If a federal conviction took away your loved one's right to have a gun, there is now a federal application process to ask for that right back. The Justice Department published a final rule on August 20, 2026, and it took effect September 21, 2026. Applications are opening in stages, according to the program page at justice.gov/ffrr:

  • September 25, 2026: open to invited applicants only.
  • November 4, 2026: open to the public, for the first 5,000 applicants.
  • January 4, 2027: open to 500 more applicants, and a $30 application fee begins.

The rule puts into practice 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), which lets the Attorney General grant relief from federal firearm bans. The Justice Department says that for more than 30 years, this process was effectively unavailable to most people. The Office of the Pardon Attorney is involved, and the Department runs a program page at justice.gov/ffrr.

Relief is not automatic. Each applicant must show two things:

  • Their record, reputation, and conduct since the offense show they are not likely to act in a way that is dangerous to public safety.
  • Granting relief would not be against the public interest.

Who is presumed to be denied

The rule lists people whose applications "will therefore be denied, absent extraordinary circumstances" (28 C.F.R. § 107.50). In short:

  • Any time in the past: a felony involving a death, rape or sexual abuse, human trafficking, kidnapping, intimate-partner or domestic violence, burglary, robbery, extortion, carjacking, arson, violent racketeering, gang offenses, maiming, assault or battery, stalking, escape, terrorism, or witness tampering. Also any other felony where a gun was brandished or fired or an explosive was used, and attempts, conspiracies or aiding and abetting any of these.
  • Within the last 10 years (conviction or any part of the sentence): a felony drug-distribution offense, threats of violence, explosives, certain federal gun-law violations (including § 922(g), except a § 922(g)(1) conviction whose underlying offense is not itself on these lists), guns on school property, or animal abuse. Also a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, with the 10 years restarting after certain later arrests or disabilities.
  • Within the last 5 years: any other felony, or any assault, battery, stalking or threat of violence.
  • Right now: awaiting sentencing, serving any part of a sentence, in a diversion program, under a § 922(g)(2), (g)(5) or (g)(8) disability (fugitive, certain immigration status, or a qualifying protective order), an unlawful drug user, or required to register as a sex offender for an offense that took away gun rights.

What this means for your family

This is separate from a pardon. It removes only federal firearm restrictions, if granted. Other legal limits may still apply. The application will look at your loved one's whole life since the case, so proof of work, family support, sobriety, and clean conduct matters.

Your next step

Read the eligibility rules at justice.gov/ffrr and collect court records before you apply. Book a consultation to talk about your case.