What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A certificate of Good Conduct is issued by The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This certificate removes some employment and licensure restrictions imposed on people who have been convicted of two or more felonies and may restore your right to hold public office.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
You are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have been convicted of two or more separate felonies. You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record. This means no involvement for five years if the offense is an A or B felony; three years if it’s a C, D, or E felony; or one year if there are misdemeanors on your criminal record.
The waiting period starts when you were last released from prison or jail to Community Supervision or were released from prison or jail by the maximum expiration of your sentence, or at the time of your last criminal conviction (whichever of these events comes last).
DOCCS may also issue you a Certificate of Good Conduct if you are an eligible individual who has been convicted in another state or in federal court and who now lives in New York State. The good conduct waiting period will be determined by what level the conviction would be considered in New York State.
What Effect Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Have on My Status?
A Certificate of Good Conduct has the same effect as the CRD. In addition, the Certificate of Good Conduct may restore your right to seek public office. The certificate may remove all, or only some legal bars or disabilities. The Certificate of Good Conduct issued to you while under parole supervision is a temporary certificate. The certificate will become permanent upon a successful end of parole or supervision.
When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
There is a waiting period to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct. The waiting period depends on your most serious felony, not your last one. For an A or a B felony, the waiting period is 5 years. For a C, D or E felony, the waiting period is 3 years.
The waiting period starts the last time you got out of prison or completed probation/parole. If you didn’t get state time, the waiting period starts the date of your last felony conviction.
How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct is the same as getting a CRD.
Use this Certificate of Good Conduct Application to submit to DOCCS:
Certificate of Good Conduct Instructions and Application to DOCCS
For the latest version, please visit the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's website here:
DOCCS Application (latest version)
More Information About Certificates
NYS Division of Licensing Services
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Legal Action Center