Ohio reentry resources
Ohio has some of the most useful reentry tools in the country — if you know they exist. The Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) can lift automatic barriers to jobs and licenses, and Ohio's record-sealing laws have expanded in recent years.
In Ohio, your right to vote comes back when you're released from prison, even if you're on parole or probation. You just need to register again.
Ohio checklist
- 1
Use Ohio Legal Help's free eligibility tool to see if you can seal your record.
- 2
Look into the CQE if a conviction is blocking a job or professional license.
- 3
Visit an OhioMeansJobs center for job listings and training money.
- 4
Find the reentry coalition for your county — it knows local housing, jobs and services.
- 5
Get your license back on track with the Ohio BMV, and register to vote.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction
ODRC Reentry Services
State of OhioThe state's reentry office: programs before and after release, regional contacts and phone lists.
drc.ohio.gov ↗
Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE)
Jobs & licensesAn Ohio certificate that can remove some automatic barriers to jobs and professional licenses, and gives employers who hire you legal protection.
drc.ohio.gov ↗
Certificate of Qualification for Housing
HousingOhio's certificate aimed at helping people with records qualify for housing.
drc.ohio.gov ↗
Ohio reentry coalitions
Local helpCounty reentry coalitions across Ohio that connect people coming home with housing, jobs and services.
drc.ohio.gov ↗
Record sealing & legal help
Ohio Legal Help: how to seal a criminal record
Free guidePlain-language steps for sealing a record in Ohio, from the state's legal aid network.
ohiolegalhelp.org ↗
Record sealing eligibility tool
Free toolAnswer questions online to find out whether your Ohio record can be sealed, and get an action plan.
ohiolegalhelp.org ↗
Ohio Legal Help
FreeFind free legal aid in Ohio and get forms and information on housing, family and benefits problems.
ohiolegalhelp.org ↗
Ohio Public Defender
State agencyOhio's public defender office, which represents people who can't afford a lawyer.
opd.ohio.gov ↗
Ohio Innocence Project
Wrongful convictionsUniversity of Cincinnati law center that works to free Ohioans who were wrongly convicted.
law.uc.edu ↗
Jobs & everyday help in Ohio
OhioMeansJobs
JobsOhio's job search site and network of local job centers, which can also help pay for training.
ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov ↗
Towards Employment (Cleveland)
Northeast OhioJob readiness, placement and coaching in Northeast Ohio, with programs for people with records.
towardsemployment.org ↗
Ohio 211
Call 2-1-1Local help anywhere in Ohio: housing, food, utilities and reentry programs.
ohio211.org ↗
Ohio Community Action Agencies
Local helpCommunity action agencies in every Ohio county offering help with utilities, housing, jobs and more.
oacaa.org ↗
Ohio BMV
License & IDGet a state ID or reinstate your driver's license — often the first step to a job.
bmv.ohio.gov ↗
Common questions
What is a CQE in Ohio?+
A Certificate of Qualification for Employment is issued by an Ohio court. It can lift certain automatic bans that keep people with records out of jobs and professional licenses, and it gives an employer who hires you protection from negligent-hiring lawsuits. You apply through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Can I seal my record in Ohio?+
Many Ohio convictions can be sealed after a waiting period, and Ohio's laws have expanded who qualifies. Use Ohio Legal Help's free eligibility tool to check your record and get next steps.
Can felons vote in Ohio?+
Yes. In Ohio, your right to vote is restored when you're released from prison, even if you're on parole or probation. You'll need to register again before voting.
Keep going
PenPalsOnly isn't affiliated with these organizations and doesn't give legal advice. Programs and rules change — confirm details with each organization directly.