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Who Can Apply for Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Under § 925(c)?

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

DOJ says individuals federally prohibited under any of the nine categories in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)—not only people with felony convictions—are eligible to submit an FFRR application, subject to the final rule and individualized review.

The new federal restoration program is broader than the phrase “felon gun rights restoration.” DOJ says it reaches each § 922(g) prohibited-person category.

Current answer: DOJ says individuals federally prohibited under any of the nine categories in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)—not only people with felony convictions—are eligible to submit an FFRR application, subject to the final rule and individualized review.

The § 922(g) categories DOJ lists

DOJ lists felons, fugitives, unlawful drug users, certain mental-health statuses, certain aliens, dishonorable discharges, citizenship renunciants, qualifying domestic-violence orders and qualifying domestic-violence misdemeanors.

Eligibility to apply is not approval

The final rule separately contains presumptive disqualifiers and requires an individualized public-safety and public-interest determination.

Felony applicants still need § 921(a)(20)

A person with a state conviction should determine whether pardon, expungement or restoration already changes the federal status before assuming § 925(c) is necessary.

State and tribal restrictions remain independent

DOJ explicitly says FFRR does not automatically restore state or tribal firearm rights.

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

Is FFRR only for felons?

No. DOJ says individuals prohibited under any § 922(g) category may apply.

Can a domestic-violence misdemeanant apply?

DOJ includes § 922(g)(9) among the categories eligible to apply, subject to the rule and presumptions.

Can a § 922(g)(4) prohibited person apply?

Yes, but DOJ has additional rules involving available state or agency relief programs.

Does eligibility to apply mean approval?

No. DOJ still conducts individualized review and applies presumptive-disqualifier rules.

Sources and legal references