Felon Gun Rights in Wyoming
It depends. If you have a single nonviolent felony conviction under Wyoming law, your firearm rights are automatically restored five years after completing your full sentence (including probation and parole) — no application needed. For violent felonies or multiple felonies, only a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration can restore gun rights. Federal convictions cannot be restored under Wyoming law. In all cases, the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1) still applies independently.
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Overview
Wyoming automatically restores firearm rights for first-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under Wyoming law five years after completion of their sentence, including all probationary terms. This automatic restoration was established by Senate File 120, effective July 1, 2023, and requires no petition or application. Persons convicted of violent felonies or multiple felonies may regain their firearms rights only through personal action of the Governor — either by pardon or by a certificate restoring rights under WS 7-13-105(a). Senate File 9 (2025) further clarified that federal convictions are not eligible for rights restoration under Wyoming law and that a new felony conviction voids any previously granted certificate of restoration.
Quick Answer
It depends. If you have a single nonviolent felony conviction under Wyoming law, your firearm rights are automatically restored five years after completing your full sentence (including probation and parole) — no application needed. For violent felonies or multiple felonies, only a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration can restore gun rights. Federal convictions cannot be restored under Wyoming law. In all cases, the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1) still applies independently.
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. Wyoming's automatic restoration of gun rights for nonviolent first-time felons may satisfy the federal 'restoration of civil rights' exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20), since Wyoming restores voting, jury service, officeholding, and firearm rights simultaneously. However, this has not been definitively tested in the Tenth Circuit. A governor's pardon that restores civil rights without expressly excluding firearms would clearly remove the federal disability. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process may provide an additional pathway for those whose state restoration is insufficient.
Can restore gun rights
- ✓First-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under Wyoming law — automatic restoration 5 years after completion of sentence (SF 120, effective July 1, 2023)
- ✓Violent felony offenders who receive a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration under WS 7-13-105(a)
- ✓Persons with multiple nonviolent felony convictions who receive a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration
- ✓Persons whose conviction is overturned on appeal or post-conviction review
- ✓Persons eligible for the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) petition process
Cannot restore gun rights
- ✗Persons convicted of violent felonies — cannot obtain automatic restoration; require governor's action
- ✗Persons with more than one felony conviction — cannot obtain automatic restoration; require governor's action
- ✗Persons convicted of a felony under federal law — ineligible for rights restoration under Wyoming law (SF 9, 2025)
- ✗Persons convicted of a felony under another state's law — may have voting rights restored but NOT firearm rights (SF 120 exception)
- ✗Persons whose certificate of restoration was voided by a subsequent felony conviction (SF 9, 2025)
- ✗Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence — prohibited under federal law
Step-by-Step Process
Determine your eligibility category
Identify which path applies: (1) First-time nonviolent felony under Wyoming law — automatic restoration after 5 years; (2) Violent felony or multiple felonies — requires governor's pardon or certificate of restoration; (3) Federal conviction — not eligible for restoration under Wyoming law. Check WS 6-8-102 to determine if your offense is classified as 'violent.'
Complete your full sentence (all paths)
You must fully complete your sentence, including all incarceration, probation, parole, and supervised release. The 5-year clock for automatic restoration does not begin until all terms are fully discharged. All fines and restitution must be paid.
Wait 5 years (automatic restoration for nonviolent first-time felons)
If you have a single nonviolent felony conviction under Wyoming law, wait 5 years after completion of sentence. After this period, all rights — including voting, jury service, officeholding, and firearm possession — are automatically restored. The Wyoming Department of Corrections includes the restoration date on your certificate. No application is required.
Apply to the Governor for restoration (violent/multiple felonies)
If automatic restoration does not apply, you must petition the Governor for a pardon or certificate of restoration under WS 7-13-105(a). Applications are submitted to the Wyoming Department of Corrections, which investigates and forwards a recommendation to the Governor. Under executive branch policy, applicants must wait at least 10 years from completion of sentence before applying for a pardon.
