Can a felon get gun rights back in 2026?

A route exists again. In the Department's words, "a functioning firearms restoration program has not been in place for over 30 years".

What reopened

The Department of Justice published a final rule on 20 August 2026 (91 FR 54054) that rebuilt the process under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) and moved it to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. It is effective 21 September 2026.

Who may apply

Anyone federally prohibited under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) — including a felony conviction under (g)(1). The Department's words: "Anyone who is federally prohibited from handling firearms under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) can apply for FFRR relief."

Applying is not the same as succeeding. Certain convictions and situations carry a published presumption of refusal — but a presumption is not a bar, and the rule's own phrase is "absent extraordinary circumstances". See the five lists.

When

What it does not do

It removes federal disabilities only. Your state is a separate question with a separate answer — see your state's route.

What it costs

$30, and not until 4 January 2027. Plus fingerprints and certified records, which the Department says "may vary by jurisdiction" and does not set.

How many people is this for?

The rule's own estimate is that it affects "at least 20 million adults". You will see "30 million" quoted widely — that figure comes from the DOJ press release of August 17, 2026, quoting Pardon Attorney Edward Martin, not from the rule, and the rule itself says it is "impossible to determine precisely how many people are prohibited". The final rule estimates that approximately 330,000 people will apply in the first year, and says the Department cannot predict the number with certainty; the stages announced so far take the first 5,000 and 500 more.

Run the tier checker →

This is a private website, not a government site. The official site is justice.gov/ffrr. Information with sources and check dates — not legal advice, and never a decision about you.