WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

In August of 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the revival of Applications for the Restoration of Firearm Rights (FFRR).

The review and consideration of of restoring firearm rights to individuals with legal disabilities has not been available since congress defunded the ATF program in 1992. This long anticipated request for relief is now overseen by the “Office of the Pardon Attorney” through the Attorney General. The application is completed electronically utilizing a web portal launched by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) department to streamline the process and reduce manual review in an effort to create efficiency and designed to be minimally burdensome.

The standard of relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) states the Attorney General may grant relief for firearm rights if “it is established to his satisfaction that the circumstances regarding the disability, and the applicant’s record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest.”

Public access to the application should be available to all individuals beginning November 4, 2026.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

If you are an individual that is federally prohibited from possessing or otherwise handling firearms due to a restriction listed under 18 U.S.C. 922(g), then you are eligible to apply for Federal Firearms Rights Restoration (FFRR) with some exceptions.

WHO IS EXCLUDED?

There are some exceptions to who may request relief. These exceptions are referred to as “Presumptive Disqualifiers.” An application will be denied, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances, if you have ever been convicted of a felony offense that involves the death of another person; rape, sexual abuse, or sexual assault; human trafficking; kidnapping; domestic violence; burglary; robbery; extortion; carjacking; arson; racketeering (if at least one of the predicate racketeering acts is violent); gang-related offenses; maiming, assault, or battery; stalking; escape or rescue of a person in custody; terrorism; witness tampering; brandishing or discharging a firearm or using an explosive; or acts that are not explicitly listed but are the same or similar to the aforementioned conduct.

There are also five (5) additional presumptive disqualifiers that can bar you from applying- including your “current status”, “permanent status”, “10 year history”, “5 year history”, and “reapplying”. For a complete list of what is contained in these categories, please contact our office and detailed information will be provided for those interested.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Individuals will be able to access the application online using the DOJ portal creating their individual account. The application itself will be filled out and completed electronically.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

In addition to the online fillable form, the application requires that you to provide three (3) character references. You will provide the reference’s first and last name as well as their email address. You are required to confirm you have known them for a minimum of three (3) years and disclose how you know them personally. You may not use any reference that is related to you by blood or marriage. You must also affirm the references do not have any federal firearm restrictions themselves. Your character references will receive separate emails from the CJIS notifying them an applicant has requested their support in the FFRR application process.  It will include a link and PIN for access to the “Character Reference Form” where they have the option to complete the form on your behalf, or decline to participate.

Each applicant will need to provide a comprehensive report of all State criminal records covering the last 25 years, or since the age of 18 whichever is shorter, listing all arrests (or documentation showing a clear record) in each place you have lived; or where you have been arrested. In Georgia this is commonly referred to as your “GCIC.”‍ ‍

The remainder of required documentation is specific to the underlying reason for an applicant’s firearm restriction noted in the statute referenced above. The related documentation will vary depending on the type of federal restriction(s) applicable to your situation. The majority of individuals will likely be seeking restoration on State or Federal felony criminal convictions. The required documents to be produced are determined by what is contained in the criminal history report(s) and will include Court records- such as criminal indictments and sentence orders.

Lastly, to officially conclude the application process you must submit to electronic fingerprinting. Each applicant will receive emailed instructions on how to obtain fingerprints in person at your local participating United States Post Office. The fingerprints are automatically transmitted to the FBI who attaches them to your application.

IS THERE A FEE TO APPLY?

After the application is submitted, a $30.00 fee is required to be paid online to the DOJ prior to further processing. There will also be a fee for electronic fingerprinting determined by the post office which is paid directly to them in person at the time of service.

HOW LONG DOES THE DECISION TAKE?

The DOJ has not made any statements as to the expected timing for decisions. There is no indication of how quickly applications will be reviewed nor any estimate of the number of agents or staff who may be authorized to assist in the process. However, the DOJ has made reference to having a “team” at the Office of the Pardon Attorney. An applicant may receive email communication from one of these agents during the consideration and review of your request with questions regarding your application. For this reason it is critical to ensure that your email address is up-to-date and frequently monitored so that you do not risk missing important communication that may affect the outcome of your application.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS PLEASE TEXT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS TO MY OFFICE AT 770-515-9595.

FOR INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN PURSUING FEDERAL FIREARM RESTORATION AND WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS FURTHER, I OFFER COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS 7 DAYS A WEEK, INCLUDING EVENING AVAILABILITY.