Per Idaho Code §18-310, a sentence of custody to the Idaho Board of Corrections suspends a person’s civil rights, including the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm. For certain offenses identified in Idaho Code §18-310, restoration of these rights may only occur through application to, and granting by, the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Please note: persons convicted of a felony identified in Idaho Code 18-310(2)that have had their conviction reduced to a misdemeanor pursuant to Idaho Code 19-2604(2) may still need their firearm rights restored by the Commission prior to possessing firearms.
If applying for a pardon, there is NO need to file an application for firearm rights restoration. Firearms rights are restored if a pardon is granted. Conviction of a misdemeanor does not cause a loss of firearms rights under Idaho law, however, conviction of certain misdemeanors may cause a loss of rights under Federal law and a pardon may have the effect of restoring Federal firearms rights in this circumstance.
Please consult with an attorney for further clarification regarding firearm rights.
Requirements that must be met prior to applying for restoration of firearm rights:
- The application must be submitted no sooner than 5-years after the discharge of felony sentences.
- Applications for restoration of firearms rights can only be submitted once every 12-months unless specified by the Commission.
- If applying for a pardon, there is NO need to file an application for firearm rights restoration. Firearms rights are restored if a pardon is granted.
- Download the Restoration of Firearms Rights Application or contact the Parole Commission office for further information regarding how to obtain an application.
- Those currently incarcerated or being supervised for a felony and/or misdemeanor convictions do not qualify for the restoration of firearm rights.
- A completed application in its entirety.
- Identification of reason for requesting restoration of firearms rights.
- Certified copies of all court judgment and conviction orders for each felony crime listed in the application. Idaho Repository or ROA printouts from the Court will not be accepted.
- Verification of Court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution are paid in full.
- Copies of police reports with the narrative of all offenses listed in the application for restoration of firearms rights.
- Incorrectly completed applications or those lacking required documentation will be returned to the applicant and not processed.
- Documents submitted with the application will not be returned.
- The application must be the original application with an original signature.
- Applications must be legible.
- Mail application and all required additional documents and supporting materials to:
- Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole
3056 Elder Street
Boise, Idaho 83705
- Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole
- The submission of a restoration of firearm rights application does not guarantee a hearing.
- Upon receipt of an eligible firearm restoration application, the required documentation will be reviewed by the Commission. These reviews take place during the January, April, July, and October parole hearing sessions.
- A written notice of the Commission’s decision will be provided to the applicant via U.S. mail, or by visiting the Parole Commission’s website.
- Upon reaching a decision, if the request is not denied, a hearing will be scheduled.
- For information on where to find Commission decision click here.
- If a hearing is scheduled, the applicant and any/all victims of the crime(s) being considered for the restoration of firearm rights will be notified via U.S. mail of the hearing date, time, and location.
- If a hearing is scheduled, an investigation into the applicant will be conducted.
- The investigation may be done in person, or by electronic means, and may include, but is not limited to; criminal history since completion of sentence, employment and residence history since completion of sentence, education status, family information, community involvement, volunteer service, hobbies and related interests, and verification that all restitution and fines have been paid.
- This process restores firearm privileges only. No other civil rights are restored through this process.