How to Apply for a Presidential Pardon

Be sure all forms pertaining to your Presidential pardon application are notarized.

Applying for a Presidential pardon can be a daunting task, but if successful can restore some of the rights you may have been denied due to your criminal record or incarceration. Presidential pardons cannot be issued for state offenses and can only be applied to federal criminal convictions. Make sure all documents you submit are legible -- type-written or clearly handwritten -- and notarized.

Instructions

1. Wait the required five-year period. There is a five-year minimum waiting period from the time you were released from incarceration that you must wait before you can apply for a presidential pardon. During this waiting period, you must demonstrate a willingness to live responsibly and according to the law. You can apply for a waiver for this waiting period, but these kinds of waivers are only granted in very rare instances.

2. Write a letter explaining the reason you are applying for the pardon. You must have a well-written letter to present with your application stating why you feel a pardon is necessary. In this letter you must clearly state reasons that you feel you honestly deserve to be forgiven for your past. Include any recent activities -- such as volunteer work -- that indicate how you have changed. You may provide support material that helps explain why you are applying for the pardon, such as letters from licensing officials or professional and administrative agencies.

3. Include at least three valid character references. These cannot be supplied by anyone related to you through marriage or blood. Your references must supply either an affidavit or a letter. Your references must demonstrate familiarity with you and your offense. Each affidavit or letter must be signed and notarized.

4. Include all other relevant information as required. You will need to submit a certified copy of your arrest record, copies of your credit scores and any other civil law suits. You must also supply information regarding any unpaid taxes or any case against you, even if it has not resulted in a conviction.

5. Wait for a letter informing you of whether or not your application was successful. You cannot appeal the decision. If your application was not successful, you can complete a new pardon application in two years.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are applying for a military pardon, direct your application to the Secretary who presided over your initial case.

• If you are applying for a pardon of a state offense, contact the Governor of the state in which the conviction occurred to inquire about a state-level pardon.

• Be sure to review all of your information before submitting it. Omitting or falsifying any information can result in a period of incarceration of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000.

References

• The United States Department of Justice: Pardon Information and Instructions