Even before your record qualifies for sealing, New York provides two powerful certificates that can lift barriers created by a criminal conviction: the Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and the Certificate of Good Conduct. These certificates are often overlooked, but they can restore your eligibility for licenses, public employment, and other opportunities that a conviction otherwise blocks. This guide explains what each certificate does, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Two Types of Certificates in New York
Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD)
A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities lifts specific “disabilities” — legal disqualifications — that automatically attach to certain convictions. Examples of disabilities that a CRD can lift:
- Ineligibility for certain occupational licenses (plumber, electrician, real estate broker, barber, cosmetologist, etc.)
- Ineligibility for state and city civil service employment
- Ineligibility for certain types of public benefits
- Disqualification from serving as a notary public
- Disqualification from holding public office
Critically, a CRD also serves as a presumption of rehabilitation under New York Correction Law Article 23-A — it shifts the burden to an employer or licensing authority who wants to deny you to demonstrate a direct relationship between the conviction and the position denied.
Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC)
A Certificate of Good Conduct is for people who have two or more felony convictions or whose convictions bar them from receiving a CRD. It serves the same rehabilitative function but has longer waiting periods and is considered more formal recognition of rehabilitation. A CGC can lift even more disabilities than a CRD in some circumstances.
Who Qualifies for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
- You have been convicted of no more than one felony in New York State (you may have multiple misdemeanor convictions)
- You have completed your sentence (including any probation or post-release supervision)
- There is no specific waiting period required, though courts and the parole board consider how much time has elapsed
Who Qualifies for a Certificate of Good Conduct
Required if you have more than one felony or are otherwise ineligible for a CRD. Waiting periods:
- For a misdemeanor-only record: 1 year after sentence completion
- For a Class C, D, or E felony: 3 years after release from incarceration or sentence completion
- For a Class A or B felony: 5 years after release from incarceration or sentence completion
How to Apply
Applying While Under Supervision (Parole or Probation)
If you are still on parole or probation, your supervising officer (parole officer or probation officer) can issue a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities as part of your supervision. Ask your PO or probation officer directly — they have authority to issue CRDs for people under their supervision without a court proceeding.
Applying After Supervision Is Complete
After completing supervision, apply to the court that convicted you (for CRD) or to the NYS Board of Parole (for CGC):
- For CRD: File a petition in the sentencing court. The court considers your conduct since conviction, your rehabilitation, and the nature of the disability you seek to remove.
- For CGC: Apply to the NYS Board of Parole. The application requires documentation of your rehabilitation, employment history, community involvement, and character letters. The Board may interview you.
What to Include in Your Application
- Personal statement explaining your rehabilitation and why the certificate is warranted
- Evidence of stable employment, education, or vocational training since conviction
- Letters of support from employers, community members, clergy, or others who can attest to your character
- Documentation of any treatment completed (substance use, mental health)
- Explanation of how the disability you seek to lift is affecting your ability to work or participate in the community
What a Certificate Does NOT Do
- Does not seal or expunge your record — your conviction remains visible on background checks
- Does not guarantee you will receive a specific license or job — it removes the automatic disqualification but licensing boards and employers still have discretion
- Does not restore all civil rights — for example, a felony conviction in New York results in loss of firearms rights that a certificate generally does not restore
- Does not affect federal bars to certain employment or benefits (certain federal positions have their own disqualification rules)
Using Your Certificate
Once issued, carry your certificate and present it whenever you apply for a license, job, or benefit that might otherwise be affected by your conviction. The certificate creates a legal presumption of rehabilitation that the denying party must overcome. If a licensing board or employer denies you despite your certificate and cannot articulate a direct relationship between your conviction and the denial, consult an attorney — you may have a legal claim.
Free Help Applying
- Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300 — certificate applications and follow-up advocacy
- Bronx Defenders: (718) 838-7878
- Brooklyn Defender Services: (718) 254-0700
- Osborne Association: (718) 707-2600 — reentry legal services including certificate applications
- NYC Bar Reentry Council: Free legal clinics for people with records — contact NYC Bar Association
- Fortune Society: (212) 691-7554 — can provide guidance and referrals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Certificate of Relief and a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Relief is available to people with no more than one felony conviction — it can be issued by your parole or probation officer while you’re under supervision, or by the sentencing court afterward. A Certificate of Good Conduct is for people with multiple felony convictions or who are otherwise ineligible for a CRD — it requires longer waiting periods and is issued by the NYS Board of Parole. Both serve as presumptions of rehabilitation under Article 23-A.
Will a certificate guarantee I get my cosmetology (or other professional) license?
No — but it significantly improves your chances. A certificate removes the automatic disqualification and creates a legal presumption of rehabilitation. The licensing board must then individually assess your situation and demonstrate a direct relationship between your conviction and the license denial if they want to deny you. Without a certificate, they can deny automatically based on the conviction alone.
My parole officer says they can give me a certificate. What do I ask for?
Ask your PO to issue a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities. Tell them specifically what you want to use it for — applying for a particular license, seeking employment in a field that typically screens for criminal history, etc. Being specific helps your PO understand the need and craft the certificate appropriately. Ask for it in writing and keep a copy.
I have a certificate but was still denied. What can I do?
If a licensing board or employer denied you despite your certificate, they must articulate a direct relationship between the conviction and the reason for denial. If they cannot — or if they issued a blanket denial without individual review — contact a legal aid attorney. This may be a violation of New York Correction Law Article 23-A, which is enforceable through legal proceedings.
