Felon Gun Rights by State
Under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)), anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. This federal ban applies in every state. However, state laws vary widely on whether and how gun rights can be restored. Twelve states automatically restore gun rights after a waiting period, 33 require a petition or court process, five allow restoration only through a governor's pardon, and one jurisdiction (DC) has no restoration mechanism at all. Click any state on the map or in the table below for full details.
Last updated: 2026-03-21. Source: Collateral Consequences Resource Center (CCRC) — Restoration of Rights Project. This is informational only, not legal advice.
Gun Rights Restoration Map
Full Data: Felon Gun Rights (All 51 Jurisdictions)
| State | Category | Restoration Method | Waiting Period | Rule | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles for a Certificate of Pardon with Restoration of Civil and Political Rights. Expungement alone does not restore firearm rights. | Must complete sentence before applying. No statutory minimum waiting period after sentence completion. | Alabama prohibits possession of a pistol (handgun with barrel under 12 inches) by anyone convicted of a 'crime of violence.' For all other felonies, there is no state-level handgun restriction, and Alabama does not restrict long gun possession for felons. Restoration of pistol rights requires a Certificate of Pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. | The restriction only applies to pistols/handguns for violent crime convictions. Long guns (rifles/shotguns) are not restricted under state law for any felon. Federal law still prohibits all firearms for all felons. |
| Alaska | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon expiration of the waiting period. No application or petition required. | 10 years after unconditional discharge for first nonviolent felony (handguns). No waiting period for long guns. | Alaska only restricts possession of concealable firearms (handguns) for convicted felons. For a first felony conviction, handgun rights are automatically restored 10 years after unconditional discharge if the offense was not against a person. Nonviolent felons may possess long guns (rifles/shotguns) immediately upon release. | Persons convicted of two or more felonies are permanently prohibited from possessing concealable firearms. Those convicted of a felony against a person (e.g., assault, robbery) face longer or permanent restrictions. |
| Arizona | Must petition for restoration | Petition the Superior Court for restoration of the right to possess firearms. Separate from general civil rights restoration. | 2 years after discharge from probation for non-serious offenses. 10 years for dangerous offenses. Multiple felonies require petition to the court. | Arizona automatically restores most civil rights upon completion of sentence for first felony offenders, but firearm rights must be separately restored by application to the court. For a single non-serious felony, the person may apply 2 years after discharge from probation. For 'dangerous' or multiple felonies, the waiting period is longer. | Persons convicted of a 'serious offense' (as listed in ARS 13-706) or 'dangerous offense' face longer waiting periods. Two or more felony convictions require court petition for restoration of all civil rights including firearms. |
| Arkansas | Must petition for restoration | Petition the circuit court for restoration, seek expungement, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Must complete sentence before seeking restoration. The waiting period depends on the method: expungement eligibility varies by offense; pardon has no fixed timeline. | Arkansas prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. Gun rights may be restored through a gubernatorial pardon, expungement of the conviction, or by petition to the circuit court. Recent legislation has streamlined the petition process. | Violent felons and sex offenders face more restrictive paths. Some offenses are not eligible for expungement under Arkansas law. |
| California | Must petition for restoration | Seek reduction of wobbler offenses to misdemeanors, obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. The specific path depends on the offense. | Varies. Certificate of Rehabilitation requires 7-10 years of rehabilitation after sentence completion. Wobbler reduction can happen at sentencing or after probation. | California has a complex system: felony convictions generally result in a lifetime ban on firearm possession. Certain 'wobbler' offenses reduced to misdemeanors may allow firearm rights to be restored. A Certificate of Rehabilitation or gubernatorial pardon can restore rights for some offenses, but violent felonies and certain weapons offenses carry permanent bans. | Convictions for any offense listed under California Penal Code 667.5(c) (violent felonies) or certain weapons offenses result in a lifetime ban that cannot be restored by Certificate of Rehabilitation — only a gubernatorial pardon can restore rights. |
