Can a felon own a gun in Maine?

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.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Maine?

Wait 5 years after sentence completion (automatic for some offenses), petition the court, or apply for a gubernatorial pardon.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Maine?

5 years after completion of sentence. No early restoration except by pardon.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Maine?

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.

Can a felon get gun rights back in Maine?

Yes, through the Commissioner of Public Safety permit process. After waiting 5 years from final discharge of your sentence, you can apply to the Commissioner for a permit to possess firearms. The application goes through the Governor's office, and law enforcement officials are notified and can object. If no one objects and the Commissioner approves, you receive a permit valid for 4 years. You cannot obtain a concealed carry permit.

How do I apply for a firearm restoration permit in Maine?

Obtain the application form from the Maine State Police website (maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits/rights-restoration). Complete it with your personal information, conviction details, discharge date, and the specific firearms you wish to possess. Include certified copies of your court documents and submit the application to the Governor's office with the filing fee (up to $25).

Can law enforcement block my firearm permit application?

Yes. The Commissioner is required to notify the district attorney, chief of police, and other officials about your application. If any notified official objects in writing within 30 days and provides a reason, the Commissioner may not issue the permit. This gives local law enforcement effective veto power over firearm restoration applications. There is limited formal appeal from an objection.

What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Maine?

Under 15 MRS 393, a violation is a Class C crime, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. If the person has a prior conviction for the same offense, the penalty increases. Federal charges under 18 USC 922(g)(1) may also apply, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in federal prison.

Does the Maine permit process lift the federal firearms ban?

It should. The permit under 15 MRS 393 constitutes a state-level restoration of the right to possess firearms, which under 18 USC 921(a)(20) should lift the federal firearms disability because it restores the civil right to possess firearms without expressly excluding them. However, the legal analysis can be complex, especially for out-of-state or federal convictions. Consult an attorney to confirm your federal status.

Can I apply for a gubernatorial pardon to restore gun rights?

The Governor has the constitutional power to grant pardons, and a full pardon would restore firearm rights. However, the Governor's Board on Executive Clemency will NOT accept pardon petitions filed solely for the purpose of restoring firearm rights. If you seek a pardon for broader reasons (overall rehabilitation, employment, civic participation), and the pardon is granted, gun rights would be restored as a consequence. The pardon process takes a minimum of 6 months to over a year.

Is the permit permanent?

No. The permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issue and may be revoked for cause by the Governor at any time. After 4 years, you must reapply through the same process, including the notification and objection period. The renewal process is essentially the same as the initial application.

What about the new federal 18 USC 925(c) process — can that help Maine felons?

The DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) petition process in 2025-2026, allowing individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This is a federal remedy independent of Maine state law. If approved, it would lift the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1). However, it would not override the state prohibition under 15 MRS 393 — you would still need the Commissioner's permit or a pardon for state-law purposes.

Felon Gun Rights in Maine

Must petition for restoration

It depends. After completing your sentence and waiting 5 years, you may apply to the Commissioner of Public Safety for a permit to possess firearms. The application is filed through the Governor's office, and the Commissioner decides after a background check and consultation with law enforcement. If any notified official objects in writing, the permit may be denied. Note that even with a permit, you cannot obtain a concealed handgun permit. For violent felonies, restoration is extremely difficult.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Maine prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, any crime committed with a firearm or dangerous weapon, or certain juvenile adjudications involving violence or firearms, under 15 MRS 393. The primary restoration mechanism is a permit from the Commissioner of Public Safety, which can be applied for 5 years after final discharge from sentence. The Governor also has pardon power, but the Governor's Board on Executive Clemency will not accept pardon applications filed solely for the purpose of restoring firearm rights. Legislation has been proposed to create additional pathways for nonviolent felons, but as of March 2026, the permit process through the Commissioner remains the primary route.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), all persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are prohibited from possessing firearms. Maine's permit process under 15 MRS 393 is a state-level restoration of the right to possess firearms, which should be recognized as lifting the federal firearms disability under 18 USC 921(a)(20) because it constitutes a restoration of civil rights by the state without expressly excluding firearms. A full gubernatorial pardon would also lift the federal ban. For federal or out-of-state convictions, the Maine Governor cannot grant a pardon, and the Maine permit process may not address the federal prohibition — those individuals may need to seek relief from the convicting jurisdiction or through the revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of a crime punishable by one year or more who have been finally discharged from their sentence for at least 5 years — may apply to the Commissioner of Public Safety for a firearm permit
✓Persons who receive a full gubernatorial pardon from the Maine Governor (note: the Pardon Board will not accept petitions filed solely to regain gun rights)
✓Persons whose conviction is overturned, vacated, or set aside by a court
✓Persons eligible for the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) petition process for relief from federal firearms disabilities

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons who have not waited the full 5 years after final discharge from sentence
✗Persons whose permit application is denied because a notified law enforcement official or prosecutor objected in writing — the Commissioner may not issue the permit if objections are received
✗Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses — prohibited under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(9)) regardless of state permit
✗Persons subject to an active protection from abuse order
✗Persons who are fugitives from justice
✗Persons convicted of federal felonies — the Maine permit process applies to state convictions; federal convictions require federal relief
✗Persons seeking a pardon solely to restore gun rights — the Governor's Board on Executive Clemency will not accept such petitions

Step-by-Step Process

Wait 5 years after final discharge from sentence

You must wait at least 5 years after being finally discharged from your sentence, including imprisonment, probation, supervised release, parole, and administrative release. The 5-year clock starts from the date of final discharge, not from the date of conviction.

