Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Governor will consider restoration of rights for any individuals that have finished any term of incarceration as a result of a felony conviction.
The Restoration of Rights office will prepare a personalized restoration order for each individual who has his/her rights restored. A copy of the order will be available on the online portal and will also be mailed to the individual if there is a current mailing address on file.
The review process usually takes 3 months after an individual has submitted a request for their restoration of rights. Click here to request your rights be restored.
Individuals can check their status on the Secretary of Commonwealth's website.
If an individual has been convicted in another state and now resides in Virginia, they may request to have their rights restored by clicking here.
Your rights can be restored by the Governor of Virginia. Click here to request your rights be restored.
The Governor does not have the authority to restore firearms rights. Contact your local circuit court for information about restoration of firearms rights.
Again, this action does not restore the right to ship, transport, possess or receive firearms, which must be restored by a court in accordance with Va. Code §18.2-308.2. If you were convicted in Virginia Circuit Court, you must petition the circuit court in the jurisdiction where you reside to regain state firearms privileges. For out-of-state or federal felony convictions, you must petition the court of conviction to regain firearm privileges.
Noncitizens are not eligible to vote, serve on a jury or run for office, but may be eligible to serve as a notary public. Click here to request your rights be 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.
If you would like to request your rights be restored, please use the online portal to submit your information by clicking here.
If you have any problems or questions, you may contact our office by email at rormail@governor.virginia.gov.
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.
Check the Status of Your Civil Rights
