To obtain a legal Certificate of Good Conduct (or Police Clearance), apply through your local police department, state Department of Justice (e.g., California Department of Justice), or FBI Services. Fees range from $15 to $50 and require submitting fingerprints. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The process and eligibility vary significantly depending on whether you need a background check or a legal document to restore rights.

For Personal Background Checks & Visas

If you need a local or state police clearance for travel, employment, or foreign adoptions:

• Local Level: Visit your local sheriff’s office. For example, you can request local clearance letters via the San Diego County Sheriff.
• State Level: Contact your state’s Department of Justice for a statewide background check.
• National Level: Submit a criminal history summary check directly to the FBI Identity History Summary Checks. [1]

For Legal Rehabilitation & Restoring Rights

If you are a formerly incarcerated individual seeking a formal legal Certificate of Good Conduct to remove barriers to employment or housing, the process goes through the corrections system:

• Federal Level: Apply through the federal court system where you were convicted.
• State Level: In states like New York, you must apply to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Eligibility is based on waiting periods and offense severity (e.g., New York Department of Corrections and Cornell Law Eligibility Guide). [1, 2, 3]

For Educational and Classroom Awards

If you are looking to purchase decorative paper certificates for schools or award ceremonies:

• You can buy standard 8.5″ x 11″ award certificates in packs of 30 from vendors like Hayes Publishing or Flipside Products. [1, 2]

If you can tell me which state or country you are in, and what purpose you need the certificate for (e.g., a visa, employment, or personal legal relief), I can provide the exact forms, fees, and application links you need.