The 2026 federal restoration rule does not treat every conviction or applicant the same. DOJ created presumptions tied to current status, offense conduct, timing and prior restoration decisions.
Eligibility to apply is not the same as likely approval
DOJ says people prohibited under § 922(g) can apply, but some applicants face a presumption against relief.
The five DOJ categories
DOJ identifies current-status, permanent, 10-year, 5-year and reapplication presumptions. Current-status examples include serving a sentence, awaiting sentencing, fugitive status and certain other active conditions.
Underlying conduct can matter
DOJ says it can examine the facts behind a prior offense, not only the offense title. Charging papers, plea facts, presentence materials and judgments can therefore matter.
Timed presumptions require accurate sentence dates
The five- and ten-year categories can depend on when a person was convicted of or served any part of a sentence. Verify probation, parole, supervised release and other sentence components.