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Federal Firearm Rights Restoration

Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Character References

General information about Character References

The application requires three (3) character references. The applicant will need to provide first and last name, email address, and how you know the reference. These references must comply with all the following criteria: 

  • They are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage; 
  • They have known the applicant for at least three (3) years; and 
  • They are not currently prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. §922(g). 

Listed references may be contacted for further information.  References will be required to affirm, under penalty of perjury, the following:

  • The applicant has not committed any crime, other than traffic or other minor infractions or petty offenses not involving force or violence to persons or property, within the past five years; 
  • The applicant does not unlawfully use or is not addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in 27 CFR 478.11, except that it excludes those whose only unlawful use of or addiction to a controlled substance consists of the use of or addiction to marijuana); 
  • The applicant does not regularly abuse alcohol or other intoxicants, including prescription drugs; 
  • The applicant is not currently suffering from a mental health condition that would impair their judgment or behavior; 
  • The applicant is a person of good character and has a good reputation in the community, demonstrating characteristics such as honesty, dependability, and community contribution; 
  • The applicant has not attempted or threatened to use unlawful violence toward any person, or threatened or attempted suicide, regardless of whether authorities were notified, within the past five years; and 
  • The applicant would not pose a danger to themself, their family members, their intimate partners, or to public safety if permitted to possess a firearm.

What happens after the application is submitted?

Character Reference

Some character references will receive emails from "Criminal Justice Information Services" stating that an applicant has requested their support in the FFRR application process.  It will provide a link and PIN for access to the Character Reference form.

When they click on the link that was included in the email, it will take them to the federal "Warning!" page where they will enter the PIN provided.

Once the PIN has been accurately entered, they will have access to the Character Reference form where they will have the option to fill out the form or decline.

The Applicant

It is recommended that applicants confirm that their selected references are willing and able to provide the required information upon receipt of the email BEFORE submitting their names on the application.  However, if a reference declines to fill out the Character Reference form, then the applicant will be able to update their character references on their application status page.

It is important to note that applicants are responsible for checking their application status page for updates.  They will NOT receive an e-mail notifying them if any character references failed to submit the completed reference form.

Updated August 17, 2026