Nebraska Firearm Rights Restoration
In Nebraska, anyone convicted of a felony loses the right to possess firearms under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1206. Restoration is possible, but for a Nebraska conviction it generally requires a pardon from the Nebraska Board of Pardons that expressly authorizes restoration of firearm rights.
Pathways to Restoration
Pardon From the Nebraska Board of Pardons
Apply to the Nebraska Board of Pardons after the required clean-record period. The Board generally requires at least 10 years from completion of sentence with no new criminal record before a felony pardon application will be considered. See Nebraska Board of Pardons, Federal Disability Must Also Be Removed.
Express Firearm-Rights Authorization
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 83-1,130(2), the Governor must expressly authorize restoration of firearm rights in the pardon. Without that express language, firearm rights are deemed not restored. See AGO 25-002; State v. Illig.
Important Cautions
A Set-Aside Is Not Enough
A Nebraska set-aside, standing alone, generally does not restore firearm rights after a felony conviction. Firearm rights for a Nebraska conviction require a pardon with express gubernatorial authorization. See AGO 25-002.
Federal Disability Must Also Be Removed
Federal law independently prohibits firearm possession by a felon unless the conviction has been expunged, set aside, pardoned, or civil rights restored, and the relief does not expressly prohibit firearms. See 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). Confirm the pardon order itself does not contain limiting language.
Voting-Right Restoration Is Separate
Recent Nebraska litigation on voting-rights restoration after a felony does not automatically restore firearm rights. See State ex rel. Spung v. Evnen, 317 Neb. 800 (2024).
Key Takeaways
Step 1: Complete the full sentence — incarceration, parole, probation, fines, costs, and restitution.
Step 2: Wait the required 10-year clean-record period before applying to the Nebraska Board of Pardons.
Step 3: File a complete pardon application with character references, court documents, proof of sentence completion, and a notarized release. Specifically request restoration of firearm rights.
Step 4: Confirm the pardon expressly authorizes firearm rights and that the federal disability under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20) is removed before possessing or attempting to purchase a firearm.
Check Your Eligibility
At Armed Again, powered by The Law Offices of Barton Morris, we assist Nebraska residents in navigating the pardon process. From preparing the Nebraska Board of Pardons application to ensuring the order expressly restores firearm rights and clears the federal disability, our team makes sure no step is overlooked.
Contact us today to learn how to restore your firearm rights in Nebraska.