A certificate is a document issued in some states by a court or other governmental agency, such as a parole board, as evidence that you are entitled to recover at least some of the rights and privileges you lost because of your conviction.
The terms and conditions under which certificates are issued vary widely among the states that use them.
To find out about certificates in your state, select the state where your criminal record is located using the drop-down menu below:
Alabama does not offer any certificates of relief or rehabilitation. The state does offer a Certificate of Eligibility to Vote.
A Certificate of Eligibility to Vote restores your right to vote and is granted by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This certificate is necessary for returning citizens to register to vote in Alabama. Alabama does not automatically restore your civil and political rights when you complete your sentence. The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles issues these certificates to restore voting rights.
You are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, or parole, and you have paid all fines, costs, fees, and restitution.
Alabama law requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant Certificates of Eligibility to Vote to anyone other than those convicted of serious violent or sex offenses. If you meet the Board's requirements, you will get this certificate that allows you to register to vote in Alabama.
The Certificate of Eligibility to Vote restores your civil rights such as your right to vote, hold public office, or sit on a jury.
You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Vote once you have completed your sentence and probation or parole; paid all fines, costs, fees, and restitution; and do not have any pending criminal felony charges.
Here are the five ways to apply to get a Certificate of Eligibility to Vote:
For more information on Certificates of Eligibility to Vote, contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at (334) 353-7771/ (334) 353-8067 or email mailto:pardons@paroles.alabama.gov.
Alaska does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Arizona does not offer a certificate of relief or a certificate of rehabilitation.
Arkansas does not offer Certificates.
A Certificate of Rehabilitation (COR) is a court order declaring that a person convicted of a felony has been officially rehabilitated.
A COR helps to remove some of the barriers that exist because of a criminal record, but does not expunge your conviction or ensure that you will get a job. If you receive a COR, your conviction will still show up on a background check and you must still tell employers and landlords about your conviction if asked.
If the petition for the COR is granted, the application will automatically be forwarded to the Governor as a Pardon Application.
You are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation under three different situations.
You are not eligible to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if you:
While a COR does not seal or expunge your record, it is an official court document verifying your rehabilitation. No employer is required to hire you because you have a COR, but it may make an employer more likely to offer you a job.
In addition, a COR relieves the requirement to register as a sex offender for some sex offense convictions. This may benefit you when seeking employment as many employers are hesitant to hire people who must register as a sex offender.
Finally, if you have a COR, occupational licensing boards may not deny your application for a license solely because you have a conviction. This means that the licensing board must consider your rehabilitation when deciding whether or not to grant you an occupational license. Unfortunately, having a COR does not mean that the licensing board must grant you a license, they can still decide to deny your application.
If you are eligible for a COR, you must file a petition with the superior court in the county in which you live. You may not file the petition until you have completed the period of rehabilitation if you are required to register as a sex offender. If you are not required to register as a sex offender, you may file your petition before the end of the rehabilitation period and the court may consider your request. The period of rehabilitation requires living in California for the five years prior to filing your petition PLUS:
You must file a Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation in the superior court in the county in which you currently live. You should include letters of support and recommendation, as well as proof of your accomplishments.
You can get a copy of the Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation from the court clerk, the county Probation Department, or the Public Defender’s office.
You have a right to have a lawyer help you complete the petition for a COR. You can hire a lawyer or, if you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court to assign you a public defender. It may be helpful to contact the public defender in the county in which you live to request help for completing a COR petition.
Colorado offers an Order of Collateral Relief. It is a court order that removes some mandatory penalties and disqualifications imposed by law on returning citizens. The order may also affect other disqualifications that a government agency, official, or court could impose based on a conviction. An Order of Collateral Relief will remove some barriers to employment, housing, or licensing. If you have this court order, your criminal record does not disqualify you.
You are eligible for a Colorado Order of Collateral Relief for convictions unless your convictions were for violent or sex crimes, or a victim became disabled as a result of your crime.
An Order of Collateral Relief will remove some barriers to employment, housing, or licensing. If you have this court order, your criminal record does not disqualify you.
You can ask the court for this order at the time of conviction or at any later date.
