How this works

The Justice Department runs a process under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), through the Office of the Pardon Attorney, for people who are barred from possessing firearms to apply for restoration of their federal firearm rights.

You do not need a federal conviction to be barred. A state felony, or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, can also create the federal ban.

The first round opened on November 4, 2026, and filled its 5,000 slots in one day. The next round opens January 4, 2027, with only 500 slots, first come, first served. There is a $30 fee, which may be waived or reduced if you cannot afford it. Once you start the online application, you have 30 days to finish and submit it, so the records work has to happen now.

Seven short questions. The result is your gather list: what to collect before January 4, and the traps to avoid.

Your answers stay on this page. We do not ask for a name, a register number, or anything that identifies you, and nothing is stored or sent anywhere.

Question 1 of 7 · Your situation

What created the federal firearm ban?

Question 2 of 7 · Supervision

Are you on supervision, probation, or parole right now, for any case?

Question 3 of 7 · Money owed

Do you still owe fines, restitution, or court costs on any case?

Question 4 of 7 · Time since sentence

When did you finish your felony sentence completely, including any supervision?

Question 5 of 7 · Conviction records

Do you have the records for the conviction behind the ban: the charging document, the judgment, and proof you completed the sentence?

Question 6 of 7 · State records

Have you gathered certified state criminal-history records for every state you lived in during the last 25 years (or since you turned 18), plus every state where you were arrested?

Question 7 of 7 · References and extras

Do you have three references lined up, and any extras that apply to you?

References cannot be related to you by blood or marriage, must have known you at least 3 years, and cannot be barred from firearms themselves. Extras means things like prior expungement or restoration paperwork, or a DD Form 214 if you served in the military in the last 25 years.

Your readiness result

This checker is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide eligibility. The Department of Justice decides every application under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). A clean screen is a reason to prepare, not a promise of approval.

Book a free consultation

Going deeper

The full checklist

Every record, the references, the fingerprints, and what happens after you apply, in plain language. Read the checklist

The official program page

The Justice Department's own page for this program, including the application link when a round is open. justice.gov/ffrr

Pro Se Help, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This checker is general information, not legal advice. It does not decide eligibility; the Department of Justice decides every application. It is based on DOJ's published guidance as of November 5, 2026, and DOJ says that information may change, so check justice.gov/ffrr before you act. All free tools

Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Readiness Checker