Federal Gun Rights Restoration Applications Open: Netzer Krautter Law Firm Assists With Opening-Day Submission
On November 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice officially opened its new federal firearm rights restoration application process to the public. Netzer Krautter Law Firm, P.C., was among the law firms assisting clients with the new process on its opening day.
In the early morning hours of November 4th, attorney Joel Krautter assisted the firm's first client with an application submission under the newly established Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program, authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). The newly launched application is OMB Form #1123-0017.
This milestone followed months of research and preparation by the firm, including reviewing the Department of Justice's new federal rule, gathering necessary legal records for our client, evaluating eligibility requirements, and preparing application materials.
Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Online Application Launched
The Department of Justice is implementing the new federal firearm rights restoration program in stages.
November 4, 2026, marked the first opportunity for the general public to apply, with the initial application window limited to the first 5,000 candidates nationwide on a first-come, first-served basis. The next application opening is January 4, 2027.
The program provides a new opportunity for certain individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law to seek restoration of those rights.
The Department of Justice has also published a Frequently Asked Questions page addressing eligibility, required documents, application procedures, and other important considerations.
Preparing a Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Application
Although the new application process is online, preparing a complete application can involve substantial work.
Depending on an applicant's circumstances, the process can require obtaining criminal court records, sentencing documents, criminal history information from jurisdictions where the applicant has lived or been arrested, character references, and other supporting information.
Applicants must also consider whether any of the presumptive disqualifiers contained in the new federal rule apply to their circumstances.
The attorneys at Netzer Krautter Law Firm have invested significant time in studying the new rule and the program in order to assist clients with the preparation of application materials and navigate the process.
In September, the firm published an overview of the new program, including eligibility requirements, presumptive disqualifiers, and the application process. Read our earlier article: New Federal Gun Rights Restoration Rule: What You Need to Know
Need Help With a Federal Gun Rights Restoration Application?
Netzer Krautter Law Firm, P.C., assists individuals seeking restoration of their federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). Our attorneys can assist with reviewing eligibility, identifying potential disqualifiers, gathering necessary records, preparing application materials, and navigating the new federal process.
Interested in restoring your federal firearm rights? Netzer Krautter Law Firm is accepting inquiries from individuals seeking assistance under the new federal program. Complete our Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Case Evaluation Questionnaire to help our attorneys evaluate your circumstances and determine whether our firm may be able to assist you. After reviewing your information, our office can contact you about potential next steps and available legal services.
*Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility and approval depend on individual circumstances. Restoration of federal firearm rights does not automatically remove separate restrictions under state law. Prior results or application experience do not guarantee a particular outcome.*
