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Nebraska Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Nebraska's Board of Pardons consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. Pardons require agreement of all three members.

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 Secretary of State. The Board has exclusive authority to grant pardons. All members must agree.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Forgives the conviction and restores all civil rights.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence.

Reprieve

Temporary delay of punishment.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: At least 2 years after completion of sentence (some guidelines suggest longer)

Clean record required: Yes — Must have a clean record since completion of sentence.

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence
  • Must demonstrate rehabilitation

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit a pardon application to the Nebraska Board of Pardons.
  2. Complete the application with conviction details and rehabilitation evidence.
  3. The Board reviews applications and schedules hearings.
  4. Appear before the Board (Governor, AG, Secretary of State).
  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

LB 20 (2024) now automatically restores voting rights 2 years after sentence completion. Previously, a pardon was the only path. A pardon is no longer necessary for voting restoration for most people.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically expunge the record. Nebraska has a separate set-aside process.

Employment

A pardon can help with employment and licensing.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 3 to 12 months

Pardon rate: Low to moderate — the unanimity requirement limits grants

Cost: Free — no filing fee

Pardon vs. Expungement in Nebraska

Nebraska allows set-aside of convictions after completion of sentence. A set-aside is more accessible than a pardon for many offenses. A pardon provides additional relief beyond what a set-aside offers.

See the full Nebraskaexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is on Nebraska's Board of Pardons?
The Board consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. All three must vote to grant a pardon.
Do I need a pardon to vote in Nebraska?
Not anymore. LB 20 (2024) automatically restores voting rights 2 years after completion of sentence. Previously, a pardon from the Board of Pardons was the only way to restore voting rights.
What is the difference between a pardon and a set-aside in Nebraska?
A set-aside is a court action that can dismiss the conviction after sentence completion. A pardon is executive clemency from the Board of Pardons that officially forgives the offense. A pardon provides broader relief but is harder to obtain.

Related Nebraska Pages

Related Resources on This Site

Helpful guides

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