What is a good cause exception?

A good cause exception is approval for an individual to receive a fingerprint clearance card despite his or her criminal history. If your fingerprint clearance card was denied or suspended, you normally need a good cause exception to get the fingerprint clearance card. To get a good cause exception, you must demonstrate that you are rehabilitated and not a recidivist (or, in a few cases, that you have not been convicted of an offense that would cause your fingerprint clearance card to be denied or suspended). The burden of demonstrating rehabilitation is on you, not the Board staff.