| Colorado | Pardon only | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon. The court that imposed the sentence must recommend the pardon to the Governor. | Must complete sentence. No fixed waiting period for pardon application, but pardons require a recommendation from the court. | Colorado prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. There is no court petition process or administrative mechanism to restore gun rights. The only path is a gubernatorial pardon. Colorado pardons are rare. | There is no alternative to a pardon for restoring firearm rights in Colorado. Record sealing does not restore gun rights. Deferred judgments that are successfully completed may avoid the prohibition. |
| Connecticut | Must petition for restoration | Apply for an Absolute Pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. | 5 years after conviction for felonies before pardon eligibility. 3 years for misdemeanors. | Connecticut prohibits possession of firearms by any person convicted of a felony or certain serious misdemeanors. The primary path to restoration is through an absolute pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Connecticut's automatic erasure law does NOT restore firearm rights — erased records can still be used to deny gun permits. | Automatic erasure/expungement does not restore firearm rights in Connecticut. Only an absolute pardon removes the firearms disability. Provisional pardons do not restore gun rights. |
| Delaware | Must petition for restoration | Petition the Superior Court for nonviolent felonies, or obtain a gubernatorial pardon for violent felonies. | Must complete sentence. Nonviolent felonies may petition court; no statutory minimum wait after sentence completion. | Delaware prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. For nonviolent felonies, a person may petition the Superior Court for restoration of firearm rights. For violent felonies (including murder, manslaughter, sex offenses against children, and crimes involving deadly weapons), only a gubernatorial pardon can restore rights. | Persons convicted of violent felonies, sex offenses against minors, or crimes involving deadly weapons cannot petition the court — they must obtain a gubernatorial pardon. |
| District of Columbia | No restoration mechanism | No DC-level restoration mechanism. A presidential pardon or the new federal 925(c) process (when fully implemented) are the only options. | N/A — no restoration mechanism exists under DC law. | The District of Columbia prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and has extremely restrictive gun laws overall. DC does not have a gubernatorial pardon power or a state-level mechanism to restore firearm rights. A presidential pardon is the only federal remedy for DC Code convictions. | DC convictions are treated as state-level convictions for federal purposes. A presidential pardon could restore rights, but these are extremely rare. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal process may provide an alternative path. |
| Florida | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Florida Office of Executive Clemency for Restoration of Civil Rights including Firearms Authority (RCRF). Requires completion of the 8-year waiting period and a full hearing. | 8 years after completion of all sentence terms (including probation, parole, and financial obligations) before clemency application. | Florida permanently prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. The only path to restoration is through executive clemency from the Florida Board of Executive Clemency (Governor and Cabinet). Florida has a lengthy application process with an 8-year waiting period after sentence completion. | There is no court-based petition process in Florida. All felony convictions require executive clemency. The backlog for clemency hearings can be years long. |
| Georgia | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles for a pardon, or seek relief through the First Offender Act if applicable. | Must complete sentence. A pardon application requires 5 years after completion of sentence. | Georgia prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. Gun rights may be restored through a pardon from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles (which has sole authority to grant pardons — not the Governor). Alternatively, if the conviction is expunged under the First Offender Act or similar provisions, firearm rights may be restored. | The Board of Pardons and Paroles does not restore firearm rights for federal convictions — a presidential pardon is required. Serious violent felonies and sex offenses face additional scrutiny. |
| Hawaii | Must petition for restoration | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon or seek expungement of the conviction. | Must complete sentence. Pardon applications have no fixed waiting period but are rarely granted. | Hawaii prohibits firearm possession and registration for anyone convicted of a felony or any crime of violence. The primary restoration method is through a gubernatorial pardon or through expungement. Hawaii has very restrictive gun laws overall, and restoration is difficult. | Hawaii requires registration of all firearms. Even with rights restoration, the registration process is separate and requires passing background checks. |
