DOJ Opens Federal Gun Rights Restoration to 5,000 Public Applicants on November 4, 2026

Updated October 6, 2026.

November 4 is the first broad public opening

For more than three decades, the federal relief process under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) was effectively unavailable to ordinary applicants. DOJ’s new Federal Firearm Rights Restoration, or FFRR, process is now being launched in stages. Invited candidates received the first opportunity beginning September 25, 2026. The next major date is November 4, 2026, when DOJ says the application will open to the first 5,000 public applicants.

DOJ also lists another rollout date of January 4, 2027, when 500 additional candidates are expected to be able to apply and the application fee is scheduled to begin. The Department has described the staged approach as a way to test the portal and internal procedures before broader access.

Official source: DOJ Federal Firearm Rights Restoration.

What should a potential applicant do before November 4?

The strongest use of the next several weeks is preparation. A rushed application can create avoidable problems, especially when the record is old, spread across multiple jurisdictions, or includes incomplete court files. Before the public opening, applicants should work through four areas.

1. Confirm that the federal process is the right path

DOJ says people prohibited under several subsections of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) may apply, including people with felony convictions under § 922(g)(1). But being allowed to submit an application is not the same as being a strong candidate for relief. DOJ’s rule includes current-status, five-year, ten-year, and permanent presumptions against relief for specified conduct and circumstances.

Start with the Felon Justice Eligibility Review and read our guide to the current federal process before assuming that age alone makes a conviction eligible.

2. Build the required-document file now

DOJ’s document requirements can be substantial. For many applicants, the process can involve criminal-history records covering up to 25 years, court documents for the disqualifying conviction, proof concerning sentence completion, records of prior pardons or restoration efforts, military documents when applicable, and foreign records when relevant.

Use our Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Required Documents checklist to begin identifying what exists, what must be ordered, and what may require a sworn explanation if an official record truly cannot be obtained.

3. Choose character references before the portal opens

DOJ’s current process requires character references and uses a separate electronic reference form. Applicants should speak with potential references before listing them. A reference who ignores the government email or declines to participate can slow the application and require the applicant to update the reference list.

The goal is not simply to find people who like you. Strong references should be able to speak credibly about present character, stability, responsibility, and the passage of time since the conduct that caused the firearm disability.

4. Do not get fingerprints early

This is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid. DOJ says applicants must submit the first part of the electronic application and then wait for an email from Criminal Justice Information Services containing a case number and QR code. The required fingerprints must then be taken through the USPS electronic fingerprint process. DOJ says fingerprints obtained elsewhere will not be accepted.

In other words, gather records now—but wait for the official QR code before getting fingerprinted.

Is November 4 first-come, first-served?

Yes, according to DOJ’s current FAQ. The Department says the November 4 phase will open to the first 5,000 people to apply on a first-come, first-served basis. That makes advance preparation unusually important. It does not mean a rushed or incomplete application is better than a careful one; it means applicants who plan to participate should have their information and records organized before the window opens.

What if you are not ready by November 4?

Do not submit inaccurate or incomplete information merely to chase a place in line. DOJ’s rule allows the Department to request additional information, and intentionally false statements or deliberate withholding of requested information can have serious consequences. If your record is not ready for a truthful, supportable filing, the better decision may be to finish the preparation first.

Applicants who want help identifying issues before filing can compare the three levels of support on our Federal Gun Rights Restoration Services page.

The public opening does not itself restore anyone’s rights

Submitting an application does not authorize possession, purchase, receipt, shipment, transportation, or use of a firearm or ammunition. A person who remains prohibited must continue to comply with all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local restrictions unless and until legally effective relief is granted.

FAQ

Read next: Full Application →   Required Documents →   Gun Rights Restoration Resources →