Obtain the firearm permit application

The application form is prepared by the Commissioner of Public Safety and is available through the Maine State Police. Visit maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits/rights-restoration for information and forms. The application may also be obtained by contacting the Maine State Police directly.

Complete the application with required information

The application requires: full name and all aliases; date and place of birth; legal residence; occupation; make, model, and serial number of the firearm sought to be possessed; date, place, and nature of conviction; sentence imposed; place of incarceration; probation/parole officer information; date of discharge; reason for the request; and any other information the Commissioner requires. You must also provide certified copies of the indictment/complaint, judgment and commitment, and discharge documents.

Submit the application to the Governor's office

File the completed application with the Office of the Governor. The application must be accompanied by the required documentation and a filing fee of up to $25 (set by the Commissioner). The Governor's office processes the application and coordinates with the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Law enforcement notification and objection period

The Commissioner sends notice of your application to the district attorney for the county where you reside, the chief of police of any municipality where you reside, and other relevant officials. These officials have 30 days to file a written objection. If any notified official objects in writing and provides a reason, the Commissioner may not issue the permit.

Commissioner's decision

If no objections are received within the 30-day period, the Commissioner reviews your application and makes a determination. If approved, a permit is issued that allows you to possess the specified firearm(s). The permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issue and may be revoked for cause by the Governor. Note: this permit does NOT allow you to obtain a concealed handgun permit under Title 25, Chapter 252.

Renewal (if needed)

The permit is valid for 4 years. If you wish to continue possessing firearms after the permit expires, you must apply for renewal following the same process. Keep your permit documentation for verification during any law enforcement encounters.

Waiting Period

You must wait 5 years after final discharge from your sentence (including imprisonment, probation, parole, supervised release, and administrative release) before applying for a firearm permit through the Commissioner of Public Safety. After submitting the application, there is a mandatory 30-day notification period during which law enforcement officials may object. The permit, if granted, is valid for 4 years. For a gubernatorial pardon (alternative path), the pardon process typically takes a minimum of 6 months to over a year, and the Pardon Board will not accept petitions filed solely to restore gun rights.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
15 MRS 393 — Possession of Firearms Prohibited for Certain Persons	1975 (amended multiple times, most recently 2005)	Prohibits firearm and crossbow possession by persons convicted of a crime punishable by one year or more of imprisonment, crimes committed with a firearm or dangerous weapon, and certain juvenile adjudications. Establishes the 5-year waiting period and Commissioner of Public Safety permit process for restoration. Violations are a Class C crime (up to 5 years imprisonment). Permits are valid for 4 years and do not allow concealed carry.
34-A MRS 5002 — Pardons by the Governor	1983 (amended multiple times)	Establishes the Governor's pardon power and the Governor's Board on Executive Clemency. Requires that pardon applications be reviewed by the Board, which conducts hearings and makes recommendations to the Governor. The Governor has sole responsibility for granting or denying clemency. As a matter of Board policy, petitions filed solely to restore gun rights or for DUI offenses will not be accepted.
Maine Constitution, Article V, Part First, Section 11 — Pardon Power	1820	Grants the Governor the constitutional power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons after conviction, except in cases of impeachment. This is the constitutional basis for executive clemency in Maine.
25 MRS Chapter 252 — Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns	2015 (constitutional carry enacted)	Governs concealed carry permits in Maine. Persons who receive a firearm restoration permit under 15 MRS 393 are explicitly excluded from obtaining a concealed handgun permit. Maine became a constitutional carry state in 2015, but felons with restored permits still cannot carry concealed.

Edge Cases

The Pardon Board will not accept petitions for gun rights restoration — does that mean pardons cannot help?

The Governor's Board on Executive Clemency will not accept pardon petitions filed solely for the purpose of restoring firearm rights. However, if you seek a pardon for broader rehabilitative purposes (general civil rights restoration, employment, etc.) and the pardon is granted, it would also restore firearm rights as a secondary effect. The key is that the petition cannot be framed exclusively as a gun rights request. Consult an attorney about how to present your pardon petition.

What happens if a law enforcement official objects to my permit application?

Under 15 MRS 393, if any notified official (district attorney, chief of police, or other relevant official) objects in writing within 30 days and provides a reason for the objection, the Commissioner may not issue the permit. The objection effectively blocks the permit. There is limited recourse if an objection is filed — you may need to address the concerns raised in the objection or seek a gubernatorial pardon as an alternative. The objection process gives local law enforcement significant veto power.

Can I carry a concealed handgun with a restoration permit?

No. 15 MRS 393 explicitly provides that a person who receives a firearm permit under this section 'may not be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to Title 25, chapter 252.' Although Maine is a constitutional carry state (permitless carry since 2015), that right does not extend to persons with felony convictions who hold a restoration permit. You may possess the firearms specified in your permit but cannot carry concealed.

