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Minnesota Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Minnesota has a unique pardon process: the Board of Pardons consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. All three must vote unanimously to grant a pardon.

Last updated: 2026-03-28. This is informational only, not legal advice.

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Board of Pardons

The Board of Pardons consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. All three must agree to grant a pardon.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Forgives the conviction by unanimous vote of the Board of Pardons.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: Must have completed sentence. No specific statutory waiting period.

Clean record required: Yes — Must demonstrate rehabilitation and a clean record since the conviction.

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence
  • Must demonstrate extraordinary rehabilitation — the unanimity requirement means the bar is high

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit a pardon application to the Minnesota Board of Pardons.
  2. Complete the application with conviction details and rehabilitation evidence.
  3. The Board reviews applications and schedules hearings periodically.
  4. Appear before the Board of Pardons (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Justice).
  5. All three members must vote to grant the pardon.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A pardon can restore state firearm rights. Federal restrictions may still apply.

Voting Rights

Minnesota automatically restores voting rights upon completion of sentence (including probation). Since 2023, people on supervised release can also vote. A pardon is not needed.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically expunge the record. Minnesota has a separate judicial expungement process.

Employment

A pardon can help with employment and licensing.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 6 to 12 months — the Board meets periodically to hear cases

Pardon rate: Low — the unanimity requirement (Governor + AG + Chief Justice) makes pardons rare

Cost: Free — no filing fee

Pardon vs. Expungement in Minnesota

Minnesota offers judicial expungement for certain offenses. Expungement is more accessible than a pardon. For offenses ineligible for expungement, a pardon from the Board is the primary option.

See the full Minnesotaexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is on Minnesota's Board of Pardons?
The Board consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. All three must vote unanimously to grant a pardon.
How hard is it to get a pardon in Minnesota?
Relatively difficult — the unanimity requirement means all three Board members must agree. This makes pardons less common than in states where only the Governor decides.
Should I seek expungement or a pardon in Minnesota?
For most people, judicial expungement is the more accessible option. A pardon should be pursued when expungement is not available or when the specific benefits of a pardon are needed.

Related Minnesota Pages

Related Resources on This Site

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pardon and clemency laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney in Minnesota for advice about your specific situation.
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