Gun Rights
New Federal Gun Rights Restoration Program: What § 925(c) Means in 2026
For more than three decades, the federal relief process written into 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) was effectively unavailable to most applicants. That changed in 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice finalized a new rule establishing criteria and procedures for individualized applications seeking relief from federal firearm disabilities.
Quick answerSection 925(c) now provides a functioning federal application path again, but relief is discretionary, fact-specific and separate from any state firearm restriction.
What the new process does
The statute allows a person prohibited under federal law to ask the Attorney General for relief. The central questions are whether the applicant is likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and whether granting relief would be contrary to the public interest. The new DOJ framework adds defined procedures, documentation requirements and presumptive disqualifiers.
Who may have a reason to review eligibility
People whose federal prohibition arises under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) may have an application route, including many people with felony convictions. The word eligible to apply is important: it does not mean eligible to receive relief. Certain convictions, recent conduct and current statuses can create strong presumptions against relief.
The staged 2026 rollout
DOJ announced that the program is being launched in stages. Its public FAQ states that the first broader public window is planned for November 4, 2026, with the first 5,000 applicants accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should confirm the current instructions directly with DOJ before acting because rollout details can change.
State law still matters
A federal grant does not automatically remove a state prohibition. A careful review should examine the conviction jurisdiction, current residence, restoration orders, expungements, pardons and any separate state firearm rule.
Documents to start gathering
- Charging document and judgment or disposition
- Proof that all sentence requirements were completed
- Criminal-history records
- Residential history and required state records
- Information for character references
DOJ currently directs applicants to its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration program for official requirements. FelonJustice.com can help organize an eligibility review before an applicant commits time and money to a filing.
General information only. This article is not legal advice and is not permission to possess, receive, transport or purchase a firearm. Verify the current law and the legal effect of your actual court orders.
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