The new federal restoration process is document-heavy. DOJ now publishes a detailed list explaining what applicants should collect before filing.
Core records for a felony conviction
DOJ asks felony-based applicants for available charging papers, the judgment, proof of completion of the final sentence requirement, and applicable plea, factual-basis and presentence records.
Residential history and arrest records
All applicants must provide state criminal records covering the last 25 years, or since age 18 if shorter, for places where they lived and for other arrests.
Post-conviction relief records matter
If the applicant previously sought a pardon, expungement, set-aside or restoration of rights, DOJ asks for the application and applicable decision. Those records can also matter under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20).
If a record cannot be obtained
DOJ provides for a sworn statement in several categories when an official record is unavailable. The statement must address the missing information, efforts to obtain it and why it is unavailable.
Related Gun Felony research
- Federal restoration hub
- Existing records guide
- 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20) guide
- State restoration directory