A Certificate of Rehabilitation (COR) is a court order declaring that you have been rehabilitated. It’s also an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon — making it the primary path to restoring gun rights for straight felony convictions.
What Does a COR Do?
- Serves as an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon
- Relieves sex offender registration requirements in some cases
- Demonstrates rehabilitation to employers and licensing boards
- Can restore certain civil rights
- With a Governor’s Pardon: restores firearm rights
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if: – You were convicted of a felony in California – You are currently a California resident – You have not been incarcerated since release – You have not been convicted of a new felony since release – You meet the waiting period requirement
Not Eligible
- Those convicted of certain sex offenses against minors (PC 269, 286(c), 288, 288.5, etc.)
- Military court convictions
- Federal convictions
- Those currently serving a sentence
The Waiting Period
The waiting period begins from the date of discharge from parole (or release from prison if no parole):
| Conviction Type | Waiting Period |
| Most felonies | 7 years + your period of parole |
| Additional felonies | Add 1 year per additional felony |
| Some sex offenses | 10 years |
| Serious sex offenses | Not eligible |
Example: If you were released from prison in 2016 and discharged from parole in 2019, and your conviction was a standard felony, your earliest filing date is 2026 (7 years from parole discharge).
How to Apply
Step 1: File in the County Where You Live
File your petition at the Superior Court in the county of your current residence.
Step 2: Required Documentation
- Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation
- Declaration of rehabilitation (your personal statement)
- Criminal history (RAP sheet)
- Letters of support from community members, employers, clergy, etc.
- Proof of employment, education, volunteer work
- Proof of residence
- Proof of compliance with all court orders (restitution, fines, etc.)
Step 3: Notify the DA and Governor
Serve copies on: – The District Attorney of the county where you were convicted – The District Attorney of the county where you currently live – The Governor’s office
Step 4: The Hearing
The court sets a hearing where: – You present evidence of rehabilitation – The DA may support or oppose – The judge decides based on your demonstrated rehabilitation
Step 5: If Granted
The COR is sent to the Governor’s office as an automatic pardon application. The Governor may then grant a full pardon, which can restore firearm rights.
How Superior Court Docs Can Help
The COR petition requires substantial documentation and a compelling rehabilitation narrative. Superior Court Docs prepares your complete petition package.
📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started.
Related: Complete Gun Rights Restoration Guide | Gun Rights After Expungement
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