periods of good conduct,

- Steady employment and strong community ties.

Under DOJ’s current framework:

- 5 years after sentence completion for lower-level or non-violent offenses,

- 10 years for more serious crimes (e.g., drug trafficking or domestic-related offenses).

- In exceptional circumstances, earlier review may be considered.

Applicants must submit:

- A detailed personal and criminal history summary,

- Certified court records and proof of sentence completion,

- Character and employment references,

- Evidence of rehabilitation, and

- A legal brief supporting eligibility.

Our firm prepares and submits the entire application on your behalf and coordinates with DOJ officials.

Applications are reviewed by the U.S. Attorney General or designated officials within the Department of Justice. There is no automatic right to a hearing, but the DOJ may consult law enforcement and request additional documentation before making a decision.

The DOJ charges a $20 federal application fee, subject to change. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. Our firm’s legal fees are separate and explained fully during your initial consultation.

Processing times vary but are typically 6–18 months depending on:

- Case complexity,

- Background history, and

- Volume of pending applications.

Note: Timelines may extend if the DOJ requests supplemental documentation.

Approval depends on your specific facts, record, and rehabilitation. Early data suggests that non-violent, long-ago offenses with strong evidence of rehabilitation have the best outcomes.

Yes. This relief is discretionary, not guaranteed. The DOJ may deny relief if it believes approval would pose a public safety risk or conflict with the public interest. Our firm provides guidance for strengthening your application and addressing potential concerns.

You may:

- Reapply after additional time passes,

- Submit new or updated evidence, or

- In some cases, seek judicial review of procedural errors.

Our attorneys help evaluate appeal options and prepare for reapplication.

Federal restoration only reinstates your right to possess firearms. Carrying (including concealed carry) remains subject to state permit laws and reciprocity agreements.

Yes — if your federal and state rights are fully restored. Federal law treats ammunition possession the same as firearm possession under § 922(g).

Possibly. Eligibility depends on your citizenship, conviction record, and current residence. Applicants must still meet federal firearm ownership criteria.

Yes. Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders may apply for relief if their license was revoked or denied due to a disqualifying conviction. However, this process is separate from an ATF licensing appeal.

Typical documentation includes:

- Certified judgments and court records,

- Proof of sentence completion,

- Employment and community involvement documentation,

- Character references, and

- Evidence of rehabilitation (education, service, counseling, etc.).

Our firm helps gather, verify, and organize all required materials.

Yes. The DOJ notifies the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your jurisdiction, who may review your application and provide input.

No. A pardon is an act of executive clemency (often by a governor or the President). Firearms rights restoration is a statutory process governed by federal law, independent of a pardon or expungement.

No. You must remain fully compliant with all restrictions until official relief is approved. Possession before approval can result in new federal charges.

False statements or omissions may lead to:

- Immediate denial,

- Federal criminal prosecution, and

- Permanent disqualification from relief.

Honesty and thoroughness are essential.

Yes. If new disqualifying conduct occurs (such as a new felony or restraining order), relief can be revoked by the DOJ.

Yes. The DOJ implemented this process to comply with recent Supreme Court decisions, including:

- District of Columbia v. Heller,

- New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, and

- United States v. Rahimi.

Sometimes. Expungement or sealing depends on state law and the nature of your offense, and may be an alternative or complementary approach to rights restoration. Our firm is currently offering only this federal relief at this time.

This is a high-stakes, fact-intensive process requiring detailed legal analysis, documentation, and advocacy. Mistakes or incomplete applications can delay or permanently harm eligibility. Our attorneys handle every step — from eligibility review to final submission.

Visit GunRightsLawFirm.com or contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.
We’ll assess your eligibility, gather records, and guide you through every stage of your federal firearm rights restoration.