Does the permit specify which firearms I can possess?

Yes. The application requires you to list the make, model, and serial number of the firearm(s) you seek to possess. The permit is issued for those specific firearms. If you wish to possess additional firearms not listed on your original permit, you would need to apply for an amendment or a new permit.

I was convicted of a crime committed with a firearm — can I restore my gun rights?

Yes, but through the same 5-year waiting period and Commissioner permit process. Under 15 MRS 393, the prohibition applies to persons convicted of crimes punishable by one year or more AND persons convicted of crimes committed with a firearm or dangerous weapon. Both categories can apply for the permit after 5 years of final discharge. However, a conviction involving a firearm may make it more likely that law enforcement officials will object to your application.

What about the proposed legislation to expand gun rights restoration for nonviolent felons?

As of March 2026, LD 1009 was proposed by Rep. Chad Perkins to restore certain rights for persons convicted of nonviolent felonies after 10 years of sentence completion. The Maine Department of Public Safety has expressed concerns about the administrative burden. This legislation has not been enacted. Check the Maine Legislature's website (legislature.maine.gov) for current status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon get gun rights back in Maine?: Yes, through the Commissioner of Public Safety permit process. After waiting 5 years from final discharge of your sentence, you can apply to the Commissioner for a permit to possess firearms. The application goes through the Governor's office, and law enforcement officials are notified and can object. If no one objects and the Commissioner approves, you receive a permit valid for 4 years. You cannot obtain a concealed carry permit.
How do I apply for a firearm restoration permit in Maine?: Obtain the application form from the Maine State Police website (maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits/rights-restoration). Complete it with your personal information, conviction details, discharge date, and the specific firearms you wish to possess. Include certified copies of your court documents and submit the application to the Governor's office with the filing fee (up to $25).
What is the 5-year waiting period for gun rights restoration in Maine?: You must wait 5 years after being 'finally discharged' from all terms of your sentence, including imprisonment, probation, parole, supervised release, and administrative release. The clock starts from the date of final discharge, not from conviction. During this period, there is no mechanism for early restoration except a gubernatorial pardon (which the Pardon Board will not accept if filed solely for gun rights).
Can law enforcement block my firearm permit application?: Yes. The Commissioner is required to notify the district attorney, chief of police, and other officials about your application. If any notified official objects in writing within 30 days and provides a reason, the Commissioner may not issue the permit. This gives local law enforcement effective veto power over firearm restoration applications. There is limited formal appeal from an objection.
What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Maine?: Under 15 MRS 393, a violation is a Class C crime, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. If the person has a prior conviction for the same offense, the penalty increases. Federal charges under 18 USC 922(g)(1) may also apply, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in federal prison.
Does the Maine permit process lift the federal firearms ban?: It should. The permit under 15 MRS 393 constitutes a state-level restoration of the right to possess firearms, which under 18 USC 921(a)(20) should lift the federal firearms disability because it restores the civil right to possess firearms without expressly excluding them. However, the legal analysis can be complex, especially for out-of-state or federal convictions. Consult an attorney to confirm your federal status.
Can I apply for a gubernatorial pardon to restore gun rights?: The Governor has the constitutional power to grant pardons, and a full pardon would restore firearm rights. However, the Governor's Board on Executive Clemency will NOT accept pardon petitions filed solely for the purpose of restoring firearm rights. If you seek a pardon for broader reasons (overall rehabilitation, employment, civic participation), and the pardon is granted, gun rights would be restored as a consequence. The pardon process takes a minimum of 6 months to over a year.
Is the permit permanent?: No. The permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issue and may be revoked for cause by the Governor at any time. After 4 years, you must reapply through the same process, including the notification and objection period. The renewal process is essentially the same as the initial application.
What about the new federal 18 USC 925(c) process — can that help Maine felons?: The DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) petition process in 2025-2026, allowing individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This is a federal remedy independent of Maine state law. If approved, it would lift the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1). However, it would not override the state prohibition under 15 MRS 393 — you would still need the Commissioner's permit or a pardon for state-law purposes.

Take Action — Direct Links

Maine State Police — Restoration of Rights
Official information from the Maine State Police on the firearm rights restoration permit process, including application forms, requirements, and contact information.
Maine Department of Corrections — Governor's Board on Executive Clemency
Information about the pardon application process, Board hearing procedures, and eligibility requirements. Note that the Board does not accept petitions filed solely for firearm rights restoration.
Maine Legislature — 15 MRS 393 Full Text
Complete text of the statute governing firearm possession prohibitions for certain persons, including the permit restoration process.
Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Maine Profile
Comprehensive guide to Maine restoration of rights, pardon, expungement, and sealing — including gun rights restoration.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Free legal assistance for eligible Maine residents, including help with criminal records issues, pardons, and understanding rights restoration options.
ATF — Federal Firearms Disabilities and 18 USC 925(c) Relief
Federal information on firearms disabilities under 18 USC 922(g) and the revived 925(c) petition process for relief from federal firearms prohibitions.