On July 18, the Department of Justice announced its proposed federal firearm rights restoration rules, a long-awaited step under the 925(c) program that could give individuals with certain non-violent felony convictions a clear pathway to regain their Second Amendment rights.
We are currently in the public comment phase, which runs through October 20, 2025. While the official rules are not expected to be finalized until late 2025, and applications may not open until January 2026, there is important work that can be done now to get ahead.
The proposed rules make it clear: applicants will face a detailed and document-heavy review process. The DOJ will not simply look at statutes or convictions on paper—it will dig into the underlying conduct of every case, requiring police reports, pre-sentence investigation reports, and records of any allegations involving assaultive or threatening behavior, even if charges were dropped. This level of scrutiny means preparation is key.
For those hoping to be among the first applicants when the program launches, now is the time to start assembling the required materials. That includes:
- Obtaining police reports and court records for full criminal history.
- Securing two sets of FBI fingerprint cards in advance.
- Collecting non-family character letters that demonstrate you are no longer a danger to public safety.
- If you have a mental-health adjudication, gather medical records showing treatment and stability.
- Veterans should collect service and discharge records showing rehabilitation.
Be proactive—but lawful. If you’re currently possessing firearms in violation of federal law, stop: a single traffic stop or complaint can trigger felon-in-possession charges and derail any future restoration effort.
Preparing ahead gives you three big advantages:
- You minimize filing delays.
- You build the strongest evidence of rehabilitation.
- You position yourself for priority processing
At our firm, we have developed a protocol to help clients prepare these documents now, so they are ready to file as soon as applications open. With the DOJ estimating hundreds of thousands to over a million applications in the first year, being early in line could make all the difference.
This program represents more than paperwork—it’s about restoring constitutional rights and making people whole again. Don’t wait until the floodgates open. Start preparing now to reclaim your Second Amendment rights.
Read More About Michigan Firearm Rights
- DOJ Unveils Proposal for Establishing Pathway to Federal Firearm Restoration
- DOJ Announces Major Shift for Gun Rights Restoration for Non-Violent Felonies
- For more information on how we help you with firearm rights restoration.
- Michigan’s Red Flag Law — A Threat to Your Second Amendment Rights
- Learn about how Michigan’s Clean Slate Law may affect your firearm rights.
- Understand Your Concealed Carry Rights After a Domestic Violence Conviction
- What if a Felon Wants to Carry a Firearm to Hunt?