Certificate of Rehabilitation (COR) in New Jersey

In New Jersey, an individual who has been previously denied a professional license because of a conviction may apply for a “Certificate of Rehabilitation” (COR). COR is meant to verify that the holder has achieved a degree of rehabilitation, indicating their licensing would not be incompatible with the welfare of society. A COR prohibits a licensing authority from disqualifying or discriminating against the applicant. In effect it creates a “presumption of rehabilitation” that must be given consideration by the licensing board. CORs may be temporary, subject to review and renewal, and may be revoked.

If granted a COR, you may not be denied a license solely on account of having been convicted, or by reason of a lack of good moral character. However, you can still be denied a license if the licensing board finds: (a) there is a direct relationship between the previous conviction and the license being sought or (b) if the board establishes that issuing a license would involve an unreasonable risk to property, individual safety or welfare or risk to the general public.

At least two years must pass before reapplication under a COR.

A COR does not, however, restore civil rights or firearms privileges. As a practical matter, the COR statute has been exceptionally rare in obtaining a professional license, and no COR-based license has been granted in years.

For more articles on New Jersey expungement , click on the following:

Overview of New Jersey Criminal Record Expungements

Eligibility for Expungement of Adult Criminal Records in New Jersey

Application Process for Expunging Adult Criminal Records in New Jersey

Application to Expunge Juvenile History Records in New Jersey

Do I Need an Attorney to File for an Expungement in New Jersey?