| Idaho | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon final discharge for most felonies. Violent offenders must petition the Commission of Pardons and Parole after 5 years. | Immediate upon final discharge for most felonies. 5 years after discharge for enumerated violent offenses. | Idaho automatically restores firearm rights upon final discharge from incarceration, probation, or parole for most felonies. However, persons convicted of certain enumerated violent offenses listed in Idaho Code 18-310 must wait 5 years after final discharge and can then petition for restoration. | Persons convicted of certain violent offenses (murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery, rape, etc.) must wait 5 years and petition the Commission of Pardons and Parole. |
| Illinois | Must petition for restoration | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon, petition the circuit court, or apply to the Director of Illinois State Police for FOID relief after 20+ years. | 20 years since conviction with no subsequent felony or qualifying misdemeanor for FOID relief petition. Pardon has no fixed waiting period. | Illinois prohibits firearm possession via its FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card system — a FOID card is denied to anyone with a felony conviction. The Governor may restore firearm privileges through pardon power. Additionally, after certain conditions are met, a person may petition the circuit court or appeal to the Illinois State Police Director for FOID relief. | Persons convicted of forcible felonies are generally ineligible for FOID relief through the administrative process. Domestic violence convictions carry separate prohibitions. |
| Indiana | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court for expungement under IC 35-38-9, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Expungement eligibility: 5 years after sentence completion for most felonies. 8 years for serious violent felonies. 10 years for certain sex offenses. | Indiana prohibits possession of handguns by anyone convicted of a felony (long guns have fewer restrictions under state law for some offenses). Firearm rights may be restored through expungement under Indiana Code 35-38-9 or through a gubernatorial pardon. Expungement is the most common path. | Some offenses (murder, treason, sex offenses involving minors) are not eligible for expungement. A gubernatorial pardon is the only option for these. |
| Iowa | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Governor's Office for Restoration of Firearm Rights (separate from a full pardon), or seek a full gubernatorial pardon. | 5 years after sentence completion for firearm rights restoration application. 10 years for a full pardon application. | Iowa prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and certain aggravated misdemeanors. The Governor may restore firearm rights through a pardon or a specific Restoration of Firearm Rights. Iowa has a separate application specifically for firearm rights restoration apart from a full pardon. | Persons convicted of a 'forcible felony' (including murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, and arson) face stricter review and are less likely to be approved. |
| Kansas | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon expiration of the waiting period. No application required. | 5 years for nonperson felonies; 10 years for person felonies. Clock starts from conviction or release from imprisonment, whichever is later. | Kansas prohibits firearm possession for felony convictions for a period of time following conviction or release. For nonperson felonies, gun rights are automatically restored 5 years after conviction or release from imprisonment. For person felonies, rights are restored 10 years after conviction or release. | Certain drug distribution felonies and crimes committed with a firearm may carry different timelines. Federal prohibition still applies independently. |
| Kentucky | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court for expungement (eligible Class D felonies only), or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Expungement eligibility: 5 years after completion of sentence for Class D felonies. Pardon has no fixed waiting period. | Kentucky prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. Gun rights can be restored through expungement (available for certain offenses) or a gubernatorial pardon. Kentucky's 2016 expungement law (KRS 431.073) allows some nonviolent Class D felony convictions to be expunged, which restores firearm rights. | Only certain nonviolent Class D felonies are eligible for expungement. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses involving minors require a gubernatorial pardon. |
| Louisiana | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon expiration of the 10-year period. No petition required. | 10 years after completion of sentence for crimes of violence, sex offenses, drug offenses, and certain other crimes. | Louisiana automatically restores firearm rights 10 years after completion of sentence (including probation, parole, and suspension of sentence) for most felonies. The prohibition applies specifically to crimes of violence, sex offenses, drug offenses, and certain other enumerated offenses. | Persons convicted of domestic violence offenses or subject to active protective orders remain prohibited. Some drug offense convictions have different timelines. |
