Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program

Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program: What California Residents Need to Know

Alert | August 19, 2026

 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a new federal process allowing certain individuals who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms to apply for restoration of their federal firearm rights.

The new process reactivates a federal restoration mechanism authorized by Congress under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) that has been effectively unavailable for more than three decades.

What Happened?

On August 17, 2026, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced a final rule establishing the new federal firearm rights restoration process.

The program is intended to provide an avenue for eligible individuals to petition for restoration of their federal firearm rights. However, restoration is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

Each application will be evaluated individually.

To receive relief, an applicant must demonstrate to the Attorney General’s satisfaction that:

  1. The circumstances giving rise to the firearm prohibition, together with the applicant’s record, reputation, and subsequent conduct, show that the applicant is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety; and
  2. Granting relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

The DOJ will consider the individual facts and circumstances of each application.

Who Is Presumptively Ineligible?

The final rule establishes strong presumptions against relief for individuals whose crimes, conduct, or status indicate heightened risks to public safety.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, the following categories are presumptively ineligible:

  • Violent felons
  • Registered sex offenders
  • Illegal aliens
  • Other individuals who present an ongoing danger to public safety

Being outside one of these categories does not mean an applicant will automatically qualify. The DOJ will make an individualized determination based on the requirements established by the final rule.

Important: Federal Relief Does Not Automatically Restore California Firearm Rights

California residents should pay particular attention to this distinction.

Federal restoration of firearm rights does not override independent firearm prohibitions imposed by California law.

California maintains its own firearm restrictions under the California Penal Code and related statutes. As a result, an individual who receives federal relief may still be prohibited from possessing, purchasing, or transferring firearms under California law.

In other words, receiving federal restoration does not necessarily mean that you can lawfully possess a firearm in California.

California residents considering an application should carefully evaluate whether any state-specific prohibition applies to their circumstances.

When Does the Program Take Effect?

The final rule takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

As of August 19, 2026, the DOJ has not yet announced the exact Federal Register publication date. The application process therefore may not yet be operational.

MAPC will continue monitoring the implementation of the program and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

How to Apply

Individuals seeking restoration of their federal firearm rights should monitor the DOJ’s Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program for eligibility information, application instructions, and updates regarding the application process.

 

Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program:
Visit the DOJ Program Website

Final Rule:
Read the Full DOJ Final Rule

 

What California Residents Should Do Now

If you believe you may be eligible for federal restoration, consider taking the following steps:

  1. Review the federal eligibility requirements.
  2. Determine what federal firearm prohibition applies to your circumstances.
  3. Determine whether a separate California prohibition applies.
  4. Do not assume federal restoration will permit firearm possession in California.
  5. Consult a qualified attorney experienced in both federal and California firearm law before applying or relying on restored rights.
  6. Monitor MAPC and DOJ announcements for updates to the program.

 

Michel & Associates, P.C. Will Continue Monitoring

The federal firearm rights restoration process represents a significant change after more than three decades in which the statutory restoration mechanism was effectively unavailable.

Michel & Associates, P.C. will continue monitoring the program as it becomes operational and will provide additional information regarding the application process and the interaction between federal restoration and California firearm law.

This page will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Federal and California firearm laws are complex and may change. Eligibility for federal restoration depends on the individual circumstances of each applicant, and federal relief does not necessarily eliminate independent restrictions under California law.

Individuals should consult a qualified attorney regarding their specific circumstances before applying for restoration of firearm rights or possessing, purchasing, or transferring a firearm.