Here are the five steps to apply for an Order of Collateral Relief:
The court may or may not hold a hearing on your application. The court must decide that the Order of Collateral Relief is consistent with your rehabilitation, and that granting the order will improve your likelihood of success in reintegrating into society.
For more information about Colorado Order of Collateral Relief, visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website here: Relief from Collateral Consequences.
Connecticut offers a “Certificate of Employability (COE),” also referred to as a "Provisional Pardon." A COE is for employment and licensure purposes only. The COE provides relief from barriers to employment or occupational licenses for people with convictions.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Employability also known as a Provisional Pardon, if:
A Certificate of Employability, also known as a "Provisional Pardon," does not expunge convictions from your record. The COE does indicate that you are employable and makes it illegal for an employer or prospective employer to deny you employment based on your criminal record alone. The COE also indicates that you are suitable to hold certain types of occupational licenses.
You are eligible to apply for a COE or Provisional Pardon if you:
Here are the three steps to apply for a Certificate of Employability, also known as a "Provisional Pardon:"
Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division
Attn: Certificate Review Unit
455 Winding Brook
Glastonbury, CT 06033
For more information about Certificates of Employability or Provisional Pardons, visit the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website here: Certificates of Employability.
Delaware does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
The District of Columbia does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Florida does not offer certificates. You might hear about a Florida certificate, but it relates to sealing or expunging a record.
Florida does have a "Ready to Work" program that is free for any Florida resident. The program offers job skills training and a series of tests. The program awards a credential, signed by the governor, that demonstrates to employers you have certain job skills.
For more information on the Ready to Work program, visit: Florida Ready To Work.
Georgia law offers a "Program and Treatment Completion Certificate" to encourage successful reentry and employment of people with criminal records.
Administered by the Georgia Board of Corrections, the certificate acknowledges the completion of educational and vocational programs, and the person's work history during incarceration. The Certificate also gives employers who hire certificate holders a presumption of "due care," which helps to lower the employer's risk of liability for negligence in hiring.
You are eligible for a Program Treatment Certificate if you are currently incarcerated in the Georgia system and all of the following are true:
The Certificate gives employers who hire certificate holders a presumption of "due care," which helps to lower the employer's risk of liability for negligence in hiring.
Once your release date is approved, the Department of Corrections will automatically determine if you are eligible for a Certificate.
If you are eligible, you will meet with a counselor to discuss the Certificate's use and benefits. Your Certificate is printed on official paper, signed by the Warden or Superintendent, and presented to you upon your release. If you need more copies, you may ask for notarized copies at any Georgia Department of Corrections office.
Hawaii does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Idaho does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation. The state's labor department has a brochure that you may find helpful when looking for employment. To access the brochure, visit the Idaho Department of Labor website here: Ex-Offender Re-Entry Services.
The Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) is a court document that declares to an employer that the person has been rehabilitated. In other words, a CGC means you have demonstrated good conduct since your sentencing.
Any person convicted of a crime in Illinois who has demonstrated good conduct for a specific period of time is eligible for a CGC. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, you may not be able to work for the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or any law enforcement agency in Illinois, even with a CGC.
You are eligible for the CGC unless you were convicted of:
The certificate could improve your chances of getting a job or a license because it demonstrates good conduct and rehabilitation.
The CGC requires a waiting period:
Follow these steps to apply for a CGC:
The clerk will set a hearing date. The chief judge of that judicial district will hear your case.
If you were sentenced in Cook County, use the Petition for Certificate of Good Conduct Form CCCR0713 to submit to the court:
Petition for Certificate of Good Conduct
For the latest version, please visit the Cook County Circuit Court website here: Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) is a court order that declares the person has been rehabilitated. The CRD is intended to help you get a license in 27 specific professions, including: animal welfare, athletic training, cosmetology, boxing, interior design, land surveying, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, real estate, roofing, and more.
A CRD creates a legal presumption of rehabilitation that a licensing board must consider. If you have a CRD, you cannot be denied a license just because you were convicted. You can be denied a license if the board finds that there is a direct relationship between your conviction and the license you are applying for. The board can also deny a license if there is an unreasonable risk to property, safety, or general welfare of the public. If you have a CRD, the licensing board must demonstrate the reason for denying the license.
You may apply for a CRD if your criminal record cannot be expunged or sealed.
You must not have been convicted of more than two felonies.
You are eligible for this Certificate unless you were convicted of:
If you have Federal or out-of-state offenses, you’re eligible for a CRD if you live in Illinois.
The CRD makes 27 specific job licenses available to you. It means that a licensing board cannot deny a license based only on a conviction or a “lack of good moral character.”
The CRD offers an employer some protection and reduces their risk when hiring people with criminal records and could improve your chances to get a license and a job.
You can apply for a CRD as soon as you are sentenced or at any time after. There is no waiting period.
You might want to ask the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for their opinion before you ask for a CRD or a license.
Follow these steps to apply for a CRD:
The clerk will set a hearing date. The chief judge of that judicial district will hear your case.
If you were sentenced in Cook County, use this Petition for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Form CCCRN510A to submit to the court:
Petition for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
For the latest version, please visit the Cook County Circuit Court website here: Clerk of the Circuit Court
The certificate certifies to potential employers that you have successfully completed your sentence. The document also certifies that you have earned the certificate as a result of your good behavior.
To be eligible for a Certificate of Discharge, you must be discharged from incarceration (jail or prison), parole, or probation. In other words, you must have completed your sentence.
The certificate could improve your chances of getting a job because it demonstrates good behavior since your conviction.
You can ask the court for a Judicial Certificate of Discharge after you have completed your incarceration, parole, or probation. You must have completed all your sentencing requirements to apply for a Certificate of Discharge.
Go to the court that sentenced you and ask the Circuit Court Clerk for a Petition for a Certificate of Discharge. Fill out the form, attach copies of any supporting documents, and pay any fee required. The clerk will set a hearing date. You must attend the hearing.
There are three certificates of rehabilitation available in Illinois: Judicial Certificate of Discharge; Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD); and Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC).
Illinois - Judicial Certificate of Discharge
Illinois - Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD)
Illinois - Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC)
Indiana does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
In November 2019, Iowa passed a law creating “Certificates of Employability” for people who are on parole or who are no longer on parole but are unemployed or underemployed. The Board of Parole is tasked with developing the criteria and application process for this Certificate. For more information on the process, visit the Iowa Board of Parole and Department of Corrections website here: State of Iowa Board of Parole.
Kansas does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Kentucky does not offer Certificates.
Louisiana does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Maine does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
The Maryland Department of Corrections offers a Certificate of Rehabilitation. This certificate may help people with criminal records get a professional license or a job. Unlike other states' certificates, Maryland's does not address employer liability.
You are eligible for a Maryland Certificate of Rehabilitation if you were convicted of a nonviolent and non sex-related felony or misdemeanor and you successfully completed supervision by the Division of Parole and Probation. Supervision includes parole, probation, or mandatory release supervision. The state's attorney and victims have the right to object. You can receive only one Certificate of Rehabilitation in your lifetime.
If you have a Certificate of Rehabilitation, a licensing board cannot deny you a license based only on your conviction. A board may deny a license if there is a direct relationship between the conviction and the license, and if granting the license would create an unreasonable risk to people or property.
You may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation once you complete your supervision with the Maryland Department of Corrections.
Here is the general process to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation:
Maryland law states that the department "shall issue" a certificate to anyone who is eligible. This language means that the department must issue certificates to returning citizens who are eligible upon completion of their supervision. The law also requires that state's attorneys and victims have the right to object. The law does not address what effect their objections might have. So if you meet the eligibility requirements, you're entitled to the certificate, but someone's objection might keep you from getting it.
For more information on certificates, visit the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services factsheet online here: Maryland Certificate of Rehabilitation Fact Sheet.
Massachusetts does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
The Certificate of Employability is a document that certifies you have successfully completed programs while incarcerated that make you employable.
The Certificate protects employers and reduces their risk when hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. These Certificates should make employers more likely to hire you.
To be eligible for a Certificate, you must be incarcerated under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and have access to education and training programs. These programs vary by facility throughout the state.
To be eligible, you must have:
People who are no longer incarcerated are not eligible for Certificates of Employability. Most people convicted of felonies are sentenced to community-based sanctions and are not in MDOC custody. These people will not be eligible for a Certificate.
The Certificate could improve your chances of getting a job since it offers an employer some protection and reduces their risk when hiring formerly incarcerated people.
Michigan licensing boards can consider your Certificate of Employability as evidence of your good character when deciding whether to grant you a license.
The MDOC automatically grants you the Certificate of Employability upon release if you meet all of the requirements. The Certificate must be issued within 30 days before your release.
The Certificate is valid for only four years and you may apply for renewal.
The MDOC will revoke the Certificate if you commit a crime or any misconduct in the 30 days before release. MDOC will also revoke the Certificate if you commit a felony after release.
You do not apply for the Certificate. The MDOC must give all those who are qualified a Certificate of Employability upon release.
For more information on Certificates of Employability, visit the MDOC website here: MDOC.
The Minnesota does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order that allows a person with a felony conviction to possess a firearm or other type of weapon.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if you have a felony conviction. The court decides whether or not to grant the Certificate of Rehabilitation.
A Certificate of Rehabilitation allows you to possess a firearm or other weapon. The certificate has no effect on your status as a person with a criminal record.
There is no waiting period to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation.
You must apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation with the court in which you were sentenced. Contact the court directly to ask for more information. There is no form available online.
For helpful information about Certificates of Rehabilitation in Mississippi, visit the Collateral Consequences Resource Center website here: Collateral Consequences Resource Center.
Missouri does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Montana does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Nebraska does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Nevada does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation." The Nevada "certificate of good conduct" program ended in 2010.
New Jersey offers a "Certificate of Rehabilitation" (COR) that removes obstacles to obtaining a professional employment license from the state. Professional licenses are required for many occupations such as barbers, plumbers, and realtors. To get a COR, you must apply to the New Jersey State Parole Board.
You may apply for a Certificates of Rehabilitation if a board has denied you a professional license due to your criminal history.
You may also apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if you have been denied an expungement or are otherwise not eligible for expungement.
A Certificates of Rehabilitation (COR) helps remove some barriers to employment and may help you get a job. In certain cases, your rights to government employment including the ability to hold public office, may be restored by a COR. If you have a COR, your criminal record does not disqualify you from getting a license.
A New Jersey licensing board must consider your COR, in spite of any convictions on your record. A licensing board may still deny you a license if it decides that there is "a direct relationship" between your criminal record and the work, or that granting you the license would create an "unreasonable risk" to property, a specific person, or the general public.
If the licensing board denies your application, you must wait two years before reapplying with a COR. Private employers do not have to give you a job if you have a COR, but they can consider it.
If you are granted a COR, all court records will remain and your criminal record will be available to anyone conducting a criminal background check on you. In addition, a COR does not restore civil rights or permit you to purchase a firearm.
Certificates of Rehabilitation (COR) can be granted by the court at the time of sentencing if you are not sentenced to probation or incarceration. If you are sentenced to probation or incarceration, a COR can be granted either by the Parole Board if sentenced to imprisonment or by the Probation Department if sentenced to probation.
Here are the six steps to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation:
New Jersey State Parole Boards
P.O. Box 862
Trenton, NJ 08625-0862
For more information on Certificates of Rehabilitation, contact the New Jersey State Parole Board at (609) 292-4257.
New Mexico does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
A certificate of Good Conduct is issued by The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This certificate removes some employment and licensure restrictions imposed on people who have been convicted of two or more felonies and may restore your right to hold public office.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have been convicted of two or more separate felonies. You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record. This means no involvement for five years if the offense is an A or B felony; three years if it’s a C, D, or E felony; or one year if there are misdemeanors on your criminal record.
The waiting period starts when you were last released from prison or jail to Community Supervision or were released from prison or jail by the maximum expiration of your sentence, or at the time of your last criminal conviction (whichever of these events comes last).
DOCCS may also issue you a Certificate of Good Conduct if you are an eligible individual who has been convicted in another state or in federal court and who now lives in New York State. The good conduct waiting period will be determined by what level the conviction would be considered in New York State.
A Certificate of Good Conduct has the same effect as the CRD. In addition, the Certificate of Good Conduct may restore your right to seek public office. The certificate may remove all, or only some legal bars or disabilities. The Certificate of Good Conduct issued to you while under parole supervision is a temporary certificate. The certificate will become permanent upon a successful end of parole or supervision.
There is a waiting period to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct. The waiting period depends on your most serious felony, not your last one. For an A or a B felony, the waiting period is 5 years. For a C, D or E felony, the waiting period is 3 years.
The waiting period starts the last time you got out of prison or completed probation/parole. If you didn’t get state time, the waiting period starts the date of your last felony conviction.
The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct is the same as getting a CRD.
Use this Certificate of Good Conduct Application to submit to DOCCS:
Certificate of Good Conduct Instructions and Application to DOCCS
For the latest version, please visit the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's website here:
DOCCS Application (latest version)
NYS Division of Licensing Services
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Legal Action Center
A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) may be issued by a court or the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
The certificate removes restrictions from getting certain types of employment and/or occupational licenses for people who have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors, or up to one felony. If you have a CRD, it does not mean that an employer has to hire you or that a licensing board has to give you a license. The employer or licensing agency can still consider your conviction and will also take into account your rehabilitation.
You are eligible for a CRD if you have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors and no more than one felony (two or more felony convictions in the same court on the same day are counted as one felony).
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) may also issue you a CRD if you are an eligible person but was convicted in another state or in federal court and now lives in New York State.
A CRD may be issued to you upon release from jail or prison, with the recommendation of the supervising Parole Officer, at any time while under Community Supervision.
A CRD may remove any legal restriction or disability imposed as a result of conviction of the crime or crimes specified in the certificate. The CRD does not, however, enable you to retain or become eligible for public office.
Note that removing legal bars restores your right to apply and be considered for employment or license, but does not guarantee it will be granted.
A CRD issued to you upon release or once you are on parole is a temporary certificate. This certificate becomes permanent when you are discharged from parole.
You can apply for a CRD at the time of sentencing, after sentencing, or after release from state prison.
You should apply to the court that sentenced you unless:
Certificates in these cases are issued by DOCCS.
To Apply for a CRD from the court, you will need to:
To find the contact information for local courts, go to: New York State Unified Court System
Use this CRD Application to submit to the court:
Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Application
For the latest version, please visit the New York State Unified Court System's website here:
CRD Application to the Court (latest version)
Even though the application form does not ask for proof of rehabilitation, you should attach any evidence you have, including a letter that you write that explains what happened and how you take responsibility for your actions; letters of recommendation from employers or clergy; and any certificates of completion of drug treatment, job training or volunteer work you may have. Submitting these documents will improve your chance of the Judge granting your application.
The court will grant a CRD if the following four requirements have been met:
If you are not under community/parole supervision and/or have completed the maximum expiration of your sentence, you can download a certificate application from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) website and submit a completed application directly to the DOCCS Certificate Review Unit at the address listed on the application.
The steps are different if you are under community/parole supervision. If you are under community/parole supervision, you should discuss your interest in applying for a certificate with your supervising Parole Officer, who can recommend you for a CRD.
There is a three-step process for requesting a CRD from DOCCS:
Use this CRD Application to submit to DOCCS:
For the latest version, please visit the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's website here:
CRD Application Instructions (latest version)
Each Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can only cover one conviction. This means that if you have more than one criminal conviction then you will need to apply for a certificate for each individual conviction on your record. If you have a relatively long record then you may want to consider only filling out a certificate for the most recent and/or serious convictions.
NYS Division of Licensing Services
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Legal Action Center
There are two kinds of Certificates in New York: Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and Certificate of Good Conduct. Both of these certificates can help remove barriers to getting a job and obtaining an occupational license. The eligibility requirements are different for each kind of certificate. To learn more about Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and Certificate of Good Conduct in New York, please click the links below.
New York - Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD)
New York - Certificate of Good Conduct
A Certificate of Relief is a court order that removes some mandatory penalties and disqualifications imposed by law for people with criminal records. The certificate also affects other disqualifications that a government agency, official, or court could impose based on a conviction. In other words, the certificate completely takes away some disqualifications and allows others to be discretionary.