| Maine | Must petition for restoration | Wait 5 years after sentence completion (automatic for some offenses), petition the court, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | 5 years after completion of sentence. No early restoration except by pardon. | Maine prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or more. After 5 years from completion of sentence (for non-prohibited persons) or upon obtaining a pardon, firearm rights may be restored. Maine also allows a petition to the court for certain offenses. | Persons convicted of certain enumerated violent crimes face a lifetime prohibition under state law, restorable only by gubernatorial pardon. Domestic violence convictions carry separate federal prohibitions. |
| Maryland | Pardon only | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon through the Maryland Parole Commission. | Must complete sentence. Pardon applications are reviewed by the Maryland Parole Commission. No fixed waiting period. | Maryland prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a felony or any 'disqualifying crime.' The only mechanism to restore firearm rights is a gubernatorial pardon. Expungement is available for some convictions but does not restore firearm rights on its own. | Expungement under Maryland law does not automatically restore firearm rights. Only a full pardon restores the right to possess firearms. Even misdemeanor domestic violence convictions trigger the prohibition. |
| Massachusetts | Pardon only | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon (felonies). Appeal to the Firearms Licensing Review Board (certain misdemeanors only). | 5 years after sentence completion for FLRB appeal (misdemeanors only). No fixed waiting period for pardon. | Massachusetts prohibits firearm possession for any person convicted of a felony. A pardon from the Governor (with the advice and consent of the Governor's Council) is the primary path to restoration. Massachusetts also allows an appeal to the Firearms Licensing Review Board (FLRB) for certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions, but felony convictions generally require a pardon. | The FLRB appeal process is available primarily for non-violent misdemeanor convictions — felony convictions generally require a gubernatorial pardon. Massachusetts FID cards allow some limited firearm possession for non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 5 years. |
| Michigan | Must petition for restoration | Automatic restoration of long gun rights after 3 years for non-specified felonies. Specified felonies require court petition for expungement/set-aside. | 3 years after completion of all sentence conditions for non-specified felonies. Permanent prohibition for specified (violent) felonies unless expunged. | Michigan prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions for a minimum of 3 years after completion of all conditions (prison, probation, parole, and payment of fines). After 3 years for non-'specified felonies,' rights are automatically restored for long guns; for handguns, a concealed pistol license application may be pursued. For 'specified felonies' (violent offenses), the prohibition is permanent unless expunged. | Persons convicted of a 'specified felony' (approximately 30 serious offenses including murder, CSC, robbery, kidnapping) face a lifetime ban unless the conviction is expunged or set aside. Handgun rights have additional restrictions even for non-specified felonies. |
| Minnesota | Automatic restoration | Automatic for non-violent felonies. Court petition required for crimes of violence. | Immediate upon completion of sentence for non-violent felonies. Crimes of violence require petition. | Minnesota automatically restores firearm rights upon completion of sentence for most felonies. However, persons convicted of a 'crime of violence' as defined by Minn. Stat. 624.712 do not have automatic restoration and must petition the court. | Persons convicted of a 'crime of violence' (including murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and certain drug offenses) must petition the district court for restoration. Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions carry a 3-year prohibition. |
| Mississippi | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court for a certificate of rehabilitation, apply for a gubernatorial pardon, or seek expungement. | Must complete sentence. Certificate of rehabilitation requires demonstration of good character since conviction. | Mississippi prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of any felony. Gun rights may be restored through a certificate of rehabilitation from an appropriate court, a gubernatorial pardon, or through expungement. The certificate of rehabilitation is the most accessible path. | Persons convicted of certain violent felonies may face additional hurdles. Mississippi does not have a standardized waiting period for certificates of rehabilitation. |
| Missouri | Must petition for restoration | Automatic after 5 years for most felonies (handguns only). Dangerous felons must seek a gubernatorial pardon. Expungement also restores rights. | 5 years after conviction or release from confinement for most felonies. Dangerous felonies are permanently prohibited. | Missouri prohibits possession of concealable firearms (handguns) by convicted felons for 5 years after conviction or release from confinement. After 5 years, handgun rights are automatically restored for most offenses under state law. However, persons convicted of 'dangerous felonies' face a permanent prohibition unless they obtain a gubernatorial pardon. | The state prohibition applies only to concealable firearms (handguns). Long guns are not restricted under Missouri state law for most felons. 'Dangerous felonies' (violent offenses) carry a permanent state prohibition. |
