The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons just launched something big… an online application portal for people seeking clemency! That means you can now start your pardon application online, directly through the BOP website. But don’t move just yet, here are some things you need to know first.
At Record Eraser | PA Pardon Service, for over 35 years we’ve helped thousands of Pennsylvanians apply for pardons the traditional way. But with this new option now available, we want to make sure you know what’s involved before you jump in.
Here’s what’s new, what’s required, and why this tool could be helpful, but also tricky, if you’re not fully prepared!
Where to Find the New Online Pardon Application
You can find the online portal by searching for “PA Board of Pardons” and visiting their official site at www.bop.pa.gov. From the homepage, you’ll now see the option to either:
- Download the traditional PDF Pardon Application, or
- Start your online clemency application through the new portal.
This update is part of the Board’s move toward modernizing the process—but it comes with some important caveats.
What You’ll Need Before Starting the Online Application
Unlike many online forms, this application cannot be saved once started. You have to complete and submit all eight steps in one sitting. If you close the browser or run out of time, you’ll lose everything you’ve entered.
That means you need to be fully ready before clicking “Start.”
Here’s what you need to have scanned, organized, and ready to upload:
- Court records for each case including six specific documents from the clerk of courts
- A 400-word personal essay explaining why you’re a good candidate for a pardon
- A brief written explanation for each criminal offense
- Letters of support or recommendation
- Basic personal information like name, DOB, Social Security number
- Details of any previous pardon applications
The online form currently supports up to five criminal cases. If you have more, the BOP recommends using the PDF version.
What’s Included in the Online Pardon Application
Here’s a quick look at what’s included in the eight-step process:
- Instructions and Confirmation
- Biographical Information (name, aliases, DOB, SSN, etc.)
- Representative Information
- Convictions (Date of incident, OTN, etc.)
- Attaching Court Documents
- Personal Statement
- Application Review
- Signature and Submission
We couldn’t preview the full form without entering real data, but even from the first few pages, it’s clear that this form is comprehensive and unforgiving if you’re unprepared.
A New Option for a Powerful Step Forward
The new online pardon application is live, and it’s a welcome tool for those ready to begin the clemency process in Pennsylvania. But it’s not ‘one-click kind of easy, you’ll need to gather documents, write thoughtfully, and complete everything in one sitting.
Whether you apply online or stick with the PDF process, our team at Record Eraser is here to help. We’ve been doing this work for years, and we know what the Board is looking for, because we’ve seen hundreds of applications go through.
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