State or territory
Restoring firearm rights in Virginia: the state route, and the separate federal question
Status by what you are asking about in Virginia
The state's own restoration route
A route exists
no dated rule on file · Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); §§ 53.1-231.1, 53.1-231.2
Mental-health relief programme (922(g)(4))
A route exists
no dated rule on file · 28 CFR 107.60; 34 U.S.C. 40915
| What you are asking about | Status | In short | Effective | Next change | Statute | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The state's own restoration route | A route exists | Route: Two steps: restoration of civil rights by the Governor, then a separate circuit-court petition for firearm rightsWho decides: The Governor, then the circuit courtWaiting period: None fixed for either step | — | — | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); §§ 53.1-231.1, 53.1-231.2 | Sep 19, 2026 |
| Mental-health relief programme (922(g)(4)) | A route exists | Route the Department names: Petition the relevant courtMust you use it before applying federally?: Yes, where you are eligible for it (28 CFR 107.60(b))Does being refused by it clear the federal presumption?: No. A refusal is itself a presumptive ground for denial. | — | — | 28 CFR 107.60; 34 U.S.C. 40915 | Oct 8, 2026 |
As of Oct 9, 2026. Every row names its statute and the day we checked it. Grey rows are on the verification queue. Not legal advice.
Dates and deadlines that apply
Full timeline →Jan 4, 2027 · Effective · US
Stage 3 — 500 more, and the $30 fee begins
"January 4, 2027: Application opens to the public (500 more candidates can apply and the application fee will begin)." The Department says this stage "is intended to specifically test the effectiveness of our online payment portal to collect fees" (the Department's FAQ). Before this date there is no fee.
Programme page, justice.gov/ffrr · DOJ — Federal Firearm Rights Restoration · verified Oct 8, 2026
Nov 4, 2026 · Effective · US
Stage 2 — the public, first 5,000
"On November 4, 2026, we will open the application to the first 5,000 people to apply, on a first come, first served basis." The Department's FAQ and programme page do not say how the cap is administered or how an applicant learns that it is full (read Oct 8, 2026).
Programme page, justice.gov/ffrr · DOJ, FFRR frequently asked questions (updated September 9, 2026) · verified Oct 8, 2026
Sep 25, 2026 · Effective · US
Stage 1 — invited candidates only
"September 25, 2026: Application opens to invited candidates." The Department's FAQ says it 'will begin by inviting individuals with a known interest in this program to apply'; the FAQ and the programme page do not say how that interest is recorded or how an invitation is sent (read Oct 8, 2026), and no invitation mechanism appears in 28 CFR part 107. The general public cannot apply on this day.
Programme page, justice.gov/ffrr · DOJ — Federal Firearm Rights Restoration · verified Oct 8, 2026