You are eligible to apply for a North Carolina Certificate of Relief if all the following are true:
A Certificate of Relief will remove some barriers to employment and may help you get a job. If you have a certificate, your criminal record does not disqualify you.
The North Carolina certificate also limits the liability of people who hire, admit to programs, or issue licenses to people with criminal records. This is another way that having a certificate can improve your employment opportunities.
You must wait 12 months after completing your sentence.
If you are eligible, follow these steps to apply for a Certificate of Relief:
The court will want to know if you are rehabilitated and will consider the DA's objections, if any. If the court denies your request for a certificate, you may reapply in 12 months.
If the court grants your request, the court may revoke your certificate if you are later convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than traffic violations) in North Carolina.
To access the Certificate of Relief Petition and Order form, visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website here: North Carolina Judicial Branch Forms.
The Certificate of Achievement (CAE) can help remove legal barriers to employment. The CAE is for individuals that are currently incarcerated and those under parole or post release control.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Achievement and Employability (CAE) if you are currently incarcerated, on parole, or under post-release control.
A Certificate of Achievement and Employability (CAE) can remove legal bars to employment that are created by statutes and regulations. In Ohio, people with criminal records cannot get some occupational licenses and cannot work in facilities that serve "vulnerable populations" (hospitals, schools, daycares, nursing homes, etc.). If you have a CAE and you apply for one of these licenses or jobs, the licensing agency or employer must presume that your convictions by themselves do not make you unfit for the license or the job. In other words, if you have a certificate, you are not disqualified by your record.
The CAE protects employers who hire you. It reduces the risk of hiring people with criminal records because they remove the employer's liability for negligent hiring. This certificate should make employers more likely to hire you.
If you are serving a prison term, apply for a Certificate of Achievement and Employability (CAE) no earlier than one year before release and no later than your date of release from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC). You can get the application from the Ohio Central School System (OCSS) and ask them about how, when, and where to apply.
If you are under parole or post-release control, you must apply for the certificate before your parole or post-release control ends. You may get the application and details about how, when, and where to apply from your parole officer.
If you are eligible, get the CAE application online here: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
For more information, visit: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
This certificate removes legal barriers to employment. The Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is for formerly incarcerated individuals who have completed sentencing, parole, and any post release control.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) if you have been discharged from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC).
A Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) can remove legal bars to employment that are created by statutes and regulations. In Ohio, people with criminal records cannot get some occupational licenses and cannot work in facilities that serve "vulnerable populations" (hospitals, schools, daycares, nursing homes, etc.). If you have a CQE and you apply for one of these licenses or jobs, the licensing agency or employer must presume that your convictions by themselves do not make you unfit for the license or the job. In other words, if you have a certificate, you are not disqualified by your record.
The CQE also protects employers who hire you. It reduces the risk of hiring people with criminal records because the CQE removes the employer's liability for negligent hiring. This certificate should make employers more likely to hire you.
If your offense is a felony, you must wait one year after completing your sentence to apply for a CQE.
If your offense is a misdemeanor, you must wait 6 months after completing your sentence.
If you are eligible, here is the general process to apply for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE):
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center has an online workbook to help you with getting a CQE. To view the workbook online, visit: The Ohio Justice and Policy Center’s CQE Workbook.
Ohio offers two certificates: Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE) and Certificates of Achievement and Employability (CAE). To learn more about Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE) and Certificates of Achievement and Employability (CAE) in Ohio, please click the links below.
Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE)
Certificates of Achievement and Employability (CAE)
Oklahoma does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Oregon does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
A Certificate of Rehabilitation eliminates your conviction from your criminal record certificate.
You are eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if you are incarcerated and have demonstrated that you are rehabilitated before completing your sentence.
If the court grants the Certificate of Rehabilitation, you will be released from incarceration. Your conviction will be eliminated and will not appear on your criminal record certificate. The Police Superintendent will keep the record for "recidivism purposes." This means that if you commit a future offense, your conviction will be considered in sentencing.
You can apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation while incarcerated.
The new penal code authorizes the Secretary of Corrections to a file motion with the court that certifies a person who has not completed their prison term has been totally rehabilitated. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation does a psychological evaluation and then recommends that you are ready to live in the community.
