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Rights After a Felony — What Did You Lose and How to Get It Back

A criminal conviction can affect your right to vote, own firearms, serve on a jury, get a passport, receive public benefits, obtain professional licenses, access public housing, and more. The good news: most rights can be restored. Use the checker below to see your personalized rights status, or browse our state-by-state guides.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: NCSL, Collateral Consequences Resource Center, Restoration of Rights Project, ATF, FMCSA, HUD, USDA. This is informational only, not legal advice.

Rights Restoration Checker

Find out which rights you may have lost and how to restore them. Answer a few questions to get your personalized rights dashboard.

Including prison, probation, parole, fines, and restitution.

Common Questions

Voting Rights by State

Felon voting laws vary dramatically by state. Three jurisdictions (Maine, Vermont, DC) never take away the right to vote. Most states restore voting after release or after completing supervision. A few states have significant restrictions requiring petitions or clemency.

    Gun Rights by State

    Federal law prohibits all felons from possessing firearms, but state-level restoration mechanisms vary. Some states automatically restore gun rights after a waiting period, others require a court petition, and some only offer restoration through a governor's pardon.

      Other Rights Guides

      Rights Impact Overview

      RightFelony ImpactMisdemeanor ImpactRestoration
      VotingLost in most states during sentence; varies on restorationNot affectedAutomatic in most states; petition in a few
      FirearmsFederal prohibition (all felonies)DV misdemeanors prohibited (Lautenberg)Pardon, expungement, or state petition
      Jury ServiceExcluded during sentence; varies afterNot affectedAutomatic in most states; permanent in a few
      PassportGenerally not affected; exceptions for drug trafficking & sex offensesNot affectedApply normally
      SNAP/TANFDrug felonies may be banned (state-dependent)Not affectedMost states have opted out or modified the ban
      Professional LicensingMay affect eligibility; varies by professionRarely affected (some healthcare/education exceptions)Fair-chance licensing laws in 46+ states
      Public HousingLookback periods; sex offenses bannedRarely affectedWait for lookback period; document rehabilitation

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What rights do you lose with a felony conviction?
      The specific rights you lose depend on your state and the type of offense. In most states, felony convictions can affect your right to vote (temporarily or permanently), own firearms (federal prohibition for all felonies), serve on a jury, hold public office, and access certain public benefits. Some rights are automatically restored after completing your sentence; others require a petition, pardon, or expungement.
      Can a felon vote?
      In most states, yes — after completing your sentence. Three jurisdictions (Maine, Vermont, DC) never take away voting rights, even during incarceration. About 21 states restore voting upon release from prison. About 16 states restore after completing probation/parole. A handful of states (Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa) have significant restrictions. Use our Rights Checker above for your specific state.
      Can a felon own a gun?
      Federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)) prohibits all felons from possessing firearms. This applies in every state. However, many states have processes to restore gun rights at the state level — including automatic restoration after a waiting period, court petitions, or pardons. The Lautenberg Amendment also prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. State restoration does not always lift the federal ban.
      Can a felon get a passport?
      Yes, in most cases. A criminal record generally does not prevent you from getting a U.S. passport. The main exceptions are: certain drug trafficking offenses involving international travel, sex offenses (International Megan's Law may add an identifier to your passport), and owing more than $62,000 in child support. Note that some foreign countries may deny entry based on your record.
      How do I restore my rights after a felony?
      The path depends on the right and your state. Voting rights are often restored automatically after sentence completion. Gun rights typically require a petition or pardon. Jury service eligibility usually returns after sentence completion. Professional licensing depends on your state's fair-chance laws. The most powerful tools for restoring all rights at once are expungement and pardons, which vary by state.
      Do misdemeanor convictions affect my rights?
      Misdemeanors generally have fewer consequences than felonies. Voting rights are not affected by misdemeanors in any state. Gun rights are affected only for misdemeanor domestic violence (under the Lautenberg Amendment). Jury service, passport, and public benefits eligibility are generally not affected by misdemeanors. However, some professional licensing boards consider all criminal history.
      What is the difference between a pardon and expungement?
      A pardon is an official act of forgiveness by the governor (or president for federal offenses) that restores civil rights but does not erase the conviction from your record. Expungement (or record sealing) removes the conviction from public records, making it invisible to most background checks. Both can restore rights, but expungement is generally more powerful because it removes the underlying conviction. Not all states offer both options, and eligibility varies.
      Can a felon get food stamps (SNAP) with a drug conviction?
      In most states, yes. The 1996 federal law that banned people with drug felony convictions from SNAP/TANF has been modified or eliminated by most states. As of 2026, only South Carolina enforces the full ban. About 30 states have completely opted out of the ban, and the remaining states have modified it with conditions like completing drug treatment. Use our Rights Checker for your specific state.

      Resources

      Disclaimer: This page and the Rights Restoration Checker provide general informational guidance only and do NOT constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Individual circumstances, including the specific offense, date of conviction, and jurisdiction, can significantly affect your rights. Always consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for advice about your specific situation.
      Sources: NCSL | Restoration of Rights Project | NICCC | ATF