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New York Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

New York pardons are granted by the Governor. New York also offers two important alternatives: the Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) and the Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC), which are court-issued and can relieve many collateral consequences without requiring a full pardon.

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

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Governor

The Governor of New York has exclusive clemency power. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Board of Parole may investigate applications.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Official forgiveness of the conviction that restores all civil rights.

Certificate of Relief

Court-issued certificate that removes most automatic forfeitures and disabilities from a single conviction. More accessible than a full pardon.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: No formal statutory waiting period, but typically at least several years after completion of sentence

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 show why a pardon is needed beyond what a CRD/CGC provides
  • Must demonstrate rehabilitation and community contribution

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit an executive clemency application to the Governor's office through the Executive Chamber.
  2. Complete the application with conviction details, rehabilitation evidence, and personal statement.
  3. The application is investigated by the Division of Criminal Justice Services and/or the Board of Parole.
  4. The Governor reviews the investigation and makes a decision.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A pardon can restore state firearm rights. New York has strict gun licensing laws (Sullivan Law), and a separate firearms license application is still required. Federal restrictions may still apply.

Voting Rights

New York automatically restores voting rights upon release from incarceration (Executive Order, since 2021). People on parole can vote. A pardon is not needed.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically seal the record. New York has separate record sealing under CPL Section 160.59. Recent Clean Slate legislation (2024) provides automatic sealing after waiting periods.

Employment

A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is often more practical than a pardon for employment purposes. It prevents licensing agencies from automatically denying a license based on the conviction. A pardon provides broader relief.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 6 months to several years for a pardon. CRD/CGC can be obtained more quickly.

Pardon rate: Low to moderate — recent Governors have been moderately active in clemency

Cost: Free — no filing fee for pardon applications or CRD/CGC applications

Pardon vs. Expungement in New York

New York's Clean Slate Act (2024) provides automatic sealing of many convictions after waiting periods. Record sealing under CPL 160.59 is also available by petition. CRDs and CGCs provide relief from collateral consequences. A pardon is typically needed only for the most serious offenses or for immigration-related relief.

See the full New Yorkexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) in New York?
A CRD is a court-issued certificate that removes most automatic forfeitures and disabilities from a conviction. It's far more accessible than a Governor's pardon and is the recommended first step for most people seeking relief from collateral consequences. A CRD does not erase the conviction but prevents it from being an automatic bar to employment, licensing, or other benefits.
How do I apply for a pardon in New York?
Submit an executive clemency application to the Governor's office. The application is investigated by state agencies, and the Governor makes the final decision. Consider applying for a CRD/CGC first, as they provide many of the same benefits and are more accessible.
Does New York have automatic record sealing?
Yes — New York's Clean Slate Act (effective 2024) provides automatic sealing of many convictions after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 8 years for felonies, measured from the end of the sentence). This is the most accessible form of record relief in New York.

Related New York 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 New York for advice about your specific situation.
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