Individuals are eligible to apply to have their rights restored after being released from incarceration.
Please note: The Governor does not have the authority to restore firearms rights. If you have had your civil rights restored and are seeking restoration of your firearm rights, please contact your local circuit court.
Are your rights restored?
Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights - the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights. Individuals seeking restoration of their civil rights are encouraged to submit a request to have their rights restored on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
- To be eligible to apply for consideration for the restoration of civil rights, an individual must be free from any term of incarceration resulting from felony conviction(s).
- Individuals are encouraged to submit a request on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website for consideration of the restoration of their civil rights.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office works with various state agencies to consider individuals who may be eligible to have their rights restored.
Check the Status of Your Civil Rights
Request Your Rights Be Restored
