- Non-violent felons whose convictions are older, who have completed all sentences and supervision, and who have maintained a clean record for a set period (five or ten years depending on the type of offense)
- Applicants must demonstrate good behavior and provide extensive documentation—including criminal background checks, reference affidavits, and details of the conviction and rehabilitation
Important:
- Restoration applies only to federal law; if a state also bars gun ownership, separate state relief is needed.
- The Attorney General has wide discretion and will consider all circumstances—including new criminal conduct, repeated arrests, or association with criminal groups.
How Will the Process Work?
Application & Review:
- Individuals will be able to apply online or by mail, submitting detailed documentation of their criminal history, rehabilitation, and supporting reference letters.
- The DOJ will notify local law enforcement of all applications, seeking community input about any risks posed by the applicant.
- Each application will take about an hour to complete and will include a $20 fee (with waivers available for indigent applicants).
Review Timeline:
