To check the status of a clemency application, use the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s online search tool for federal cases, or contact the governor’s office or state pardon or parole board for state cases. Federal status information is searchable by name or case number; state procedures vary by state.1U.S. Department of Justice. Search for a Case
What to Have Ready Before You Search
Gather the applicant’s details before you start. A search moves faster when you have:
- The applicant’s full legal name and date of birth.
- The type of clemency requested, such as a pardon or a commutation of sentence.
- The date the application was submitted.
- Any case or identification numbers assigned to the petition.
Checking a Federal Clemency Case
Federal clemency covers offenses prosecuted under federal law. The Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers these petitions and maintains the public status lookup.2U.S. Department of Justice. About the Office
The OPA’s online tool lets you look up a petition using any one of the following:1U.S. Department of Justice. Search for a Case
- A clemency case file number, which typically starts with a P or C followed by six digits.
- A Bureau of Prisons (BOP) register number.
- The applicant’s first and last name.
If the online tool does not return what you need, contact the OPA directly. The office prefers email at USPardon.Attorney@usdoj.gov. You can also call 202-616-6070 or write to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530.1U.S. Department of Justice. Search for a Case
Checking a State Clemency Case
State convictions fall outside federal jurisdiction, and the OPA tool will not return information on them. You need to contact the state where the conviction occurred, usually the governor’s office or a state agency such as a Board of Pardons or a Parole Board.3U.S. Department of Justice. Frequently Asked Questions
Search the official government website of the relevant state for its clemency or pardon board. Most states offer an online portal, a mailing address, or a dedicated phone line for status inquiries. Expect to provide the same personal and case details you would use for a federal check.
What Each Status Means
A Pending status means the case has been opened and is under review. Specific details about the ongoing review are not shared with the public.1U.S. Department of Justice. Search for a Case
For a federal case, Granted means the President approved the petition, and Denied means the President rejected it. A case marked Administratively Closed was closed by the OPA without a presidential decision. The file notes several reasons this can happen: the petitioner’s death, unresponsiveness, foreign residency, withdrawal of the petition, or a pending direct appeal.1U.S. Department of Justice. Search for a Case
Why the Process Takes So Long
Clemency decisions often take several years. Federal and state offices receive a high volume of applications, and backlogs build up because each petition is reviewed carefully.2U.S. Department of Justice. About the Office
Case complexity also matters. Reviewers typically investigate the applicant’s criminal history, behavioral record, and rehabilitation efforts, gathering documents and verifying information before the decision-maker acts. If your status has read “Pending” for a long stretch, that is normal for this process.