A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court document stating that a person convicted of a crime has been rehabilitated.
A person who has been in state prison must apply in the county where they reside. This certificate can be presented to an employer and is the first step to obtaining a pardon from the governor.
The following requirements are necessary to apply:
- An individual needs to be free from custody for at least seven (7) years;
- An individual has to have been a California resident for five (5) years prior to filing the petition;
- An individual must not be on probation or on parole; and,
- An individual must pass a background check.
- If a former California resident lives outside of the state, they must seek a direct pardon from the governor’s office.
Complete our Clear Your Record form to begin the process.