U.S. Department
of Justice
Help Me Choose
The U.S. Constitution gives the President the authority to grant clemency for a federal offense. The President cannot grant clemency for a state or local offense. There are different types of clemency. The information and links below can help you choose the correct clemency application form.
Pardon after Completion of Sentence
The President can grant a pardon to a person who was convicted in a United States District Court, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, or a military court-martial. Generally, a pardon is an expression of forgiveness. A pardon can help eliminate some of the consequences of a conviction.
Under Department of Justice rules, there is a five-year waiting period before a person can apply for pardon. The waiting period begins when a person is released from confinement. Or, if there was no prison sentence, the waiting period begins on the date of sentencing.
The President can commute (reduce) a federal sentence and a sentence imposed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Use the commutation application to seek relief from a prison sentence, fine, or restitution.
Certificate - Presidential Proclamation on Marijuana Possession
On December 22, 2023, President Biden issued a proclamation pardoning federal offenses for simple marijuana possession. It expanded the relief given in his proclamation of October 6, 2022. The December proclamation applies to federal offenses under the U.S. or D.C. Codes and certain violations of the Code of Federal Regulations. It does not apply to state or local law. You can obtain a certificate if you were pardoned.
Certificate - Vietnam War-Era Pardon
On January 21, 1977, President Carter issued a pardon proclamation for certain violations of the Military Selective Service Act. The pardon relates to draft-evasion acts or omissions during the Vietnam War-era. You can obtain a certificate if you were pardoned.