Firearm Rights Restoration.

Alabama restores firearm rights through a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles, which may expressly restore the right to possess a firearm. Certain non-violent offenders may petition after a waiting period.

Alaska automatically restores firearm rights ten years after unconditional discharge for most felonies, provided no disqualifying offenses. A Governor's pardon is available for ineligible offenses.

Arizona restores firearm rights by court application after completion of probation; for serious or dangerous offenses, restoration requires a Governor's pardon or set-aside.

Arkansas restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon expressly restoring the right to bear arms. Sealing of records under the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act may also apply.

California requires a Certificate of Rehabilitation followed by a Governor's pardon to restore firearm rights for felony convictions. Some misdemeanor firearm prohibitions are time-limited.

Colorado restores firearm rights via a Governor's pardon or record sealing for eligible offenses. Federal firearm rights require explicit restoration language.

Connecticut restores firearm rights through a Board of Pardons and Paroles pardon (absolute or provisional). Absolute pardons erase the conviction; provisional pardons lift specific disabilities.

Delaware restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon after recommendation by the Board of Pardons. Certain expungements may also restore rights for specific offenses.

Florida requires application to the Office of Executive Clemency for restoration of civil rights and a separate application for restoration of firearm authority. Waiting periods apply after sentence completion.

Georgia restores firearm rights through a pardon from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Applicants must wait five years after completing their sentence (or two years for certain offenses).

Hawaii restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon. Certain non-violent offenses may have rights restored after a waiting period following sentence completion.

Idaho automatically restores civil rights upon final discharge for many felonies, but firearm rights require a Commission of Pardons and Parole pardon or completion of probation for non-violent offenses.

Illinois restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon specifically authorizing firearm possession, or by petitioning the circuit court for FOID card relief under 430 ILCS 65/10.

Indiana restores firearm rights through expungement under I.C. § 35-38-9 for eligible offenses, or via a Governor's pardon.

Iowa restores firearm rights only through a Governor's pardon that expressly restores the right to receive, transport, or possess firearms.

Kansas restores firearm rights automatically for many non-person felonies after a statutory waiting period (8 or 10 years), and through expungement or Governor's pardon for others.

Kentucky restores firearm rights only through a Governor's pardon. Civil rights restoration alone does not restore firearm rights.

Louisiana automatically restores firearm rights 10 years after completion of sentence for many non-violent offenses, or by Governor's pardon for others.

Maine restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon. There is no automatic restoration for felonies.

Maryland restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or expungement for eligible offenses. Some non-violent offenses qualify after waiting periods.

Massachusetts restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or by demonstrating eligibility for an FID card after the statutory disqualification period.

Michigan automatically restores firearm rights 3 or 5 years after completion of all sentence terms for most felonies (longer for 'specified felonies'). Governor's pardon also available.

Minnesota automatically restores some firearm rights upon discharge for non-violent felonies, but crimes of violence require a court petition or pardon extraordinary.

Mississippi restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or a Certificate of Rehabilitation issued by the circuit court.

Missouri restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or expungement under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140 for eligible non-violent offenses.

Montana automatically restores firearm rights upon discharge from state supervision for most state felonies. A Governor's pardon is available for offenses that don't qualify.

Nebraska restores firearm rights through a Board of Pardons pardon or by set-aside of the conviction under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264.

Nevada restores firearm rights only through a Board of Pardons Commissioners pardon that expressly restores the right to bear arms.

New Hampshire restores firearm rights through a Governor and Executive Council pardon, or by annulment of the conviction under RSA 651:5.

New Jersey requires either expungement of the underlying offense or a Governor's pardon to restore firearm rights. Expungement is filed in the Superior Court in the county of conviction.

New Mexico automatically restores firearm rights 10 years after completion of sentence for many felonies. A Governor's pardon is also available.

New York generally requires a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct, plus a Governor's pardon for most felony firearm restorations.

North Carolina restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon of forgiveness or by petitioning the superior court under N.C.G.S. § 14-415.4 for non-violent felonies after a 20-year waiting period.

North Dakota automatically restores firearm rights 10 years after release for non-violent felonies (5 for some misdemeanors). Pardon also available.

Ohio restores firearm rights by court application under O.R.C. § 2923.14, by sealing the record, or by Governor's pardon.

Oklahoma restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or by expungement under 22 O.S. § 18 for eligible offenses.

Oregon restores firearm rights by court petition under ORS 166.274 after 15 years from discharge for many offenses, or by Governor's pardon.

Pennsylvania restoration is handled through the Board of Pardons; firearm rights can also be restored by petitioning the court of common pleas under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(d) for certain non-violent offenses.

Rhode Island restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or by expungement of the underlying offense for eligible first offenders.

South Carolina restores firearm rights through a pardon from the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services that expressly restores the right to bear arms.

South Dakota restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon. Some non-violent felonies are eligible for restoration after sentence discharge.

Tennessee restores firearm rights by court petition under T.C.A. § 40-29-101 after restoration of citizenship rights, or by Governor's pardon. Certain violent and drug offenses are ineligible.

Texas restores limited firearm rights 5 years after sentence discharge (possession at home only). Full restoration and federal compliance require a Governor's pardon.

Utah restores firearm rights through expungement under Utah Code § 77-40a or a Board of Pardons and Parole pardon.

Vermont has no state-level firearm prohibition for most felons; however, federal prohibitions still apply and require a Governor's pardon or expungement to lift.

Virginia requires restoration of civil rights by the Governor followed by a circuit court petition under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 to restore firearm rights.

Washington restores firearm rights by court petition under RCW 9.41.040(4) after a clean record waiting period (5 years for felonies, 3 for misdemeanors), or by Governor's pardon.

West Virginia restores firearm rights through a Governor's pardon or by court petition under W. Va. Code § 61-7-7 for non-violent felonies after a waiting period.

Wisconsin restores firearm rights only through a Governor's pardon. There is no automatic restoration and no court-based mechanism.

Wyoming automatically restores firearm rights 10 years after expiration of sentence for non-violent felonies, or by Governor's pardon for others.