The Brand-new Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Process Under 18 U.S.C. 925(c): More Unknowns than Knowns

There has been a process to restore firearm rights federally under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) since 1968. It was effective for several decades. However, the process became dormant in 1992 after congress stopped funding. Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1993, Public Law 102-393, 106 Stat. 1729 (1992). For over 30 years, there was this odd juxtaposition of there being a law that allowed federal firearm restoration, but no process that was being funded where one could actually get relief.

Opening up to the public in phases

On August 17, 2026, the Department of Justice announced that it was launching the new federal firearm rights restoration process under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). However, applications to the public are not being opened up to the public until November 4, 2026. And even then, they are only accepting applications in waves as they make adjustments to the process. With it being over 30 years since there was last a process, the Department of Justice explains, “We are choosing a phased rollout to test the effectiveness of the online platform and internal procedures with a small group of applicants before opening the process to the public at large.” Things are still in flux as they are getting the process up and running.

The contents of the application form remain an unknown

Beyond the timing of the applications, there are still significant questions about the process that remain unanswered. One of the biggest unknowns right now is what the application is going to look like. As of September 10, 2026, the website still displays a message about the application “coming soon.” I have been contacted by many people eager to start the process, but until the application is released, there is no way to effectively prepare for an application where it is completely unknown what questions will be on the application. At one end of the spectrum, the application could just be a form where you are filling out biographical information. At the other end of the spectrum, the application could include questions allowing space to tell your narrative, why your rights were taken away, and how you achieved redemption. I will be eager to discuss what options people have in restoring their firearm rights once the application becomes public. But we will have to wait until the application gets released.

Conclusion

The brand-new federal firearm rights restoration process is being launched in 2026. However, there remains more questions than answers at the moment about what goes on in the process. I’m not able to speak with people until more is known about the process. But in the meantime, contact me at Subzero Expungements, Pardons & Appeals if you wish to to be added to the list of people I will speak with once the application form is released.