How Clemency Works

The Applicant (You)

• learn about which form to use, the application requirements, and the information you need to provide.

• apply by sending your completed form to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. You will get a confirmation message with your case number, and you can check the status of your case online.

• update your application while the case is pending. We want to hear about your new job, a change of address, and other big changes.

The Department of Justice

• investigates the details of your application. If you are requesting a pardon, we might ask the FBI to conduct a background investigation. In some cases, we ask the U.S. Attorney and sentencing judge for their comments.

• recommends how the President should handle the application.

The President

• decides to grant or deny the application. We will send you a notification and post the decision on our website.