Stage dates and cap status

1. Phase 1 · date reached

   21 September 2026 — the rule takes effect

   The rule's own DATES section says the Department "will begin soliciting applications from individuals" on this day. It is not the day the public can apply.

2. Phase 2 · date reached

   25 September 2026 — invited candidates only

   The Department's programme page opens the application to invited candidates. The invitation mechanism appears nowhere in the regulation.

3. Phase 3 · date not reached yet

   4 November 2026 — 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."

4. Phase 4 · date not reached yet

   4 January 2027 — 500 more, and the $30 fee begins

   The Department says this stage "is intended to specifically test the effectiveness of our online payment portal to collect fees".

5. Phase 5 · no date announced

   General opening — no date announced

   "Once the Department is confident of the effectiveness of our processes, we will ensure access to the public at large." The Department's FAQ gives no date for it (read October 8, 2026).

Dated changes

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Sep 21, 2026 · Effective · US

   The rule takes effect

   The final rule is effective on this day. Its DATES section says the Department "will begin soliciting applications from individuals" from 21 September 2026. This is NOT the day the public can apply — the Department's programme page opens the application to invited candidates only, four days later.

   28 CFR part 107; 91 FR 54054 · Final rule, 91 FR 54054 (20 August 2026) — official text · verified Oct 8, 2026