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Texas Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Texas has a unique pardon structure: the Governor cannot grant a pardon without the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This limits the Governor's clemency power significantly.

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

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Both

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommends pardons, and the Governor can only grant a pardon upon the Board's recommendation. The Governor cannot independently grant a pardon without the Board's recommendation (except for a 30-day reprieve).

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Official forgiveness of the conviction. Requires Board recommendation.

Conditional Pardon

Pardon with conditions. Requires Board recommendation.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence. Requires Board recommendation.

Reprieve

The Governor can independently grant a one-time 30-day reprieve without Board recommendation.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: Must have completed sentence. No specific statutory waiting period, but a substantial clean record period is expected.

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

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence including restitution
  • Must demonstrate rehabilitation and community contribution
  • Must have the Board's recommendation (Governor cannot act without it)

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit a clemency application to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
  2. Complete the application with conviction details, rehabilitation evidence, and personal statement.
  3. The Board investigates the application.
  4. The Board votes on whether to recommend a pardon to the Governor.
  5. If the Board recommends a pardon, the Governor reviews and makes the final decision.
  6. If the Board does not recommend a pardon, the Governor cannot grant one.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A full pardon from Texas restores state firearm rights. Federal restrictions under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) may still apply depending on the offense.

Voting Rights

Texas automatically restores voting rights upon completion of sentence (including probation/parole and any term of incarceration). A pardon is not needed for voting.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically expunge the record. Texas has separate expunction and order of nondisclosure provisions. An order of nondisclosure (record sealing) may be available for certain offenses.

Employment

A pardon can help with employment and licensing. An order of nondisclosure may be more practical for background check purposes.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 6 to 24 months — the two-step process (Board recommendation + Governor approval) adds time

Pardon rate: Very low — the requirement for Board recommendation before the Governor can act makes Texas pardons rare

Cost: Free — no filing fee

Pardon vs. Expungement in Texas

Texas has expunction (for cases with no conviction) and orders of nondisclosure (record sealing for deferred adjudication and certain convictions). Orders of nondisclosure are more accessible than pardons. For convictions, expunction is not available, but an order of nondisclosure may be. A pardon should be pursued when other options are unavailable.

See the full Texasexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Texas Governor grant a pardon on their own?
No — the Texas Governor cannot grant a pardon without a recommendation from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The only clemency action the Governor can take independently is a one-time 30-day reprieve.
How do I apply for a pardon in Texas?
Submit an application to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Board investigates, and if they vote to recommend a pardon, the recommendation goes to the Governor for final approval.
What is an order of nondisclosure in Texas?
An order of nondisclosure seals criminal record information from public access. It's available for deferred adjudication and certain convictions. It's far more accessible than a pardon and is the recommended first step for most Texans seeking to limit the visibility of their record.

Related Texas 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 Texas for advice about your specific situation.
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