What is federal gun rights restoration?
Federal gun rights restoration is the process of petitioning the U.S. Department of Justice under 18 U.S.C. Section 925(c) to remove a federal firearms prohibition. It is separate from any state-level restoration, pardon, or expungement.
Is the DOJ program actually open right now?
Yes, on a staged rollout. The program opened to invited candidates on September 25, 2026. On November 4, 2026, it opened to the public for the first 5,000 applicants. On January 4, 2027, it opens to the public for 500 more applicants, and that is also when the application fee begins.
How much does federal gun rights restoration cost?
The DOJ application fee is $30, effective with the January 4, 2027 phase. A fee waiver or fee reduction may be available for applicants who qualify. Beyond the government fee, document preparation and any second review by a licensed attorney are separate costs.
How long does the process take?
DOJ has not published a fixed timeline. After submitting the application (OMB Form 1123-0017), fingerprints, and character references, applicants wait for restoration specialists to review the file, respond to any follow-up requests, and then receive a final decision.
What is a presumptive denial, and does it mean I will automatically be denied?
DOJ applies presumptions based on the type and age of the disqualifying conduct: a 5-year presumption for certain felonies, a 10-year presumption for others such as drug trafficking or firearm offenses, and a permanent presumption for the most serious offenses, including those involving death, sexual assault, or terrorism. A presumption normally results in denial unless the applicant can show extraordinary circumstances that overcome it, considering factors like age at the time of the conduct, time elapsed, and rehabilitation. A case that falls under a presumption, especially a permanent one, needs a second review by a licensed attorney before filing.
What happens if my application is denied?
If a prior application was denied under a permanent presumption, reapplication is presumptively denied. If a prior application was denied for another reason within the last five years, reapplication is also presumptively denied in most cases. Applicants denied under a time-limited presumption should generally wait until it expires before reapplying; those denied for a current status should wait until that status changes.
Is this the same as a NICS appeal?
No. A NICS appeal challenges a specific firearm purchase denial at the point of sale. Federal gun rights restoration under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) is a separate Department of Justice process that, if granted, removes the underlying federal firearms prohibition itself, not just one transaction.
Is this the same as expungement, a pardon, or state-level restoration?
No. Expungement and pardons are state or local actions that address a specific conviction record, but they do not automatically remove a federal firearms disability. State-level restoration of gun rights also does not bind federal law. Relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) is a separate federal determination made by the Department of Justice, and it is the only path that restores firearm rights under federal law.
Can I do this myself, or do I need an attorney?
Our Restoration Package is built so you can prepare and file your own petition using guided, plain-English instructions. Many straightforward cases are completed this way without hiring an attorney. That said, every petition goes through a second review by a licensed attorney before it is finalized, and if your case involves more complex disqualifying factors, we recommend having a licensed attorney involved more directly.
What documents do I need?
Typical documents include certified court records for the disqualifying conviction (judgment, sentencing order, and docket history), proof of sentence completion, evidence of rehabilitation such as employment history and community ties, and any relevant state restoration or pardon paperwork. Exact requirements vary by case, and your petition undergoes a second review by a licensed attorney to confirm nothing is missing before it is submitted.
Does a federal grant restore my state gun rights too?
Not automatically. A grant of relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) restores your rights under federal law. Many states will recognize that federal relief, but some states still require a separate state-level restoration, expungement, or pardon process before state law treats your firearm rights as fully restored. We recommend confirming your specific state’s rule, ideally with a licensed attorney, once your federal relief is granted.
How do I get started?
Start by checking your eligibility and reviewing the Restoration Package options on this site. Once you purchase, you will complete a guided questionnaire to build your petition, and your completed file receives a second review by a licensed attorney before anything is finalized. If your case turns out to be more complex, we will let you know what additional steps make sense.