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Arizona Firearm Rights Restoration Guide (A.R.S. § 13-910)

Last updated May 2026. Reflects post-2022 amendments to § 13-910.

Civil rights ≠ firearm rights

This is the single most important fact about firearm rights in Arizona, and it's the source of constant confusion: civil rights restoration under § 13-907 does NOT include firearm rights. Even after your civil rights are auto-restored under HB2119, you remain a "prohibited possessor" under both Arizona and federal law until you separately restore firearm rights under § 13-910.

Firearm rights have their own statute (§ 13-910), their own waiting periods, their own exclusions, and their own application process. Many Arizona felons mistakenly believe they can possess a firearm after probation discharge. They cannot. Possession before formal § 13-910 restoration is a Class 4 felony under § 13-3102.

Waiting periods under § 13-910

Three distinct waiting periods apply, depending on the offense:

Dangerous offenses — PERMANENT BAR

If your conviction was for a dangerous offense under § 13-704 — typically involving the use, threat, or knowing infliction of a deadly weapon or serious physical injury — firearm rights cannot be restored under § 13-910. The bar is permanent. Your only path forward in these cases is a pardon from the Governor's office, which is exceedingly rare.

Serious offenses — 10-YEAR WAIT

"Serious offenses" under § 13-706 require a 10-year wait from absolute discharge before applying for firearm rights restoration. Examples include first-degree murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and certain sex offenses (which are also subject to permanent bars under federal law in many cases).

Other felonies — 2-YEAR WAIT

For most non-dangerous, non-serious felonies, the wait is 2 years from absolute discharge. The clock starts at the LATER of (a) probation discharge or (b) prison release.

Federal restrictions still apply

Even after Arizona restores firearm rights under § 13-910, federal law may still prohibit possession. Two federal restrictions in particular:

• 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) — felony bar. AZ § 13-910 restoration generally also restores rights for federal purposes IF the state restoration is "complete" — meaning unconditional. Most § 13-910 restorations qualify, but conditions in the order can complicate this.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) — domestic violence misdemeanor bar. A misdemeanor domestic violence conviction triggers a federal lifetime firearm ban. This bar is independent of state law and is NOT lifted by § 13-910 restoration of state rights.

If your underlying conviction involves any domestic violence component, consult an attorney before purchasing a firearm even after § 13-910 restoration.

The application process

1. Confirm the waiting period has elapsed. 2 years for most felonies, 10 for serious offenses, never for dangerous offenses.
2. File application with the original court. Use the AZ judiciary form for restoration of firearm rights.
3. Serve the prosecutor. Provide a copy by certified mail or personal service.
4. Prosecutor response window (typically 30 days).
5. Court ruling. Often decided on the papers without a hearing.

Many petitioners file § 13-910 firearm rights at the same time as § 13-908 civil rights, especially when both apply. Also commonly filed alongside § 13-905 set-aside since both are at the same court.

What § 13-910 does and doesn't do

It does:

• Restores the Arizona right to possess a firearm
• Generally restores the federal right (subject to caveats above)
• Allows you to legally purchase, possess, and carry a firearm in Arizona (subject to other applicable laws like AZ-CCW for concealed carry)

It doesn't:

• Override federal lifetime bans (domestic violence misdemeanors)
• Override conditions of probation that may still be active
• Apply to dangerous offenses under § 13-704
• Apply if you have a pending charge or active warrant