# US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-justice-firearm-regulation-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized a new regulation establishing a pathway for certain individuals to apply for the restoration of federal firearm rights. Launched by Attorney General Todd Blanche, the rule provides a mechanism for people previously barred due to criminal convictions to seek reinstatement. 

Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with officials weighing an individual’s criminal record, reputation, and subsequent conduct to determine if they pose a risk to public safety. The DOJ intends to use an online portal to facilitate these applications, effectively circumventing a practical barrier that has limited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from processing such requests since 1992.

The DOJ estimates that approximately 330,000 people may attempt to use the new rule within its first year. While the program opens doors for some, certain groups remain subject to strong presumptions against relief, including violent felons, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants, unless extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated.

Additionally, a separate DOJ memo clarified that current law allows individuals with lawful carry permits to possess firearms in post offices, removing previous threats of criminal prosecution for self-defense in those locations.

## Claims

- The Second Amendment is not a second-class right and the government should not permanently deprive Americans of it without considering public safety risks. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The Department of Justice finalized a rule to allow individuals barred from firearm ownership due to criminal convictions to apply for reinstatement of their rights. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Restoration of gun rights will be determined on a case-by-case basis by weighing an individual's record and reputation. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Violent criminals, registered sex offenders, and undocumented immigrants will be denied firearm restoration. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The new application process will utilize an online portal to circumvent a practical barrier established by Congress in 1992. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The DOJ estimates approximately 330,000 people will attempt to use the new rule when applications open next month. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A DOJ memo states that current law allows individuals with lawful carry permits to possess firearms in post offices. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Justice Department launches process to restore federal firearm rights

The U.S. Justice Department has launched a new process allowing eligible individuals with prior criminal convictions to apply for the restoration of their federal firearm rights via an online portal.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/department-of-justice-issues-new-firearm-rights-guidance

### 2026-08-13: Department of Justice rules firearms for self-defense allowed in public post offices

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel ruled that law-abiding citizens may carry firearms for self-defense in public U.S. post offices, citing a federal law exemption for “other lawful purposes.”

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/department-of-justice-rules-firearms-for-self-defense-allowed-in-public-post-offices

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Cite as: US Department of Justice firearm regulation changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-justice-firearm-regulation-changes