Pardon Us Campaign — Do Moore Good
A pardon is possible.
We'll help you get there.
The process is free. The form is shorter than you think. You don't need a lawyer. And people just like you are being pardoned every year. Let's get started.
Start Your ApplicationWhat Is a Pardon?
A fresh start — official and permanent.
A pardon is a legal action by the Governor of Pennsylvania that forgives a criminal conviction. If granted, your record is destroyed — not sealed, not hidden. Gone. Like it never happened.
That means the barriers that have been following you — on job applications, housing forms, professional licenses — are removed.
In 2023 and 2024 combined, Governor Shapiro granted over 800 pardons. Applications have grown from 430 in 2017 to over 2,400 in 2023. Of the people who reached a public hearing in 2024, nearly 4 out of 5 were recommended to the Governor.
A pardon restores your right to:
The Process
What happens after you apply.
There are several steps between submitting your application and a decision from the Governor. Here's what to expect — in plain language.
Submit Your Application
Complete the application at bop.pa.gov and mail it in. Keep a full copy for yourself. You can send updates by email at any time — keep building your record of good work while you wait.
Investigation by the Board of Probation and Parole
A parole agent will investigate your application — including an interview with you. The court, district attorney, and any victims will also have the opportunity to provide input.
Merit Review (Board Vote)
The Board of Pardons meets on Zoom and votes on whether to give you a full hearing. You need 2 out of 5 votes to move forward. You don't have to be present for this step.
Public Hearing
If you're granted a hearing, it's also on Zoom. The Board will ask you questions and vote on whether to recommend you to the Governor. You need 3 out of 5 votes.
Governor's Decision
If the Board recommends you, the Governor reviews your application and makes the final decision. If granted, the courts, police, and DAs are all notified — your record is forgiven.
Your Record Is Destroyed
Once the Governor signs your pardon, the courts are notified and your record will be expunged — not sealed, not hidden. Destroyed. The Board of Pardons transmits pardon information to the courts on a quarterly basis, so it doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen. You don't have to file anything.
Be ready to wait. The process takes much longer than it should. The current administration's wait times between application and hearing are getting longer. That's not a reason to stop — it's a reason to start now. Every good thing you do while you wait strengthens your application.
Before You Apply
Gather these before you apply.
Court Documents
You'll need certified copies of your criminal record for each conviction you're applying to pardon. You can find and download your record through the PA Unified Judicial System portal.
Evidence of Your Growth
Letters of support from employers, community leaders, faith organizations, or others who know your character. Employment records, certificates of completion, volunteer history — anything that shows who you are today.
Resources
Download and keep these.
Break the Chains
A plain-language guide to erasing your record in Pennsylvania — what a pardon is, eligibility, the process, and keys to a strong application.
Find Your Criminal Record Online
Step-by-step instructions for pulling your criminal record from the PA Unified Judicial System portal — a required step before you apply.
Get Connected
Tell us about your situation.
Fill out this short form and someone from our team will be in touch to connect you with a pardon coach near you. There's no commitment — just a conversation.
Having trouble with the form? Email us directly at pardonme@domooregood.org