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Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in California

How California law treats restoring rights after a felony, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Voting rights return automatically when a California prison term ends, though the person must register again; the Secretary of State says the county sends a notice confirming the person can register. California Secretary of State, Voting Rights Restored; Judicial Council of California Self-Help Guide, Certificate of Rehabilitation (citing Penal Code §§ 4852.03, 4852.05)

Restoring rights after a felonyVoting rights return automatically when a California prison term ends, though the person must register again; the Secretary of State says the county sends a notice confirming the person can register. For broader relief, a person convicted of a felony who served time in state or local prison can petition the superior court for a Certificate of Rehabilitation after a period of rehabilitation (generally at least 7 years, including 5 years of California residence) once off parole or supervision; felony probationers must first get the case dismissed. A certificate does not erase the conviction or restore gun rights, but it is automatically forwarded to the Governor as an application for a pardon; people who cannot get a certificate can apply to the Governor for a pardon directly.
Source: California Secretary of State, Voting Rights Restored; Judicial Council of California Self-Help Guide, Certificate of Rehabilitation (citing Penal Code §§ 4852.03, 4852.05)

More California criminal law

FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in California?
Voting rights return automatically when a California prison term ends, though the person must register again; the Secretary of State says the county sends a notice confirming the person can register. For broader relief, a person convicted of a felony who served time in state or local prison can petition the superior court for a Certificate of Rehabilitation after a period of rehabilitation (generally at least 7 years, including 5 years of California residence) once off parole or supervision; felony probationers must first get the case dismissed. A certificate does not erase the conviction or restore gun rights, but it is automatically forwarded to the Governor as an application for a pardon; people who cannot get a certificate can apply to the Governor for a pardon directly.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.