What Is Federal Firearm Rights Restoration?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), the federal government can grant relief from certain federal firearm disabilities. DOJ's current program places administration of individual applications with the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
The process is individualized. An application is not approved simply because a person is eligible to submit one. DOJ evaluates the applicant's circumstances, public-safety considerations, the public interest, the information submitted, and information developed during its review.
The 2026–2027 Rollout
Invited applicants
DOJ says the application first opens to invited candidates as part of the staged launch.
First public opening
DOJ says the public phase opens on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 5,000 applicants.
Additional public capacity
DOJ says 500 additional applicants can apply and the application-fee phase begins.
RESTORE2ND does not control these dates, capacity limits, or government procedures. Check DOJ immediately before acting.
Who DOJ Says Can Apply
DOJ currently states that individuals federally prohibited from possessing or otherwise handling firearms for one or more of the following reasons under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) may apply for Federal Firearm Rights Restoration:
What Documents Should You Begin Gathering?
DOJ's required-document list depends on the reason for the federal disability and the applicant's history. Some records apply broadly; others apply only when a particular conviction, status, military history, foreign history, or prior rights-restoration effort is relevant.
Residential + Arrest History
DOJ currently requires state criminal records covering the last 25 years, or since age 18 if shorter, including records from places where the applicant lived.
Court + Government Records
Depending on the case, this can include charging documents, judgments, sentencing records, release/completion records, and other official records.
Prior State Relief
If the applicant previously sought a pardon, expungement, set-aside, or restoration of rights, DOJ may require copies of the application and any decision.
Military / Foreign Records
Additional military or foreign-government records may be required when those categories apply to the applicant's history.
Electronic Fingerprints: USPS Is the Required Channel
DOJ currently requires individual FFRR applicants to use the USPS electronic fingerprint process. The fingerprint step occurs after the applicant receives the required case information and QR code. DOJ states that fingerprints collected outside the USPS electronic process will not be accepted for this application.
Follow the current DOJ application instructions.
DOJ/CJIS provides the case number and barcode/QR information.
Bring the required identification, payment method, and DOJ/CJIS information.
The electronic submission is processed and associated with the FFRR application.
Character References
Character references are part of the current DOJ process. DOJ recommends confirming that selected references are willing and able to provide the requested information before naming them. References receive their own link and PIN to complete the federal reference form.
Applicants should also monitor their application status because DOJ says an applicant may not receive an email simply because a reference failed to complete the form.
The 30-Day Completion Window
DOJ's current FAQ says that after an applicant initiates the e-application, the application must be completed and submitted within 30 days. If it is not completed within that period, the applicant may have to start over.
What Can Happen After DOJ Reviews the Application?
Grant
Federal relief is granted. DOJ says the FBI will update NICS and an RPIN may also be issued.
Denial
DOJ does not grant relief. Depending on the reason, judicial review or a future reapplication may be available.
Indeterminate
DOJ says there was not enough information to grant or deny. A new application may be possible if additional information can be obtained.
No Action
The file is administratively closed without a merits decision, such as after withdrawal or failure to respond.
Federal Relief Does Not Automatically Restore State Rights
This is one of the most important cautions in the entire process. DOJ expressly states that restoration of federal firearm rights may not remove independent state or tribal firearm restrictions.
An applicant can therefore have two separate questions: “What is my federal status?” and “What does my state law allow?” They are not automatically the same answer.
How RESTORE2ND Fits Into the Process
RESTORE2ND is a private preparation and technology platform. It is not the government application system and it is not a law firm. The goal is to help applicants organize the factual record before filing: residences, court records, sentence completion, prior relief efforts, references, supporting materials, and other information relevant to a structured Restoration Dossier™.
Complete digital guide with preparation worksheets and official-source references.
Digital PDF — $16.95 → STRUCTURED PREPARATION Restoration Dossier™A more complete organized preparation package for applicants who want hands-on structure.
Learn about the Dossier →Federal Firearm Rights Restoration FAQ
Is Federal Firearm Rights Restoration actually available again?
Yes. DOJ announced a new rule and staged Federal Firearm Rights Restoration process in 2026. The program is being opened in phases rather than to everyone at once.
When can the public apply?
DOJ currently lists November 4, 2026 as the first public opening for the first 5,000 applicants, followed by an additional phase on January 4, 2027.
What is the federal application fee?
DOJ currently states that the application fee is $30 and that fee-waiver or fee-reduction requests may be available. DOJ's rollout page says the fee phase begins January 4, 2027, so applicants should confirm the current phase and payment instructions directly with DOJ.
Can I get fingerprinted anywhere?
No. DOJ currently requires the USPS electronic fingerprint process for individual FFRR applicants and says fingerprints obtained elsewhere will not be accepted for this process.
Do federal restored rights automatically override state restrictions?
No. Federal relief does not automatically remove state, tribal, or other independent firearm restrictions.
How long do I have once I start the federal e-application?
DOJ's current FAQ says 30 days. Because of that limit, DOJ encourages applicants to gather required documents before starting.
Verify the Current Rules Before Filing
RESTORE2ND reviewed the following official Department of Justice resources when updating this page. Government procedures can change, so the current DOJ instructions control.