Recovering Gun Rights

Under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g), a person convicted of a felony is generally prohibited from possessing a firearm — a lifetime ban that can affect employment, hunting, personal protection, and more, long after a sentence has been served. On August 17, 2026, the Department of Justice announced a final rule launching the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (FFRR) program under 18 U.S. Code § 925(c), reopening a real path for certain individuals to apply for restoration of their federal firearm rights. Our attorneys can help you understand whether you may qualify.

The Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (FFRR) Program

For more than 30 years, Congress blocked funding for the ATF to process individual applications for relief under § 925(c), effectively closing that avenue to almost everyone. In March 2025, DOJ withdrew ATF’s authority over the program and began building a new, department-run process. Under the new rule, DOJ’s Office of the Pardon Attorney is rolling out FFRR applications in stages: invited candidates starting September 25, 2026, the first 5,000 public applicants starting November 4, 2026, and 500 more applicants starting January 4, 2027 (when the $30 application fee takes effect). Applicants must submit an online application, electronic fingerprints, and character references, and DOJ will deny applications that fall under a list of “presumptive disqualifiers” — including certain violent, sexual, or recent drug-trafficking convictions — absent extraordinary circumstances.

Because the disqualifier rules are detailed and unforgiving, it is important to speak with an attorney about whether you qualify before you submit an application.

FFRR Presumptive Disqualifiers

DOJ has identified five categories of “presumptive disqualifiers” that result in a denial unless the applicant can show extraordinary circumstances: current status (incarcerated, awaiting sentencing, a fugitive, an unlawful drug user, or required to register as a sex offender), permanent disqualifiers (a past conviction involving a death, rape or sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, domestic violence, robbery, arson, or terrorism), 10-year disqualifiers (convictions or arrests within the last 10 years involving drug trafficking, threats of violence, explosives, or certain firearm offenses), 5-year disqualifiers (any other felony, or a qualifying misdemeanor, within the past 5 years), and reapplication disqualifiers (a prior FFRR application denied on a permanent disqualifier, or denied within the last 5 years for other reasons). Applicants must disclose every qualifying prior conviction, even ones that were later expunged, pardoned, or set aside.

How to Apply

The FFRR process has three stages: preparing the application (confirming eligibility, reviewing the presumptive disqualifiers, and gathering required supporting documents), submitting the online application along with electronic fingerprints, character references, and a $30 application fee (fee waivers and reductions may be available), and waiting for DOJ restoration specialists to review the case and issue a decision. Because slots are being phased in — invited candidates first, then a limited number of public applicants at a time — timing the application correctly matters as much as the substance of it.

Other Paths to Restoring Gun Rights

• State-level restoration — Depending on the offense and the state of conviction, a governor’s pardon, a certificate of rehabilitation, or an expungement may restore firearm rights at the state level even where federal restrictions remain.

• Federal pardon — A presidential pardon can restore federal firearm rights lost as a result of a federal conviction.

• Set-aside or expungement of the underlying conviction — In some circumstances, successfully challenging or vacating the underlying felony conviction removes the firearm disability entirely.

Who May Qualify

Anyone federally prohibited from possessing a firearm under one of the nine categories of 18 U.S. Code § 922(g) — including felons, fugitives, unlawful drug users, certain non-citizens, and those convicted of a qualifying domestic violence offense — may apply for FFRR relief. But DOJ will presumptively deny applicants with certain current statuses, permanent disqualifying convictions (such as those involving violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking), or more recent convictions within the past 5 or 10 years, unless the applicant can show extraordinary circumstances. Eligibility depends heavily on the nature of the underlying offense, how much time has passed, and whether a prior application was ever denied. Applying for relief without legal guidance can result in wasted time or, in some cases, additional legal exposure. Restoring federal firearm rights through FFRR also does not automatically restore state or tribal firearm rights, which may require a separate application to state or local authorities.

Consult Our Federal Defense Attorneys

If a prior conviction has cost you your right to own or possess a firearm, contact Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and find out what options may be available to you.