The federal firearm-rights restoration process is moving from rulemaking into implementation. As of September 23, 2026, DOJ says the first application phase begins September 25 for invited candidates, followed by a limited public opening on November 4.
What happens on September 25, 2026?
DOJ describes September 25 as the opening date for invited candidates. The live portal asks invited applicants for an applicant code, so this phase is not yet the general public filing window.
When can the general public apply?
DOJ says the first public window begins November 4, 2026 and is limited to the first 5,000 people who apply. A later phase is scheduled for January 4, 2027. Because the rollout is staged, verify the live DOJ instructions immediately before filing.
What should a potential applicant do now?
Confirm the exact federal disability, gather the judgment and charging documents, locate proof of completion of sentence, obtain required criminal-history records, and review DOJ presumptive-disqualifier rules.
State and tribal law remain separate
A federal grant does not automatically eliminate an independent state or tribal restriction. Review the state-law directory and tribal-law hub after federal relief.
Related Gun Felony research
- Federal § 925(c) restoration hub
- Records needed to restore gun rights
- State gun-law directory
- Gun-rights FAQ