Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§925 Exceptions: Relief from disabilities
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 44— - FIREARMS › § 925
Summary
Most federal gun rules do not apply to guns or ammo that are brought in, sold to, or issued for use by the United States, any federal or state agency, or a state or local government. That exception does not remove the rules in section 922(d)(9), 922(g)(9), or the ban in section 922(p). It also covers firearms sold by the Secretary of the Army under 10 U.S.C. 4308 before that law was repealed by section 1624(a) of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety Act, and movement of those items so a lawful recipient can use them for military training or competitions. Licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers may ship guns or ammo to U.S. service members on active duty overseas, or to DoD-recognized clubs made up only of such members, so long as the items are judged by the Attorney General to be suitable for sporting use and for the member’s personal use. The Attorney General may also allow a returning active-duty member (or one who was abroad within the prior 60 days) to bring a personal sporting firearm or an approved war souvenir into the United States (here meaning the 50 states and Washington, D.C.). A person barred from guns can apply to the Attorney General to have that disability lifted. The Attorney General may grant relief if the person’s record, reputation, and other facts show they are unlikely to be dangerous and that relief is not against the public interest. If denied, the applicant can ask the U.S. district court where they live to review the decision; the court may allow extra evidence if needed to avoid injustice. Licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors who are indicted for crimes punishable by more than one year in prison may continue to operate under their current license if they apply in time for renewal and until any conviction is final. The Attorney General must also allow importation of firearms or ammo for scientific research, certain competition or training under chapter 751 of Title 10, unserviceable museum pieces (not restorable machineguns), items not treated as “firearms” under the tax code but suitable for sport, and items a person previously took out of the U.S. The Attorney General must permit imports of rifles and shotguns listed as curios or relics, and handguns so listed if suitable for sporting use, but may not authorize any import barred by section 922(p).
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §925
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)(1)The provisions of this chapter, except for section 922(d)(9) and 922(g)(9) and provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), shall not apply with respect to the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any firearm or ammunition imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.
(2)The provisions of this chapter, except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), shall not apply with respect to (A) the shipment or receipt of firearms or ammunition when sold or issued by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to section 4308 of title 10 before the repeal of such section by section 1624(a) of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety Act, and (B) the transportation of any such firearm or ammunition carried out to enable a person, who lawfully received such firearm or ammunition from the Secretary of the Army, to engage in military training or in competitions.
(3)Unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter, except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), or any other Federal law, a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may ship to a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States or to clubs, recognized by the Department of Defense, whose entire membership is composed of such members, and such members or clubs may receive a firearm or ammunition determined by the Attorney General to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes and intended for the personal use of such member or club.
(4)When established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General to be consistent with the provisions of this chapter, except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), and other applicable Federal and State laws and published ordinances, the Attorney General may authorize the transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation into the United States to the place of residence of any member of the United States Armed Forces who is on active duty outside the United States (or who has been on active duty outside the United States within the sixty day period immediately preceding the transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation), of any firearm or ammunition which is (A) determined by the Attorney General to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes, or determined by the Department of Defense to be a type of firearm normally classified as a war souvenir, and (B) intended for the personal use of such member.
(5)For the purpose of paragraph (3) of this subsection, the term “United States” means each of the several States and the District of Columbia.
(b)A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who is indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, may, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, continue operation pursuant to his existing license (if prior to the expiration of the term of the existing license timely application is made for a new license) during the term of such indictment and until any conviction pursuant to the indictment becomes final.
(c)A person who is prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition may make application to the Attorney General for relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms, and the Attorney General may grant such relief if it is established to his satisfaction that the circumstances regarding the disability, and the applicant’s record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Any person whose application for relief from disabilities is denied by the Attorney General may file a petition with the United States district court for the district in which he resides for a judicial review of such denial. The court may in its discretion admit additional evidence where failure to do so would result in a miscarriage of justice. A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector conducting operations under this chapter, who makes application for relief from the disabilities incurred under this chapter, shall not be barred by such disability from further operations under his license pending final action on an application for relief filed pursuant to this section. Whenever the Attorney General grants relief to any person pursuant to this section he shall promptly publish in the Federal Register notice of such action, together with the reasons therefor.
(d)The Attorney General shall authorize a firearm or ammunition to be imported or brought into the United States or any possession thereof if the firearm or ammunition—
(1)is being imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, or is for use in connection with competition or training pursuant to chapter 751 of title 10;
(2)is an unserviceable firearm, other than a machinegun as defined in section 5845(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (not readily restorable to firing condition), imported or brought in as a curio or museum piece;
(3)is of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm as defined in section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes, excluding surplus military firearms, except in any case where the Attorney General has not authorized the importation of the firearm pursuant to this paragraph, it shall be unlawful to import any frame, receiver, or barrel of such firearm which would be prohibited if assembled; or
(4)was previously taken out of the United States or a possession by the person who is bringing in the firearm or ammunition.
(e)Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Attorney General shall authorize the importation of, by any licensed importer, the following:
(1)All rifles and shotguns listed as curios or relics by the Attorney General pursuant to section 921(a)(13), and
(2)All handguns, listed as curios or relics by the Attorney General pursuant to section 921(a)(13), provided that such handguns are generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(f)The Attorney General shall not authorize, under subsection (d), the importation of any firearm the importation of which is prohibited by section 922(p).
