How a New Federal Firearms Rights Restoration Process May Help You Restore Your Gun Rights

For more than 30 years, Americans with federal gun prohibitions, especially those with felony convictions, have had no real way to restore their Second Amendment rights. The federal relief process under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) was frozen, leaving people in permanent legal limbo.

That’s finally changing. In 2025, the Department of Justice began the process of reopening the long-dormant federal firearms restoration program, creating a rare opportunity for individuals to apply for federal firearms rights restoration. If you’re hoping to regain your gun rights, here’s what you need to know and how our experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyers at the Wilson Law Firm can help you prepare.

What Is 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), and Why Has It Been Unavailable?

Many individuals lose their federal gun rights due to felony convictions or mental health adjudications. Section 925(c) of the Gun Control Act allows people who are federally prohibited from owning firearms to apply for relief. But there’s a catch: the Attorney General must be convinced that the applicant isn’t likely to pose a threat to public safety and that restoring rights would not be against the public interest.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) processed these applications until 1992, when Congress barred the agency from spending money on the process. Even though § 925(c) remained on the books, it became functionally useless for individuals. Courts couldn’t intervene, and the DOJ couldn’t act. That’s why the program has been out of reach for decades.

How the Federal Firearms Rights Restoration Law Was Changed in 2025

The law governing federal firearms rights restoration was changed in 2025 to allow individuals to restore their gun rights. Here is how the Trump administration is restoring federal gun rights protections:

• February 6, 2025: Executive Order 14206 was signed into law on February 6, 2025. It directed the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove federal barriers to the exercise of Second Amendment rights.
• March 20, 2025: The Attorney General issued an Interim Final Rule that took § 925(c) authority away from ATF and gave it back to the DOJ, sidestepping the congressional funding ban.

The DOJ also scrapped outdated regulations that required physical forms and triplicate filings, paving the way for a modernized, digital application process. While new procedures have yet to be finalized, the legal door to restoration is now officially open.

What Are the New Requirements for Federal Firearms Rights Restoration?

Because the final rule hasn’t been published or the portal for applying hasn’t been set up, we don’t know all the eligibility criteria for reinstating your federal gun rights. However, we do have an idea about what will be required. 

Under the new rules, the Attorney General will make the final decision on whether to restore a person’s Second Amendment rights. Here are some eligibility requirements:

• Exclusions.. Individuals convicted of violent felonies, federal sex crimes, and other crimes, registered sex offenders, and illegal immigrants would not be eligible to have their gun rights restored.
• Waiting period. Depending on the criminal conviction, there will be a five- or ten-year waiting period to apply to have federal gun rights restored.

Can You Apply for Federal Gun Rights Restoration Today?

No, you cannot yet apply for federal gun rights restoration. The DOJ is currently reviewing public comments, which closed on June 18, 2025, and is expected to release new application instructions. While the wait continues, the key to success is preparation. This is not a process to start casually or at the last minute if you want your application granted.

How to Start Preparing Your § 925(c) Application to Restore Your Federal Gun Rights

Your first step should be to retain our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at the Wilson Law Firm to help you develop a compelling argument for restoring your gun rights. It’s crucial to gather clear, compelling evidence before the process opens.

Essential Criminal Documents to Collect Now

Our attorneys can help you collect the evidence you need regarding your criminal conviction and your successful completion of your sentence. Here are vital documents to collect:

• Certified court records. Include your conviction, sentence, and discharge documents.
• Proof of sentence completion. This includes prison or jail records, as well as parole or probation records.
• Evidence of civil rights restoration. In Virginia, you lose your civil rights when you’re convicted of a felony. We can help you restore your civil rights and provide this proof with your federal gun rights restoration application. 

Evidence of Rehabilitation

It’s also vital to provide strong evidence showing how you’ve rehabilitated yourself since your conviction. Proof that our legal team will help you collect includes:

• Reference letters. Ask employers, religious leaders, or law enforcement officers to provide reference letters.
• Community service and work history. Letters and other documentation from community service organizations and your employer can show your contributions to your community and a consistent work history. 
• Recovery records. If mental health or substance use played a role, provide documentation of your recovery journey.

Your Personal Statement Matters

The DOJ will want to know more than just your paperwork. Your written statement should explain:

• What happened in your original offense
• How your life has changed since then
• Why you want your gun rights restored and how you will responsibly exercise these rights 
• What If You Already Restored Gun Rights Under Virginia Law?

It’s important to understand that gun rights restoration under Virginia law is different from restoring your federal rights. You must go through both processes. To fully regain your rights, both state and federal prohibitions must be addressed. Our skilled criminal defense lawyers can help you restore your Virginia and federal gun rights. 

Why Having the Assistance of a Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Critical for Federal Firearms Rights Restoration

Section 925(c) cases for restoration of Second Amendment rights are highly technical. The legal standard is discretionary, and the process can involve judicial review if your application is denied. Here are ways our legal team can assist you: 

• Assessing your eligibility for federal firearms rights restoration
• Compiling the strongest supporting documentation
• Drafting persuasive petitions and personal statements
• Helping you with Virginia’s gun rights restoration process 

Even though the federal application portal hasn’t opened yet, preparation can and should begin now. Working with our experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyers gives you the best chance at approval when the time comes. If you’re ready to start building your case, now is the time.