Mental-health-related firearm disabilities have a special interaction with state and federal relief programs. DOJ’s 2026 materials expressly address that relationship.
Current answer: A person prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4) can apply to DOJ for Federal Firearm Rights Restoration, but DOJ may require use of an available qualifying state, territorial or agency relief-from-disability program first. A qualifying state grant can sometimes eliminate the federal disability without FFRR.
Identify the source of the disability
The commitment or adjudication, issuing jurisdiction and any later restoration order matter.
An available state program may need to be used first
DOJ says an available qualifying relief program can create a presumption against FFRR when the applicant has not used it, has a pending application or was denied.
A qualifying state grant can remove the federal disability
DOJ explains that a compliant state relief grant can eliminate the § 922(g)(4) prohibition, making FFRR unnecessary for that disability.
The documents differ from felony applications
DOJ asks § 922(g)(4) applicants for the commitment/adjudication order, related medical records and a current professional certification, among other applicable records.
Related Gun Felony research
Legal-information note: This article is general research, not individualized legal advice. Firearm eligibility and restoration can depend on the exact record, jurisdiction, current DOJ procedures and later changes in law.