| Montana | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon completion of state supervision. No petition required. | Immediate upon termination of state supervision (end of probation/parole). | Montana automatically restores full rights, including firearm rights, upon termination of state supervision for any state offense. Montana law does not broadly prohibit felon firearm possession; the prohibition applies specifically to those serving a sentence or on probation/parole. | Federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)) still prohibits possession for persons convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment, regardless of Montana's more permissive state law. Local governments may enact additional restrictions. |
| Nebraska | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Nebraska Board of Pardons for a gubernatorial pardon. Set-aside under LB 254 (2024) may also provide relief for certain offenses. | Must complete sentence. The Board of Pardons generally requires a waiting period of 3+ years after sentence completion. | Nebraska prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. The primary path to restoration is through a gubernatorial pardon from the Board of Pardons (which includes the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State). Set-aside of convictions under recent legislation may also restore rights for some offenses. | Sex offenses, violent crimes, and repeat offenders face stricter scrutiny. The pardon process in Nebraska is more accessible than in many states because applications are accepted regularly. |
| Nevada | Must petition for restoration | Apply to the Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners for a pardon that explicitly restores firearm rights. | Must complete sentence. Pardon eligibility varies; the Board of Pardons Commissioners meets periodically. | Nevada prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. The primary restoration mechanism is through a pardon from the State Board of Pardons Commissioners. A person may also petition the court to seal their record, but record sealing alone does not automatically restore firearm rights in Nevada. | Record sealing (NRS 179.245) does not restore firearm rights — only a pardon explicitly restoring gun rights will do so. Violent felonies face additional scrutiny. |
| New Hampshire | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court for annulment (RSA 651:5) after the applicable waiting period, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Annulment waiting periods: 10 years (Class A felonies with no convictions), 5 years (Class B felonies), 3 years (certain other offenses). Measured from completion of sentence. | New Hampshire prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a felony. Rights may be restored through annulment (expungement) of the conviction after a waiting period, or through a gubernatorial pardon. Annulment restores all rights including firearm rights. | Persons with multiple felony convictions, or whose felony involved violence and resulted in an extended sentence, cannot obtain annulment — they must seek a gubernatorial pardon. |
| New Jersey | Must petition for restoration | Seek expungement of the conviction (if eligible) or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Expungement: 6 years after sentence completion for indictable offenses. Pardon has no fixed timeline. | New Jersey has among the most restrictive gun laws in the country. Any felony conviction results in a permanent prohibition on firearm possession. The only paths to restoration are a gubernatorial pardon or expungement. However, certain violent offenses and weapons offenses cannot be expunged. | Persons convicted of certain offenses (robbery, arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, homicide, human trafficking) cannot expunge their records. Only a gubernatorial pardon can restore rights for these offenses. |
| New Mexico | Must petition for restoration | Wait 10 years for automatic expiration of state prohibition, complete a deferred sentence successfully, or obtain a gubernatorial pardon for earlier restoration. | 10 years after completion of sentence for the state prohibition to expire. No petition needed after 10 years. | New Mexico prohibits firearm possession for 10 years after completion of sentence for felony convictions. After 10 years, the state-level prohibition expires automatically. Earlier restoration is possible through a gubernatorial pardon or if the conviction is for a deferred sentence that is successfully completed. | Deferred sentences that are successfully completed do not trigger the prohibition. Persons convicted of certain violent offenses may face additional federal restrictions beyond the 10-year state period. |