Avoid new felony convictions
Under SF 9 (2025), conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate. This applies retroactively to previously granted certificates. Maintaining a clean record is essential for keeping restored rights.
Verify your status and address federal law
After automatic restoration or receiving a governor's certificate, confirm your status with an attorney. The Wyoming Department of Corrections should have the restoration date on file. Address the federal prohibition by consulting whether Wyoming's full restoration of civil rights satisfies 18 USC 921(a)(20), or consider petitioning under the federal 18 USC 925(c) process.
Waiting Period
For first-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under Wyoming law, gun rights are automatically restored 5 years after completion of the full sentence (including probation and parole). For violent felonies and multiple felonies, there is no automatic restoration — a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration is required, and executive branch policy requires a minimum wait of 10 years after sentence completion before a pardon application will be considered.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WS 6-8-102 — Use or Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Felony Offenses | 1982 (amended 2023, 2025) | Prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons. Violation by a violent felony convict is a felony (up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine). Violation by a nonviolent felony convict is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or $750). The statute distinguishes between violent and nonviolent felonies with different penalties. |
| Senate File 120 (2023) — Automatic Restoration of Rights for Nonviolent Felons | 2023 | Effective July 1, 2023, automatically restores all civil rights — including voting, jury service, officeholding, and firearm possession — to first-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under Wyoming law, 5 years after completion of sentence. Directs the Department of Corrections to include the restoration date on certificates. Does not apply to violent felonies, multiple felonies, or out-of-state firearm rights. |
| WS 7-13-105 — Certificate of Restoration of Rights | 1957 (substantially amended 2023, 2025) | Establishes the procedure for restoration of civil rights by the Governor for those not eligible for automatic restoration. The Governor may issue a certificate restoring some or all civil rights, including firearm rights. Also provides for automatic restoration of voting rights for nonviolent first-time felons. |
| Senate File 9 (2025) — Firearms Rights Restoration Amendments | 2025 | Added WS 7-13-105(h) providing that conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate. Also clarified that persons convicted of federal felonies are ineligible for rights restoration under Wyoming law. |
Edge Cases
I have a nonviolent felony from another state — does Wyoming's automatic restoration apply?
Partially. Under SF 120 (2023), persons convicted of nonviolent felonies under another state's law may have voting rights restored automatically, but firearm rights are specifically excluded for out-of-state convictions. Only Wyoming-law convictions qualify for automatic firearm rights restoration. For out-of-state nonviolent felonies, you would need a governor's certificate of restoration to regain firearm rights under Wyoming law.
I was convicted of a federal felony — can I restore my gun rights in Wyoming?
No. Under SF 9 (2025), federal convictions are explicitly ineligible for rights restoration under Wyoming law, whether through automatic restoration or gubernatorial action. Your options are limited to: (1) a presidential pardon, (2) the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) petition process, or (3) having the conviction overturned.
What happens if I get a new felony conviction after my rights are restored?
Under SF 9 (2025), which added section (h) to WS 7-13-105, conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate. This means all restored rights, including firearm rights, are immediately revoked. You would need to begin the restoration process anew after completing the new sentence.
What is a 'violent felony' under Wyoming law?
Wyoming statute WS 6-1-104(a)(xii) defines 'violent felony' to include murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault (1st and 2nd degree), robbery, aggravated assault and battery, and other offenses involving the use or threat of physical force against another person. The distinction matters because violent felons face felony-level penalties for illegal possession and cannot use the automatic restoration path.
Does the 5-year automatic restoration apply if I had probation revoked?
The 5-year clock starts from the completion of your full sentence, including ALL probationary terms. If probation is revoked and you serve additional incarceration, the clock resets. You must complete the entire revised sentence before the 5-year waiting period begins.
Can I possess a firearm during the 5-year waiting period?
No. During the 5-year waiting period, you remain prohibited under Wyoming state law from possessing any firearm. Possession of a firearm by a nonviolent felon during this period is a misdemeanor under WS 6-8-102, punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and/or $750 fine. Federal law also prohibits possession during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon get gun rights back in Wyoming?
