Federal Gun Rights Restoration Character References and Fingerprints: What DOJ Requires

Court records usually receive the most attention in a restoration case, but the new DOJ process also requires two forms of outside verification: character references and electronic fingerprints. Both have specific rules that applicants should understand before the portal opens.

Three references are required

DOJ says an individual applicant must provide three character references. For each person, the applicant supplies a first and last name, email address, and information about how the reference knows the applicant.

The department recommends confirming in advance that each selected reference is willing and able to complete the federal form.

Who qualifies as a character reference?

• The person cannot be related to the applicant by blood or marriage.
• The person must have known the applicant for at least three years.
• The person cannot currently be prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

A longtime friend, employer, colleague, neighbor, community member or similar person may qualify if the individual satisfies the federal criteria and can truthfully answer DOJ’s questions.

What must the references affirm?

DOJ says references must make statements under penalty of perjury concerning the applicant’s recent criminal conduct, controlled-substance use, alcohol or intoxicant abuse, mental-health condition affecting judgment or behavior, character and community reputation, recent threats or unlawful violence, suicide threats or attempts, and whether allowing firearm possession would create a danger to the applicant or others.

Because the questions are specific, the best reference is not necessarily the most prestigious person an applicant knows. It is someone who has known the applicant long enough to answer accurately.

How the reference submission works

After an application is submitted, selected references may receive an email from Criminal Justice Information Services containing a link and PIN for the Character Reference form. The reference can complete the form or decline.

DOJ says applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status page. The department does not promise a separate email to the applicant when a reference fails to respond, so follow-up matters.

USPS electronic fingerprints are required

DOJ’s fingerprint instructions state that individual applicants must use the USPS electronic fingerprint process. Fingerprints collected elsewhere will not be accepted under the current instructions.

After submitting the application, the applicant receives information from Criminal Justice Information Services, including a case number and barcode or QR code needed for fingerprinting. The applicant then uses a participating USPS location. The fingerprints are transmitted to the FBI and uploaded to the FFRR application.

Prepare the people and records before filing

Before entering reference names, confirm eligibility and willingness. Before planning a fingerprint visit, remember that DOJ’s process is sequential: the application comes first, and the case-specific barcode or QR code comes afterward. Applicants should follow the current DOJ instructions rather than obtaining generic fingerprints in advance.

Frequently asked questions