DOJ’s federal gun-rights restoration applications hit 5,000 cap on opening day

DOJ opened its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration applications to the public on November 4, 2026, and the 5,000-application limit for this first public window was reached that same day. Filing does not lift a federal firearm ban by itself, and it does not restore rights under California law.

Sources checked November 5, 2026. Educational information only, not legal advice.

What changed	DOJ’s Federal Firearm Rights Restoration process opened to the public November 4, 2026, capped at the first 5,000 applicants.
Effective	Public window opened November 4, 2026. The rule itself took effect September 21, 2026.
Applies to	People federally prohibited under 18 U.S.C. 922(g), including felons, unlawful drug users and some domestic-violence cases.
Statutory basis	18 U.S.C. 925(c); 28 C.F.R. Part 107.

What happened

The Department of Justice opened its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration (FFRR) application to the general public on November 4, 2026. DOJ’s program page states: “November 4, 2026: Application opens to the public (the first 5,000 candidates can apply).” The FAQ adds that DOJ will “open the application to the first 5,000 people to apply, on a first come, first served basis.” Reporting on the opening day described the 5,000 limit as already reached. A further window for 500 applicants opens January 4, 2027, when the $30 fee begins.

Congress has long allowed the Attorney General to restore federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c), but DOJ says a working process did not exist “for over 30 years.” A final rule published in August 2026 and effective September 21, 2026 moved the function from ATF to the Office of the Pardon Attorney and created this staged rollout. Invited candidates could apply beginning September 25, 2026.

What it means for you

The program is open to people prohibited under any 922(g) category, not just felons: fugitives, unlawful drug users, certain mental-health adjudications, certain aliens, dishonorable discharge, citizenship renunciants, domestic-violence restraining orders and domestic-violence misdemeanors. DOJ lists five categories of presumptive disqualifiers, including many violent felonies and recent drug-distribution or gun-law convictions, that will be denied absent extraordinary circumstances.

If you did not get into the November 4 window, the next scheduled public opening is January 4, 2027, for 500 applicants, and the fee applies then. DOJ has not announced when it will reopen the process after that batch.

Applying is not relief. Submitting an application does not authorize possession, purchase, receipt, shipment, transportation or use of a firearm or ammunition. Anyone still prohibited must keep following federal, state and local law unless and until DOJ grants relief. Grants are published in the Federal Register.

This is federal relief only. The DOJ page warns that the process “does not automatically restore state or tribal firearm rights.” California imposes its own prohibitions, including under Penal Code sections that reach many of the same convictions, plus state-only bars such as some misdemeanor and protective-order categories. A federal grant therefore would not by itself let a Californian lawfully possess a firearm here, and a state-court restoration does not necessarily remove a federal disability.

The mechanics matter for anyone planning to apply. DOJ says once an e-application is started the applicant has 30 days to complete and submit it, and it recommends gathering documents first. Fingerprints must be taken after the first part is submitted and a QR code is issued. Three character references are required, and restoration specialists may follow up with questions.

The official source