For more than three decades, Washington had a process on the books for restoring federal firearm rights—and almost no functioning way for ordinary Americans to use it. President Trump’s Justice Department has now changed that by finalizing an individual application process under Attorney General Todd Blanche for eligible Americans barred from possessing firearms under federal law.

The new rule revives 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), a provision Congress established to allow prohibited individuals to seek relief from firearm restrictions. That mechanism was effectively frozen in 1992 when Congress halted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ funding for processing applications.

Under Blanche’s final rule, applicants must demonstrate their record, reputation, conduct since the disqualifying event, and surrounding circumstances show they are unlikely to endanger public safety. The Department of Justice also requires that restoring firearm rights serves the public interest. Violent felons, registered sex offenders, illegal aliens, and individuals presenting ongoing dangers remain presumptively ineligible absent extraordinary circumstances. State-law prohibitions continue to apply even if federal relief is granted.

The Department of Justice estimates over 30 million Americans are currently blocked under federal law. Successful applicants must build an individual record and clear the government’s safety review. The rule establishes a staggered launch: public applications open September 25, 2026; the first 5,000 candidates may apply November 4, 2026; and an additional 500 slots open January 4, 2027 with a $30 application fee. Applicants must submit certified court documents, fingerprints, character references, and other required materials.

The Department of Justice received over 15,559 public comments during rule development, with roughly 91 percent supporting the restoration process. This framework represents the first operational pathway for federal firearm rights restoration in more than three decades.