In a major development for Second Amendment rights, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially announced plans to revive the long-dormant process for restoring federal firearm rights to individuals with prior felony convictions or other disqualifying factors.
For the first time in over three decades, individuals banned from owning firearms under federal law may soon have a pathway to regain those rights through a formal administrative process—thanks to new funding and directives aimed at breathing life back into 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).
The Revival of § 925(c): What’s New?
On March 20, 2025, the DOJ signaled its intent to restore the federal firearm rights application process—but offered little detail at the time. Now, with the release of the DOJ’s FY 2026 Budget on June 13, the blueprint for how this will unfold is becoming clear.
Most notably, the budget allocates $448,000 in new funding to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, specifically to lead this initiative and build the infrastructure needed for handling applications. The DOJ estimates that over 25 million Americans may be eligible to apply.
The budget document (p. 96) states:
“The Office of the Pardon Attorney is developing a process to allow individuals with prior felony convictions and other disqualifiers to petition the Department for restoration of federal firearm rights pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).”
A Brief History of the § 925(c) Program
The § 925(c) program was originally administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), allowing individuals to apply for relief from firearm prohibitions. However, Congress defunded the program in 1992, effectively shutting it down and leaving countless individuals—many long rehabilitated—without a pathway to restore their rights.
Now, the DOJ appears committed to resurrecting the program, with the Office of the Pardon Attorney at the helm.
What Will the New Process Look Like?
According to the DOJ’s budget, the Pardon Attorney’s office is currently:
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Developing a case management system to intake, review, and process applications.
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Collaborating with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) to launch a web portal that will streamline submissions and leverage technology to reduce manual review.
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Preparing to release implementing regulations for public comment shortly after June 18, 2025.
The goal is to create a system that is not only effective but “minimally burdensome” to both applicants and taxpayers.
Who Will Be Eligible to Apply?
While the original § 925(c) process was focused on those with felony convictions, the budget hints at broader eligibility. The language refers to restoring rights to individuals with “prior felony convictions and other disqualifiers.”
This raises key questions:
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Will the process also apply to those disqualified under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for reasons such as:
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Drug addiction?
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Mental health commitments?
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Dishonorable military discharge?
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Will relief be available to those with federal convictions, state convictions, or both?
Much of this will depend on the implementing regulations expected to be published after the public comment period.
What’s the Standard for Relief?
Under § 925(c), the Attorney General may grant relief only if:
“It is established to his satisfaction 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.”
That’s a high bar—but one that many reformed individuals can likely meet.
The State Law Catch: Federal Relief Isn’t Everything
Importantly, restoration of rights at the federal level does not automatically restore rights under state law. Most states impose their own firearm restrictions tied to criminal convictions, and these laws operate independently of federal prohibitions.
In other words, a federal restoration is just one piece of the puzzle. Individuals will often need to pursue relief at the state level as well to fully restore their firearm rights.
Why This Matters
For years, millions of Americans have had no meaningful way to reclaim their Second Amendment rights—even after decades of law-abiding behavior. The revival of the § 925(c) process could change that, especially if the new application system is straightforward, efficient, and affordable.
At National Security Law Firm, we’re closely tracking the rollout of this program and are prepared to guide clients through the upcoming petition process as soon as it becomes available.
📌 Explore More
For a full guide to firearm restoration options—including appeals, TSA violations, explosives-related bans, and the Voluntary Appeal File—visit our main hub:
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