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Electronic Fingerprints for Federal Gun Rights Restoration: USPS Process Explained

Last reviewed: 2026-09-23Topic: Gun Rights Restoration
Quick answer

DOJ says individual Federal Firearm Rights Restoration applicants must use the designated USPS electronic fingerprint process; fingerprints collected through another process will not be accepted for the FFRR application.

DOJ updated its fingerprint instructions on September 22, 2026. The process is tied to the application and routes prints from USPS to the FBI for processing.

Current answer: DOJ says individual Federal Firearm Rights Restoration applicants must use the designated USPS electronic fingerprint process; fingerprints collected through another process will not be accepted for the FFRR application.

The fingerprint step follows the application

DOJ says applicants receive a Criminal Justice Information Services email with a case number and QR code after filing.

Use a participating USPS location

Not every post office performs the service. DOJ says fingerprints collected elsewhere will not be accepted for FFRR.

Bring the required identification

DOJ lists state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs, U.S. passports or passport cards, and military IDs among accepted identification.

The FBI receives the prints

DOJ says USPS sends the electronic fingerprints to the FBI, which processes them and uploads them into the FFRR application.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get FFRR fingerprints?

At a participating USPS location using the designated electronic process.

Can I use police-station or private fingerprints?

DOJ says fingerprints collected outside the USPS electronic process will not be accepted for FFRR.

When do I get fingerprinted?

After submitting the application and receiving the case-specific CJIS instructions and QR code.

Where do the prints go?

USPS sends them electronically to the FBI for processing and upload to the FFRR application.

Sources and legal references