The Department of Justice is preparing to revive a long-dormant process that could allow individuals with felony convictions or other disqualifiers to restore their federal firearm rights—a major shift in Second Amendment law and policy. While the process isn’t live yet, you can and should start preparing now if you want to be first in line once applications reopen.

At National Security Law Firm, we’re tracking every development in this area. Our team of federal firearms lawyers is already helping clients gather the documents and build the case they’ll need to succeed.

Why This Is a Big Deal

Until now, 18 U.S.C. § 925(c)—the law allowing individuals to apply for relief from federal firearm prohibitions—has been effectively unusable. Congress defunded the ATF’s authority to review applications back in 1992, and it has remained unavailable for over three decades.

But that’s changing. In its FY 2026 budget request, the DOJ revealed that the Office of the Pardon Attorney is now tasked with reviving and administering a process under § 925(c). This could give thousands of Americans a path to restore their Second Amendment rights at the federal level, even if they’re permanently barred under federal law.

What Will the Process Look Like?

We don’t yet have the full details—but based on the DOJ’s statements, we expect the new 925(c) process to involve:

  • A formal application through the Office of the Pardon Attorney

  • Documented proof of rehabilitation and law-abiding behavior

  • A background investigation or FBI check

  • Discretionary review weighing public safety, character, and the nature of the original offense

In short: this will not be a rubber-stamp process. You will need to present a strong, well-organized case.

How to Prepare Right Now

You don’t have to wait for the application to go live. Here’s how you can start building your case today:

✅ 1. Gather Your Criminal History

Request certified copies of:

  • All convictions—state and federal

  • Sentencing and discharge records

  • Proof of sentence completion, including probation or parole

We can help you obtain these records.

✅ 2. Document Your Rehabilitation

Start collecting evidence that shows you’ve turned your life around. This can include:

  • Steady employment history

  • Character letters from employers, clergy, or community members

  • Evidence of volunteer work, service, or community involvement

  • Records of substance abuse treatment or therapy, if relevant

✅ 3. Address Any Remaining Legal Barriers

You may still be disqualified under state law, even if the federal bar is lifted. We’ll review whether:

  • You’re eligible for state-level relief, such as expungement or pardon

  • You need to resolve open charges, protective orders, or outstanding warrants

✅ 4. Get Legal Representation in Place

When DOJ opens the door, thousands of people may apply. The ones who succeed will likely be those who:

  • Have legal counsel

  • Submit a complete, persuasive petition

  • Anticipate potential red flags and address them up front

At NSLF, we’re working on these cases now so our clients are ready to move on Day 1.

Common Disqualifiers We Can Help With

We assist clients who are barred from owning firearms due to:

  • Felony convictions

  • Domestic violence misdemeanors

  • Dishonorable discharges from the military

  • Mental health commitments

  • Drug or alcohol addiction determinations

  • Protective or restraining orders

Even if you think you’re permanently barred, you may still have a path forward—and we’re here to help you find it.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Now is the time to act. Don’t wait until the application window opens and the system is overwhelmed.

➤ Contact our team for a free consultation and let’s get started building your case.

Learn More

🔗 Denied by NICS? Here’s How NSLF Can Help You Challenge Federal Firearm Prohibitions – Your go-to hub for understanding NICS delays, denials, appeals, VAF, UPINs, and more.

Why NSLF?

  • Former DOJ, military, and federal agency attorneys on staff

  • Decades of experience with firearms laws and Second Amendment rights

  • Personalized help with expungements, VAF applications, appeals, and restoration petitions

  • Legal financing available so you can get started now, not later

  • 4.9 ⭐ Google rating from hundreds of satisfied clients: Read Reviews

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