The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized a new rule establishing a process for certain individuals to seek restoration of their federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).
The announcement, made August 17, 2026, represents a significant development for individuals who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of a prior conviction or another qualifying federal firearm disability.
For Pennsylvania residents who have been unable to legally possess firearms because of a past criminal conviction, the new process could provide another potential avenue for seeking relief.
The DOJ Is Limiting the Initial Application Rollout
The Department of Justice has announced that the program will launch in stages.
Thirty days after publication of the rule, DOJ plans to begin inviting candidates to apply.
Seventy-five days after publication, the application will open to the public, with the first 5,000 candidates permitted to apply.
At 120 days after publication, the public application process will expand to another 500 candidates, and a $30 application fee will begin.
That limited initial application window makes preparation particularly important.
You May Need More Than an Application Form
The new process requires applicants to provide substantial information about their history and current circumstances.
Depending on the applicant, documentation can include criminal records, judgments of conviction, records showing completion of a sentence, prior applications for expungement or restoration of rights, criminal history reports, military records, and other relevant information.
The process also calls for character references and information concerning an applicant’s current character and reputation.
For individuals with older convictions, gathering these records may take time.
Chieppor & Egner Can Help Prepare Your Application
If you believe you may qualify for federal firearm rights restoration, Chieppor & Egner can assist with preparing for the new DOJ process.
Our attorneys can review your criminal history, help identify the records that may be necessary, assist with gathering documentation, and help organize the information needed for a federal firearm rights restoration application.
The firm already handles firearm rights restoration matters for clients in Pennsylvania and has extensive experience representing people dealing with the consequences of prior criminal convictions.
Federal Restoration Does Not Automatically Restore Pennsylvania Firearm Rights
One important issue Pennsylvania residents need to understand is that federal firearm restoration and Pennsylvania firearm rights are not necessarily the same thing.
The DOJ’s final rule states that relief under § 925(c) addresses specific federal firearm disabilities. It does not automatically restore the right to possess or handle a firearm if an individual remains independently prohibited under state law.
That means Pennsylvania residents should have their individual circumstances reviewed before assuming that federal restoration alone will allow them to legally possess a firearm.
What Should You Do Now?
The DOJ’s online application is not yet available, but the Department has already published information about the new process.
If you believe you may qualify, now is a good time to begin gathering:
- Court records from prior criminal cases
- Judgments of conviction
- Sentencing and probation records
- Documentation showing completion of your sentence
- Prior expungement, pardon, or restoration applications
- Criminal history records
- Military records, if applicable
- Information relating to your current circumstances
- Potential character references
The first 5,000 public applicants will be part of the initial rollout, so waiting until the application opens may leave little time to address missing records or other issues.
Talk to a Lancaster Firearm Rights Restoration Attorney
Chieppor & Egner is monitoring the DOJ’s new federal firearm rights restoration program and can help Pennsylvania residents prepare for the application process.
If you have a prior conviction that prevents you from legally possessing a firearm, contact Chieppor & Egner to discuss whether the new federal process may apply to you.
Call 717-393-1400 to schedule a consultation.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. The DOJ’s firearm rights restoration process is new and additional guidance may be issued as the program is implemented.