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Amendment of Section Pub. L. 100–649, § 2(f)(2)(C), (E), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3818, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(h) [title VI, § 649], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–480, 2681–528; Pub. L. 108–174, § 1(1), (3), Dec. 9, 2003, 117 Stat. 2481; Pub. L. 113–57, § 1, Dec. 9, 2013, 127 Stat. 656, provided that, effective on Mar. 8, 2031, subsection (a) of this section is amended by striking “and provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p)” in par. (1), striking “, except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p),” in par. (2), and striking “except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p),” in pars. (3) and (4) and subsection (f) of this section is repealed.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 4308 of title 10 before the repeal of such section by section 1624(a) of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), means section 4308 of Title 10, Armed Forces, prior to repeal by section 1624(a)(1) of Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XVI, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 522. section 5845(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is classified to section 5845(b) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), is classified to section 5845(a) of Title 26.
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted “chapter 751 of title 10” for “chapter 401 of title 10”. 2002—Subsecs. (a), (c) to (f). Pub. L. 107–296, which directed amendment of this section by substituting “Attorney General” for “Secretary” wherever appearing, was executed by making the substitution wherever appearing in subsecs. (a)(4) and (c) to (f), by not making the substitution for “Secretary of the Army” in subsec. (a)(2), and by substituting “Attorney General” for “Secretary of the Treasury” in subsec. (a)(3), to reflect the probable intent of Congress. 1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–208 inserted “section 922(d)(9) and 922(g)(9) and” after “except for”. Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–106 inserted “before the repeal of such section by section 1624(a) of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety Act” after “section 4308 of title 10”. Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 104–294 substituted “For the purpose of paragraph (3)” for “For the purpose of paragraphs (3) and (4)”. 1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–647, § 2203(b), inserted “possession,” before “or importation”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–647, § 2203(c), substituted “regarding the disability” for “regarding the conviction” and “barred by such disability” for “barred by such conviction” and struck out “by reason of such a conviction” after “incurred under this chapter”. 1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–649, § 2(c)(1), inserted “, except for provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p),” after “chapter” in pars. (1) to (4). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–649, § 2(c)(2), added subsec. (f). 1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–308, § 105(1), substituted “is prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition” for “has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year (other than a crime involving the use of a firearm or other weapon or a violation of this chapter or of the National Firearms Act)” and “shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms, and” for “shipment, or possession of firearms and incurred by reason of such conviction, and” and inserted provision that any person whose application for relief has been denied may file for judicial relief of such denial and that the court may admit additional evidence to avoid a miscarriage of justice. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–308, § 105(2)(A), (B), (D), in provision preceding par. (1) substituted “shall authorize” for “may authorize” and struck out “the person importing or bringing in the firearm or ammunition establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that” after “thereof if”, and in provision following par. (4) substituted “shall permit” for “may permit”. Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”. Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”. Pub. L. 99–308, § 105(2)(C), inserted “except in any case where the Secretary has not authorized the importation of the firearm pursuant to this paragraph, it shall be unlawful to import any frame, receiver, or barrel of such firearm which would be prohibited if assembled”. 1984—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–573 added subsec. (e). 1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated existing provisions as par. (1), made minor changes in phraseology, and added pars. (2) to (5). Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–618 added licensed collectors to the enumerated list of licensees. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–618 substituted “imposed by Federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, or possession of firearms and” for “under this chapter”, “to act in a manner dangerous to public safety” for “to conduct his operations in an unlawful manner,” and “licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector” for “licensee”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–618 made minor changes in phraseology, subjected ammunition to the authority of the Secretary in text preceding par. (1), substituted “section 5845(b)” for “section 5848(2)” in par. (2), substituted “section 5845(a)” for “section 5848(1)” and “excluding surplus military firearms” for “and in the case of surplus military firearms is a rifle or shotgun” in par. (3), inserted “or ammunition” after “the firearm” in par. (4), and authorized the Secretary to permit the importation of ammunition for examination and testing in text following par. (4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2018 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of
Amendments
and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Effective Date
of 2002 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an
Effective Date
note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
Effective Date
of 1996 Amendment Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XVI, § 1624(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 522, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by this section [amending this section and section 4313 and 4316 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and repealing section 4307, 4308, 4310, and 4311 of Title 10] shall take effect on the earlier of— “(1) the date on which the Secretary of the Army submits a certification in accordance with section 1623 [former 36 U.S.C. 5523]; or “(2) October 1, 1996.”
Effective Date
of 1988 Amendment; Sunset ProvisionAmendment by section 2(c) of Pub. L. 100–649 effective 30th day beginning after Nov. 10, 1988, and amendment by section 2(f)(2)(C), (E) effective on Mar. 8, 2031, see section 2(f) of Pub. L. 100–649, as amended, set out as a note under section 922 of this title.
Effective Date
of 1986 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 99–308 applicable to any action, petition, or appellate proceeding pending on May 19, 1986, see section 110(b) of Pub. L. 99–308, set out as a note under section 921 of this title.
Effective Date
of 1984 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–573 effective 15th day after Oct. 30, 1984, see section 214(a), (b) of Pub. L. 98–573, set out as a note under section 1304 of Title 19, Customs Duties.
Effective Date
of 1968 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 90–618 effective Dec. 16, 1968, except subsecs. (a)(1) and (d) effective Oct. 22, 1968, see section 105 of Pub. L. 90–618, set out as a note under section 921 of this title.
Effective Date
Section effective 180 days after June 19, 1968, see section 907 of Pub. L. 90–351, set out as a note under section 921 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 925
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73