If you’ve lost your federal firearm rights due to a felony conviction or other disqualifying condition, you may have asked yourself: Is there any way to get my gun rights back?
For decades, the answer was essentially no—not under federal law. But that’s about to change.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just announced the revival of 18 U.S.C. § 925(c)—a long-dormant process that allows individuals to apply for the restoration of their federal gun rights. This is the biggest development in federal firearm rights restoration in over 30 years.
Here’s what you need to know—and how National Security Law Firm can help you prepare for this historic opportunity.
🔎 What Is the DOJ’s New 925(c) Program?
The 925(c) program is a legal mechanism under federal law that allows individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms—typically due to a felony conviction or other disqualifier—to apply for relief from that prohibition.
This process existed for years and was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—but in 1992, Congress defunded it, effectively freezing the entire program. For over three decades, there has been no federal pathway for restoring firearm rights, even for people who had turned their lives around.
Now, the DOJ is reviving this program and assigning its administration to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, with new funding and a mandate to build out an application system.
🧠 How Will the Application Process Work?
While the final rules are still being drafted, the DOJ has shared key insights:
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The Office of the Pardon Attorney is developing a web-based application portal to accept and manage applications.
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A new case management system will be used to streamline reviews and reduce manual processing.
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The DOJ intends to make the process accessible and low-cost for applicants.
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Final regulations are expected to be released shortly after June 18, 2025.
⚖️ What Standard Must Be Met for Relief?
To be granted relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), you must prove that:
“The circumstances regarding the disability, and the applicant’s record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest.”
Translation? You’ll need to show that you’ve turned your life around—and that restoring your rights won’t put the public at risk.
🚫 Does Federal Relief Restore All Gun Rights?
Not necessarily. Even if you regain your rights under federal law, many states have their own firearm bans based on criminal convictions. These state laws operate independently of federal restoration. In many cases, you may need to pursue a dual-track approach: federal and state-level relief.
At National Security Law Firm, we can guide you through both processes to ensure you’re not caught in a gray area of conflicting laws.
🧭 What Should You Do Now?
Although the application process hasn’t launched yet, now is the time to prepare.
At NSLF, our attorneys can:
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Evaluate your eligibility under § 925(c)
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Help you collect the documentation and evidence needed to support your petition
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Advise you on concurrent state firearm rights restoration if needed
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Track and respond to DOJ rulemaking updates in real time
When the portal opens, you want to be ready—not scrambling to gather your paperwork.
💡 Why Choose National Security Law Firm?
At NSLF, our team includes former prosecutors, federal agency lawyers, and military JAGs who have worked inside the system. We know how to prepare persuasive applications that demonstrate why you deserve your rights back—and how to navigate complex legal terrain across both federal and state lines.
📌 Learn More About Firearm Rights Restoration
If you’re looking to understand the full range of federal firearm rights options—including TSA violations, explosive-related bans, appeals, and the Voluntary Appeal File (VAF)—start with our free resource hub:
👉 Denied by NICS? Here’s How NSLF Can Help You Challenge Federal Firearm Prohibitions
🚀 Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk.
Don’t wait until the application window opens—by then, you could be at the back of a very long line. Let us help you get ahead of the curve.
