Federal FFRR Preparation Checklist
1. Identify the Federal Disability
Determine which category or categories of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) apply to the federal prohibition. DOJ currently lists felonies, fugitives, unlawful drug use, certain mental-health statuses, certain aliens, dishonorable discharge, citizenship renunciation, qualifying domestic-violence orders, and qualifying domestic-violence misdemeanors.
2. Review Presumptive Disqualifiers
Review DOJ's current presumptive-disqualifier guidance before spending time collecting the rest of the file.
3. Gather Residential-History Criminal Records
DOJ currently calls for state criminal records covering the last 25 years, or since age 18 if shorter, for the places where an applicant lived, plus other applicable arrest records.
4. Gather Conviction and Court Records
For a felony-based disability, collect the charging document, judgment of conviction, proof of completion of the final sentence requirement, and applicable plea, factual-basis, or presentence documents.
5. Gather Prior Restoration / Pardon Records
If you previously sought expungement, set-aside, pardon, restoration of rights, or firearm-rights relief at the state or local level, keep the application and any decision with the federal file.
6. Prepare Other Category-Specific Records
Mental-health, military, citizenship-renunciation, foreign-record, veteran, and other categories have additional document requirements when applicable.
7. Do Not Obtain Federal Fingerprints Too Early
DOJ says FFRR fingerprints must be electronic USPS fingerprints obtained after the applicant receives the required DOJ/FBI email and QR code. Fingerprints taken elsewhere are not accepted for this process.
8. Prepare Character References
Character references are part of the federal process. Organize reliable reference contacts and supporting history before beginning.
9. Separate Federal and State Firearm Rights
A federal grant does not automatically remove a state or tribal prohibition. Keep state-law restoration documents organized and review the law that applies where you live.
10. Keep a Complete Copy of What You Submit
Maintain a complete, organized copy of every document and factual statement used for the application and any follow-up request.