Starting the Process: Filing a Petition for a Pardon
How Do I Apply for a Pardon?
Helpful Links:
- From the PA Board of Pardons: Procuring an Application
- PA Board of Pardons Application Filing Instructions
- CLS–Getting Help, Including Nine things you should know about getting a pardon
- Sample Letter Requesting Application
More Information:
Send the Board of Pardons a money order, certified check, cashier’s check, institution check, or law firm check in the amount of $8.00, made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please be advised that a personal check is not accepted. Enclose a self-addressed stamped business size envelope. Upon receipt of the $8.00 fee, you will be mailed an Application for Clemency, along with a complete set of instructions.
Mailing Address:
BOARD OF PARDONS
333 Market Street, 15th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 1712615th Floor
Phone: 717-787-2596
Fax: 717-772-3135
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Pardon?
More Information:
Estimated Set Costs
$08.00 - Cost of obtaining application
$00.88 - Two first-class stamps on a self-addressed business size envelope in which application is to be mailed
$25.00 - Application processing fee
$10.00 - Copy of criminal record
$43.88 Total estimated set costs
You will also need five (5) color passport-sized photos. Be sure to make copies of all documents for your own records before sending them to the Pardon Board.
To obtain copy of criminal record:
Individuals may request a copy of their criminal records for $10.00 and can find out what other individuals or companies can have legal access to these records by sending a completed copy of Form SP4-164 to the following address.
Criminal Record Repository
Bureau of Records and Information Services
Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5588
Fax: (717) 772-3681
Don’t I Need an Attorney in Order to Apply for a Pardon?
Are There Organizations That Can Assist Me in Seeking a Pardon?
Helpful Links:
- Community Legal Services
- X-Offenders for Community Empowerment
- Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
- The Pennsylvania Prison Society
More Information:
Community Legal Services
1424 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 981-3700
X-Offenders for Community Empowerment
Pardon Me Clinic Meetings are held once a month, every second Monday of the month
2231 North Broad Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact Mr. Wayne Jacobs
2540 West Hagert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 668-8477
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
625 Swede Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 275-5400
Toll Free Help Line—(877) 429-5994
The Pennsylvania Prison Society
2000 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 564-4775
What Information Do I Need to Fill Out the Application?
DISCLAIMER
The video segments you are about to see provide general information about the law, not legal advice which is the application of the law to the specific circumstances of a particular individual. Although we have attempted to provide information that is accurate and useful, you should know that the law may differ from county to county and is subject to different interpretations. If you have a question about how the law applies to you, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice from a lawyer or an advocate authorized to provide legal assistance in Pennsylvania.
Q & A
All videos on this site feature Janet Ginzberg, Staff Attorney at Community Legal Services. BIO