Here is the four step process to get a Certificate of Rehabilitation:
For information about the Certificate of Rehabilitation, contact the Department of Corrections Legal Counsel's office at (787) 224-8103.
South Carolina does not offer any certificates of relief or rehabilitation for returning citizens. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) administers or cooperates with several federal employment and training programs. For more information, visit the SCDEW website here: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
A South Carolina nonprofit organization, South Carolina Fathers and Families, offers help to returning citizens, including jobs and training information. For more information, visit their website here: South Carolina Fathers and Families.
Tennessee offers a Certificate of Employability. A Certificate of Employability is a court order that removes certain mandatory penalties and disqualifications imposed by law on citizens post incarceration.
You are eligible to apply for a Tennessee Certificate of Employability if the court finds the following to be true:
You are not eligible for a certificate if you were convicted of or pled to a violent crime.
A Certificate of Employability will remove some barriers to employment and may help you get a job. If you have a certificate, your criminal record does not disqualify you from certain things. For example, a state licensing agency cannot deny you a license based only on your criminal record when you have a certificate. The agency must do an individual assessment.
The certificate also limits the liability of people who hire, admit to programs, or issue licenses to returning citizens. This is another way that a certificate can improve your employment opportunities.
To apply for a certificate, you must have completed all terms of your sentencing. You apply for a Certificate of Employability at the same time you apply for a restoration of civil rights.
Here are the three steps to apply for a Certificate of Employability:
The court will notify the District Attorney of that county and the District and State Attorneys in the county where you live. The prosecuting DA will notify any victims who have 20 days to object to your petition. The court will consider the objections, if any. The court may investigate and request additional information.
If the court grants your request, they have the authority to revoke your certificate if you are later convicted or plead guilty of a felony. If the court denies your request for a certificate, you may appeal.
Texas does not offer certificates of employability.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Reentry and Integration Division has a website called "Website for Work" that matches qualified people with criminal records with employers.
Federal law offers tax cuts to employers who hire people within one year of release from the criminal justice system. Texas state law limits the liability of employers who hire people with criminal records.
For more information, please visit: Website for Work.
Utah does not offer a “certificate of relief” or a “certificate of rehabilitation”.
Vermont offers a "Certificate of Restoration of Rights." It is a court order that removes some mandatory sanctions imposed by law on returning citizens. A certificate of restoration of rights may be introduced as evidence of a person’s due care in a judicial or administrative proceeding alleging negligence or other fault.
You are eligible for a Vermont certificate of restoration of rights unless your convictions include sex offender registration, driver’s license suspensions and revocations, and law enforcement employment. Serious crimes, including drug trafficking, are not eligible for relief.
A certificate of restoration of rights can remove some barriers to employment, education, housing, public benefits, or occupational licensing.
You can ask the court for a certificate of restoration of rights five years after sentencing or release from incarceration for a conviction in any jurisdiction.
Here are the two steps to apply for a certificate of restoration of rights:
If the petition is filed prior to sentencing, it shall be treated as a motion in the criminal case. If the petition is filed after sentencing, it shall be treated as a post-judgment motion.
For more information about Vermont certificate of restoration of rights, visit the Vermont Legislature website here: Certificate of Restoration of Rights.
Virginia does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Washington offers a "Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP)". The certificate is a court order that removes some disqualifications imposed by law on people with criminal records. If you have a CROP, you cannot be denied an occupational license just because you have a criminal record. Employers and landlords are encouraged to hire or rent to applicants with CROPS.
You are eligible for a Washington Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity if all the following are true:
A CROP will remove some barriers to employment and may help you get a job. If you have a CROP, your criminal record does not disqualify you. A CROP does not apply to law enforcement or law. It also does not apply to licenses that involve financial duties, healthcare, or working with vulnerable populations.
You can apply for a CROP 12 months after you have completed your sentence.
Here are the seven steps to apply for a CROP:
For more information and instructions on CROPs, visit the Columbia Legal Services website here: Certificate of Restoration of Opportunities Act.
West Virginia does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.
Wisconsin does not offer a "certificate of relief" or a "certificate of rehabilitation."
Wyoming does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.