DOJ launches new process allowing eligible Americans to apply for restoration of gun rights
Newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the launch of a new process that will allow eligible Americans to apply for the restoration of federal firearm rights.
by Summer Lane | August 17, 2026
Attorney General Todd Blanche has finalized a regulation allowing Americans to seek relief from federal firearms disabilities – legal restrictions – by establishing a final rule that implements a functioning process for those seeking the possible restoration of Second Amendment rights in some cases.
“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safety,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche in a statement.
He continued, “This rule establishes a rigorous, commonsense process that protects the public while giving deserving Americans a real path to restoration.”
US Pardon Attorney Edward Martin cited 30 million Americans who have lost their Second Amendment rights and said that this new program provided a “pathway” for them to potentially have those rights restored.
The statutory process the DOJ was referring to (18 U.S.C. § 925 c) was enforced under the Gun Control Act of 1968. It broadly clamped down on interstate and foreign firearms commerce by defining and barring certain categories of Americans, such as felons and others, from obtaining a firearm, per the ATF.
The finalized rule will allow eligible prohibited persons to apply for the restoration of those Second Amendment rights.
“The Department will consider the facts and circumstances of each application, while maintaining strong presumptions against relief for individuals whose crimes, conduct, or status demonstrate heightened risks to public safety,” the agency noted in a press release. “Absent extraordinary circumstances, violent felons, registered sex offenders, illegal aliens, and other individuals who present an ongoing danger will remain presumptively ineligible for relief.”
The department additionally said that any relief that may be granted under this rule would not override any restrictions imposed by state laws.
Read the full text of the final rule here.
Photo: Adobe Stock
