John P. McDonough, Secretary of State
Pardons & Commutations
A request for publication of application for pardon or commutation from the Governor's office
begins the pardon process in the Secretary of State's office. The notice is
published in a local newspaper with certification of publication. Certification of publication is
forwarded to Governor's office. When the signed pardon or commutation is received from the
Governor's office, the Secretary of State's signature is affixed, the state seal applied and the
pardon or commutation is recorded in the Pardon Docket. The original pardon is forwarded to
Governor's office. The original commutation is kept in the Secretary of State's office with a
certified copy forwarded to Governor's office.
For more information, contact the
Maryland Parole Commission.