| New York | Must petition for restoration | Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (single conviction) or Certificate of Good Conduct (multiple convictions), or seek a gubernatorial pardon. | Certificate of Relief: may apply at sentencing or after. Certificate of Good Conduct: 3-5 years after sentence completion depending on offense class. | New York prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and certain serious misdemeanor offenses. A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (single felony) or Certificate of Good Conduct (multiple felonies) may remove the firearms disability at the issuing authority's discretion. A gubernatorial pardon also restores rights. | The Certificate does not automatically restore gun rights — the issuing authority (court or parole board) has discretion. New York City has additional local restrictions on firearms licensing. |
| North Carolina | Must petition for restoration | Petition the district court under NCGS 14-415.4 (nonviolent felonies, 20-year wait, single felony only), or seek a gubernatorial pardon. | 20 years after restoration of citizenship rights for court petition. The 20-year clock starts after completion of sentence. | North Carolina prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. For nonviolent felonies, a person may petition the court for restoration of firearm rights under NCGS 14-415.4. The requirements are very stringent, including a 20-year waiting period after rights are otherwise restored. | Only nonviolent felony convictions are eligible for the court petition process. Violent felonies require a gubernatorial pardon. Only one felony conviction is allowed on the record to qualify. Pardons in NC are extremely rare (only 16 granted 2001-2024). |
| North Dakota | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon expiration of the 10-year period. No petition required. | 10 years after release from incarceration, or 10 years from date of conviction if no incarceration. | North Dakota automatically restores firearm rights for all felony convictions 10 years after the person's release from incarceration or from the date of conviction if no incarceration was imposed. This applies even to violent offenses. | During the 10-year period, no mechanism exists for early restoration except a gubernatorial pardon. Federal prohibition still applies independently. |
| Ohio | Automatic restoration | Automatic for nonviolent felonies. Court petition required for violent and drug offenses. | Immediate upon completion of sentence for nonviolent felonies. Violent/drug offenders must petition after sentence completion. | Ohio provides automatic restoration of firearm rights for nonviolent felony offenders upon completion of sentence. Persons convicted of offenses of violence or drug offenses may petition the court for restoration after completing their sentence and demonstrating a law-abiding life. | Persons convicted of offenses of violence or drug offenses cannot obtain automatic restoration — they must petition the court of common pleas. Certain offenses (e.g., murder, aggravated murder) may be permanently disqualifying. |
| Oklahoma | Must petition for restoration | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon, seek expungement (nonviolent offenses), or complete a deferred sentence. | Pardon eligibility: varies, generally 5+ years after sentence completion. Expungement: 5 years for nonviolent felonies. | Oklahoma prohibits possession of firearms by persons convicted of any felony. Gun rights may be restored through a full pardon from the Governor (upon recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board), through expungement, or by receiving a deferred sentence that is successfully completed. | Violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible for expungement — only a gubernatorial pardon can restore rights for these. Deferred sentences that are completed successfully avoid the prohibition entirely. |
| Oregon | Must petition for restoration | Petition the circuit court under ORS 166.274 after 15 years, seek expungement, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | 15 years after conviction (not after sentence completion) for the judicial petition. A gubernatorial pardon can provide earlier relief. | Oregon prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. Oregon provides a dedicated judicial restoration mechanism under ORS 166.274 that allows a person to petition the circuit court 15 years after conviction for restoration of firearm rights. This mechanism is considered one of the broadest and most accessible in the nation. | Persons convicted of certain violent felonies (murder, manslaughter, assault I, kidnapping I, sex offenses) are not eligible for the 15-year judicial restoration path — they must obtain a gubernatorial pardon or expungement. |
| Pennsylvania | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court of common pleas after 10 years, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | 10 years after conviction for court petition. No fixed waiting period for gubernatorial pardon. | Pennsylvania prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of certain enumerated offenses (18 Pa.C.S. 6105) — not all felonies trigger the prohibition. For prohibited offenses, gun rights may be restored through a gubernatorial pardon or by petition to the court of common pleas 10 years after conviction. | Not all felonies trigger the firearms prohibition — only enumerated offenses under 18 Pa.C.S. 6105 (crimes of violence, drug trafficking, felonies involving weapons, etc.). Non-enumerated felonies may not carry a state-level firearm prohibition. |
