Federal “925(c)” Gun Rights Restoration Is Coming Back: What Georgia Applicants Should Expect and Why Counsel Matters

For decades, federal law has contained a “safety valve” that allows some otherwise-prohibited individuals to petition for restoration of federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). In July 2025, the Department of Justice published a proposed rule that would create a modern, DOJ-run process (new 28 CFR Part 107) for evaluating these applications.

DOJ has also indicated an online application is “coming soon” after a final rule is published—and that the Office of the Pardon Attorney cannot accept applications through informal channels in the meantime.

What follows is a practical overview of what you can expect if you’re considering applying.

1) What this program does (and does not do)

What it can do

If granted, relief under § 925(c) removes certain federal firearm disabilities—i.e., it can restore your ability under federal law to acquire/receive/possess firearms and ammunition, depending on the disability you’re applying to remove.

Georgia Specific Steps

Even if DOJ restores your federal rights, Georgia state law will still prohibit possession. There is a specific process in Georgia that we currently believe will be used to fully restore your rights under Georgia law as well.

2) The “big picture” standard: dangerousness + public interest

The statute requires DOJ to be satisfied that:

you are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and
granting relief is not contrary to the public interest.

The proposed rule builds a structured framework around that standard, and it allows DOJ to consider a wide range of information—well beyond just the conviction itself.

3) Eligibility “gates” and timing: where many applications will rise or fall

A) Presumptively ineligible categories (absent extraordinary circumstances)

The proposed rule includes categories of applicants who are presumptively ineligible and would be denied absent extraordinary circumstances—including

people currently prohibited as fugitives
unlawful controlled-substance users, or
those under domestic-violence restraining orders.

DOJ’s press release also highlights that “violent felons,” registered sex offenders, and illegal aliens would be presumptively ineligible, absent extraordinary circumstances.

B) 5-year vs. 10-year lookback windows

The proposed rule draws key timing lines after completion of sentence:

Certain “serious” offenses can become eligible for individualized consideration after 10 years without triggering a presumption against relief.
“All other” offenses punishable by more than a year generally face a 5-year presumptively disqualifying period.

Also important: DOJ notes you can technically file before the applicable 5- or 10-year period ends, but relief won’t be granted absent extraordinary circumstances.

C) You generally can’t be mid-sentence or on supervision

The proposed rule includes disqualifiers for people currently serving a sentence of imprisonment or currently on supervision probation and parole

4) What the application package is likely to require

The proposed rule reads like a full documentary build. Expect significant record collection, including:

Core identity + background documentation

Fingerprints: two FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards (or electronic equivalent).
State/local criminal history checks:
- each state/locality where you lived since age 18 (or last 25 years, whichever shorter), and
- each state/locality where you’ve been arrested since age 18.

Court and sentence-completion records

Depending on your disability type, DOJ may expect:

charging documents / judgments / plea records,
sentencing documents,
proof of completion of sentence and supervision (certificate from corrections/probation/parole authority).

Character Evidence

Three reference affidavits, under penalty of perjury, from people not related by blood/marriage and who
have known you at least 3 years,
addressing
- criminal conduct,
- substance use (including marijuana regardless of state legalization)
- alcohol abuse,
- mental health impairment,
- reputation,
- threats/violence risk.
Your own sworn affirmation, also under penalty of perjury, covering similar topics.

Mandatory local law enforcement notification (CLEO)

Applicants must notify the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) in their locality, and DOJ would give the CLEO 14 days to submit comments through a DOJ mechanism (to be published on DOJ’s website).

5) DOJ’s review will be broader than most people expect

Under the proposal, DOJ may consider not only convictions, but also:

dismissed-charge conduct (if dismissed in exchange for a plea),
compliance while on supervision / payment of financial penalties,
time since sentence completion and conduct since,
substance use,
arrests even without charges (including police reports where available),
restraining orders even without arrest,
threats or threatening behavior even without charges,
mental health treatment/abnormal behaviors,
CLEO input and victim impact statements,
and whether your circumstances show that denial would infringe your Second Amendment rights.

This is not a “check the box” on a form kind of process. It’s a discretionary, record-heavy adjudication.

6) Fees, publication, and what happens after a grant

Fees

DOJ proposes an interim $20 application fee, with the possibility of waiver or modification for indigent applicants and periodic fee review every two years.

Public notice of grants

If relief is granted, DOJ would publish notice in the Federal Register, together with reasons.

Revocation risk for false statements/omissions

DOJ states it can revoke relief if an applicant willfully makes a material false statement or willfully omits requested information.

7) Why hire a lawyer for a 925(c) restoration application

This process is built around discretion + credibility + completeness. A lawyer can add value in ways that directly affect outcomes:

Eligibility triage: Because federal relief doesn’t override state prohibitions, counsel can map the full legal landscape before you spend time and money.
Timing strategy: The 5- and 10-year presumptive bars, plus “extraordinary circumstances” standards, make when you file almost as important as what you file.
Building a persuasive record (not just paperwork): The rule invites DOJ to evaluate “record and reputation” broadly—including arrests without charges and allegations. A lawyer can help you contextualize the record and submit supporting materials that match DOJ’s criteria.
Managing sworn statements and references: Your affidavit and your references’ affidavits are under penalty of perjury, and the rule flags revocation risk for willful falsehoods or omissions. Counsel can reduce the risk of accidental misstatements, missing documents, or damaging inconsistencies.
CLEO notification and “local input” risk: Since local chief law enforcement has a defined comment window and DOJ may consider that input, preparation matters—both procedurally and strategically.

8) What you can do now to prepare

DOJ’s Pardon Attorney page says the online form is coming soon after the final rule, and DOJ has recommended that people review and comment on the proposed process rather than submit applications “at this time.”

Practical prep steps:

Pull complete court records and proof of sentence completion (including supervision end dates).
Identify three qualified references who can truthfully sign the required affidavit statements.
Start compiling the required state/local background checks history
Review any state restoration/expungement efforts, since the rule anticipates submission of those applications/decisions.

Important note
This article is general information, not legal advice. The final rule may differ from the proposal, and eligibility is highly fact-specific.