- Yes. First-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under Wyoming law receive automatic restoration of firearm rights 5 years after completing their full sentence — no application needed. Violent felons and those with multiple felony convictions may seek restoration through a governor's pardon or certificate of restoration. Federal convictions are not eligible for restoration under Wyoming law.
- What did Senate File 120 (2023) change?
- SF 120, effective July 1, 2023, was a landmark law that automatically restores all civil rights (voting, jury service, officeholding, and firearm possession) to first-time nonviolent felony offenders 5 years after completion of sentence. Previously, all felons needed gubernatorial action to restore any rights. The law directs the Wyoming Department of Corrections to include the restoration date on official certificates.
- How do I apply for a governor's pardon in Wyoming?
- Contact the Wyoming Department of Corrections (corrections.wyo.gov) for pardon application materials. Under executive branch policy, you must wait at least 10 years from completion of sentence before applying. The Department investigates and forwards a recommendation to the Governor, who has sole discretion. The process can take considerable time.
- Does Wyoming's automatic restoration lift the federal ban?
- Potentially yes. Because Wyoming restores ALL civil rights (voting, jury service, officeholding, and firearms) simultaneously, this may satisfy the federal 'restoration of civil rights' exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20). However, this has not been definitively tested in the Tenth Circuit. Consult an attorney about whether Wyoming's automatic restoration satisfies the federal standard in your case.
- What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Wyoming?
- For a violent felon, it is a felony punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine. For a nonviolent felon (during the prohibition period), it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months and/or $750. Federal prosecution under 18 USC 922(g)(1) can result in up to 15 years in federal prison, regardless of the state classification.
- What did Senate File 9 (2025) change?
- SF 9 made two key changes: (1) it added a provision that conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate, revoking all restored rights; and (2) it clarified that persons with federal felony convictions are ineligible for rights restoration under Wyoming law. It also addressed interstate recognition of other states' firearms rights restorations.
- Do I need proof that my rights were automatically restored?
- SF 120 directs the Wyoming Department of Corrections to include the date on which all rights are restored on the certificate. This serves as your documentation. If you need proof for a background check, firearms purchase, or legal proceeding, contact the Department of Corrections to obtain your certificate showing the restoration date.
- Can I buy a gun from a licensed dealer after automatic restoration?
- If Wyoming's automatic restoration satisfies the federal exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20), you should pass the FBI NICS background check. However, some dealers or the NICS system may flag your record, requiring additional documentation. Having your Department of Corrections certificate showing the restoration date may help. Consult an attorney before attempting a purchase.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Wyoming Department of Corrections — Restoration of Rights
Official WDOC page covering the restoration of rights process, including information about SF 120 automatic restoration and gubernatorial certificates.
- Wyoming Statutes WS 6-8-102 — Full Text
Full text of Wyoming's felon-in-possession statute, including violent/nonviolent distinction and penalties.
- Wyoming Statutes WS 7-13-105 — Certificate of Restoration of Rights
Full text of the certificate of restoration statute, including the 2023 and 2025 amendments for automatic restoration and revocation provisions.
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Wyoming Profile
Comprehensive guide to Wyoming restoration of rights, pardon, and record relief, including gun rights restoration.
- Giffords Law Center — Wyoming Firearm Prohibitions
Summary of Wyoming's firearm prohibition laws including who is prohibited and restoration mechanisms.
- Senate File 120 (2023) — Full Bill Text
Full text of SF 120 as enacted, establishing automatic restoration of rights for nonviolent first-time felons.
Video Guides
Sources
- Wyoming Statutes WS 6-8-102 — Use or Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Felony Offenses
- Wyoming Statutes WS 7-13-105 — Certificate of Restoration of Rights
- Senate File 120 (2023) — Wyoming Legislature
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Wyoming Restoration Profile
- Giffords Law Center — Wyoming Firearm Prohibitions
- ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances — Wyoming
- 18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Firearms Prohibition