| Rhode Island | Must petition for restoration | Petition the attorney general for a permit, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | No fixed waiting period for the petition to the attorney general. Pardon applications have no fixed timeline. | Rhode Island prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a crime of violence. For non-violent felonies, there is no state-level firearm prohibition. For violent crime convictions, restoration requires either a gubernatorial pardon or a petition to the attorney general under RIGL 11-47-7. | The state prohibition applies only to 'crimes of violence' — non-violent felons are not prohibited under Rhode Island state law (though federal law still applies). Domestic violence convictions carry separate prohibitions. |
| South Carolina | Must petition for restoration | Apply to SCDPPPS for a pardon. The pardon application is a straightforward administrative process with regular hearings. | Must complete sentence. Pardon eligibility: 5 years after completion for most offenses. 10 years for certain drug and violent offenses. | South Carolina prohibits handgun possession for persons convicted of a 'crime of violence.' The state does not restrict long gun possession for felons. A pardon from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) can restore handgun rights. | Only handguns are restricted under state law for violent crime convictions. Long guns are not restricted. Non-violent felons have no state-level firearm restriction (federal law still applies). |
| South Dakota | Automatic restoration | Automatic upon completion of sentence (or after 15-year wait for violent felonies). No petition required. | Immediate for non-violent felonies. 15 years after sentence completion for violent felonies. | South Dakota automatically restores gun rights for all felons after completion of sentence. For non-violent felonies, restoration occurs immediately upon sentence completion. For violent or other serious felonies, a 15-year waiting period applies after completion of sentence. | Persons convicted of certain serious violent felonies face the longer 15-year period. Federal prohibition applies independently. |
| Tennessee | Must petition for restoration | Petition the court for restoration (eligible non-violent felonies only), seek expungement, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Must complete full sentence. Court restoration for eligible non-violent felonies can be sought immediately after sentence completion. | Tennessee prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. For non-violent felonies where the person was not using a firearm, the court may restore gun rights upon completion of sentence. For violent felonies and drug offenses, only a full pardon or expungement can restore rights. | Persons convicted of 'violent' felonies, drug felonies, or any felony involving use of a deadly weapon face a permanent prohibition restorable only by gubernatorial pardon or expungement. Domestic violence convictions carry separate federal prohibitions. |
| Texas | Automatic restoration | Automatic after the 5-year waiting period for home possession only. No petition needed for home possession. Full restoration (outside the home) requires a gubernatorial pardon. | 5 years after release from confinement or community supervision, whichever is later. | Under Texas Penal Code 46.04, a person convicted of a felony may possess a firearm at their own premises (home) 5 years after release from confinement or supervision, whichever is later. Texas does not restore the right to carry a firearm outside the home — that remains permanently prohibited under state law. | The restoration only applies to possession at the person's own premises. Carrying outside the home remains prohibited. Certain offenses involving family violence carry additional restrictions. |
| Utah | Must petition for restoration | Petition for expungement through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and the court, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon. | Expungement: 6 years after case is closed for non-violent felonies. 7 years for violent felonies (if eligible). No fixed waiting period for pardon. | Utah prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of any felony, or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Firearm rights may be restored through expungement of the conviction or a gubernatorial pardon. Utah's Bureau of Criminal Identification handles expungement applications. | Certain offenses (capital felonies, first-degree felonies involving violence, automobile homicide, sexual offenses involving minors) are not eligible for expungement. A gubernatorial pardon is the only option. |
| Vermont | Automatic restoration | No restoration needed for non-violent felonies under state law (only federal law applies). Violent crime convictions require expungement or pardon. | No state-level waiting period for non-violent felonies (no state prohibition exists). Violent crime convictions carry an indefinite prohibition under state law. | Vermont does not prohibit firearm possession for non-violent felony convictions under state law. Only persons convicted of a 'violent crime' as defined by 13 V.S.A. 4017 are prohibited from possessing firearms. For violent crime convictions, the state prohibition is indefinite but may be lifted by expungement. | Federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)) still prohibits all felons from possessing firearms regardless of Vermont's limited state-level restrictions. Persons convicted of violent crimes face both state and federal prohibitions. |
