THE DOJ’S 925(C) REVIVAL: A NEW CHAPTER FOR SECOND AMENDMENT RESTORATION
For over three decades, federal law offered a promise it couldn’t keep: the chance to restore firearm rights to Americans who had served their time, rebuilt their lives, and posed no threat to public safety. That promise lived in 18 U.S.C. § 925(c)—a provision of the Gun Control Act that allowed individuals to petition for relief from firearm disabilities. But since 1992, Congress has blocked funding for the program, leaving thousands in legal limbo.
Now, in 2025, the Department of Justice is finally breathing life back into § 925(c). And if you’re watching the intersection of criminal justice reform and Second Amendment rights, this is a moment worth dissecting.
What Is 925(c), and Why Was It Dormant?
Section 925(c) empowers the Attorney General to restore gun rights to individuals prohibited from possessing firearms—typically due to felony convictions or mental health adjudications—if they are not “likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety” and if granting relief “would not be contrary to the public interest.”
From the 1970s to early 1990s, the ATF processed thousands of applications. But in 1992, Congress defunded the program, citing cost and risk concerns. The Supreme Court later confirmed that without ATF action, courts couldn’t intervene. The result? A 33-year freeze on federal firearm rights restoration .
The 2025 Revival: What’s Changing?
Under President Trump’s directive and Attorney General Pamela Bondi’s leadership, the DOJ has proposed a rule to restart the 925(c) process. The initiative is backed by Executive Order 14206 and a $448,000 budget allocation to the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
Key features of the pending rule include:
• Case-by-case discretion: The Attorney General will evaluate each application individually, weighing all relevant evidence.
• Presumptive exclusions: Violent felons, registered sex offenders, and illegal aliens will remain presumptively ineligible.
• Tech-forward infrastructure: A web portal is being developed with FBI’s CJIS to streamline applications and reduce manual review.
• Public comment period: Communities—including law enforcement, victims’ advocates, and potential applicants—are invited to weigh in before the rule is finalized.
Legal Strategy Meets Human Story
This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. Millions of Americans with old convictions, many of whom have lived decades without incident, may finally have a path to reclaim a constitutional right. The DOJ estimates over 25 million could be eligible.
For attorneys, advocates, and citizens alike, this rule offers a rare opportunity to shape a process that balances public safety with redemption. It’s also a reminder that statutory rights mean little without the political will—and funding—to enforce them.
My Final Thoughts
The 925(c) revival is more than a regulatory update. It’s a test of how seriously we take the idea that rights can be restored, not just revoked. As the DOJ prepares to finalize the rule, now is the time to engage, comment, and prepare.
Whether you’re a legal professional advising client, a citizen hoping for relief, or a policymaker weighing the implications—this is your moment to help define what justice looks like.
