How it works

The ten steps

1. Check your eligibility. Answer a few short questions. We explain what the rule says about your situation. This is information, not legal advice. About 5 minutes. Free.
2. Tell us your story. One question at a time about your history, where you have lived, and your court cases. We save as you go and reuse your answers on every form. About 30 to 45 minutes. You can stop and come back.. Included.
3. Upload what you have. Take photos or upload files of papers you already have. We label each one and show what is still missing. About 15 minutes. Included.
4. Request missing records. We write and address a request letter for each record you still need. You approve each one before it goes out. About 10 minutes to approve; agencies can take weeks to answer. Some courts and agencies charge a fee. You see the amount before you approve..
5. Get fingerprinted. We show which background checks are needed and where to get fingerprinted nearby, and we fill in the forms. About 20 minutes at the appointment; results take a few weeks. Fingerprint and check fees vary by place. You see the amount before you pay..
6. Invite your references. Enter the name, phone and email for each person who can speak to your character. We contact them, help them write, and remind them. About 10 minutes for you; references need about 10 minutes each. Included.
7. Write your personal statement. Answer questions in your own words. We draft a statement using only what you tell us, and you edit it until it sounds like you. About 30 minutes, plus time to edit. Included.
8. Review your packet. We check your packet for missing items and show a short fix list. Fix what is flagged, then confirm. About 15 minutes. Included.
9. Submit on the DOJ portal. You enter your answers and upload your packet on the official DOJ portal yourself. We put a copy sheet beside it in the portal order. This app never submits for you. About 45 minutes. The government sets its own filing fee. We do not collect it..
10. Track your decision. Tell us when DOJ responds. We keep your timeline and send reminders, including a reapply date if one applies. A minute whenever DOJ writes to you. Included.

What it does

• Shows what the rule says about waiting periods, using the dates you enter.
• Walks you through each step, one at a time, and tells you what to do next.
• Keeps your documents, records requests and reference letters in one place.
• Helps you put your own facts into words. Drafts use only what you tell it, and you review every word.
• Builds a packet and a copy sheet that you review and file yourself.

What it does not do

• It does not file anything. Rights Restore never sends anything to the Department of Justice or any government portal. You file it yourself.
• It does not predict how your application will be decided. No one can promise that.
• Rights Restore is not a law firm. It does not give legal advice, and using it does not make anyone your lawyer.
• It does not make up facts. If a fact is missing, it asks you.

Common questions