| Virginia | Must petition for restoration | Petition the circuit court where the conviction occurred, or apply to the Governor for restoration. Virginia State Police handles applications. | No statutory minimum waiting period after sentence completion. However, the court considers the time elapsed and rehabilitation. | Virginia permanently prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. Virginia has a dedicated judicial firearm restoration process: a person convicted in Virginia circuit court may petition that court for restoration. Federal or out-of-state convictions require petitioning the court of conviction. Virginia's process is considered one of the most accessible in the nation. | Persons convicted of violent felonies face additional scrutiny. The Virginia State Police maintain a process for firearm rights restoration petitions. Governor may also restore rights. |
| Washington | Must petition for restoration | File a separate motion in superior court for restoration of firearm rights. The Certificate of Discharge alone is insufficient. | 5 years with no new convictions after release from custody for Class C felonies. Longer periods for Class A and B felonies. | Washington prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and certain serious misdemeanors. A Certificate of Discharge restores most civil rights but does NOT restore firearm rights. A separate motion must be filed in superior court for firearm rights restoration. | Persons convicted of 'serious offenses' (Class A felonies, sex offenses, violent offenses) face the longest waiting periods. Some offenses may be permanently disqualifying under state law. |
| West Virginia | Pardon only | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon (for those prohibited under state law). Non-violent felons should note that while state law may not prohibit them, federal law does. | Must complete sentence. No fixed waiting period for pardon application. | West Virginia prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a felony involving violence, or certain drug felonies, or who are under a domestic violence protective order. Non-violent felons may not be prohibited under state law (only federal law). For those prohibited under state law, only a gubernatorial pardon restores rights. | Non-violent felons are not prohibited from possessing firearms under West Virginia state law — only 'crimes of violence' and certain drug felonies trigger the state prohibition. However, federal law (18 USC 922(g)) prohibits all felons. |
| Wisconsin | Pardon only | Apply for a gubernatorial pardon through the Governor's Pardon Advisory Board. | Must complete sentence. Pardon eligibility: varies; generally requires several years of law-abiding conduct after sentence completion. | Wisconsin prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions. The only mechanism to restore gun rights under state law is a gubernatorial pardon. Wisconsin does not have an expungement process that restores firearm rights for felony convictions. Governor Evers resumed granting pardons in 2019 after a long hiatus. | Expungement in Wisconsin is only available at sentencing for young offenders and does not apply to serious felonies. There is no court petition process for firearm rights restoration. |
| Wyoming | Automatic restoration | Automatic after the waiting period. Since SB 120 (2023), no petition is required even for violent felonies. | 5 years after completion of sentence for first-time nonviolent felonies. Longer periods for violent felonies. | Wyoming automatically restores firearm rights for first-time nonviolent felony offenders 5 years after completion of sentence (including all probationary terms). Violent felony convictions also receive automatic restoration after a longer waiting period. Since 2023, this applies automatically with no petition required. | Federal convictions are not covered by Wyoming's automatic restoration — those require federal relief. Repeat offenders face different timelines. |
2025-2026 Update — DOJ 925(c) Revival: The Department of Justice has revived the 18 USC 925(c) process, which allows individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This provides a new federal pathway for restoration of gun rights, separate from state-level mechanisms. Check the DOJ Federal Firearm Rights Restoration page for current status and application details.
Disclaimer: This page is informational only, not legal advice. Firearm laws are complex and change frequently — possessing a firearm in violation of federal or state law is a serious felony. Always verify current rules with a qualified attorney before relying on this information. Source: Collateral Consequences Resource Center (CCRC) — Restoration of Rights Project. Cross-references: NACDL Restoration of Rights Project, Duke Center for Firearms Law, ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances, 36th Edition, DOJ Federal Firearm Rights Restoration.