Pennsylvania Firearm Rights Restoration

In Pennsylvania, losing your firearm rights doesn’t always mean they are gone forever. State law provides specific legal pathways to petition for restoration, but the process is technical and requires meeting strict eligibility requirements.

Pathways to Restoration

Court Petition – 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(d)

Individuals prohibited under § 6105 may apply to the court of common pleas in their county of residence for relief. The court may grant restoration if:

The conviction has been vacated and appeals are exhausted or expired
The conviction has been the subject of a full Governor’s pardon
At least 10 years (excluding incarceration) have passed since the most recent disqualifying conviction, and the applicant poses no danger to public safety
Federal relief has been obtained, or if federal funding for relief is unavailable, the court may waive this requirement

Mental Health Prohibitions – 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(f)(1)

Individuals prohibited due to involuntary mental health commitments may petition for relief. Courts may grant restoration if they find the applicant can safely possess firearms without risk to themselves or others.

Restoration for Older “Disabling Offenses” – 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105.1

Applies to convictions that previously triggered a firearms disability but would not be punishable by more than two years under today’s law. Relief is possible if:

The applicant has no additional disqualifying convictions
The court finds they are not likely to act in a dangerous manner

Expungement or Pardon

A valid expungement order removes the conviction from state and federal disability. A Governor’s pardon alone is not always enough; a court order under § 6105(d) is usually required.

Challenging Record Accuracy – 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111.1

If a denial is based on inaccurate criminal or mental health records, individuals may challenge the record with the Pennsylvania State Police, with the right to judicial review.

Important Limitations

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Not All Convictions Qualify

Certain serious crimes under § 6105(a) and (b) may permanently bar restoration.

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Federal Law Still Applies

Even if Pennsylvania restores rights, federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) may continue to prohibit possession unless all civil rights (voting, jury service, holding office, and firearms) are fully restored.

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Court Discretion

Judges must consider public safety. If character or reputation suggests a risk, the court may deny relief.

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