Getting a Criminal Record Expunged or Sealed 0 of 26 Essential All
Law · 26 steps, 7 essential
· sources checked 26 Oct 2026 · 7 of 9 · 9 sources
Getting a Criminal Record Expunged or Sealed Expungement and sealing laws are set state by state (and separately at the federal level), so the exact forms, fees, and waiting periods will depend on where your case was charged. This walks you through the parts of the process that hold true almost everywhere, so you know what to expect and what to line up before you talk to a court or lawyer.
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Get a copy of your full criminal history first Order it from your state's law enforcement or court records agency so you know exactly what's on record — arrests, charges, and dispositions can appear even if you thought a case was dismissed. Confirm your case is fully closed You cannot apply for expungement, record sealing, or a pardon unless the court case is completed. Check your state's eligibility rules for your specific charge Records may still appear at a federal level, which can be especially difficult if you are applying for a federal job or immigration benefits, or need a national security clearance. Note whether your state uses "expungement," "sealing," or another term — they're not the same thing Sealing your records is not the same as expunging them — a sealed record still exists, and some agencies, including law enforcement, can see it on your criminal record. Check each charge or arrest separately if multiple charges or arrests Eligibility rules can differ case by case even within one record. Check whether your state allows felony expungement at all if felony offense Several states do not offer expunctions, and expungement also is not available for federal crimes except in very limited circumstances. Work out your waiting period Most states impose a mandatory post-sentence waiting period ranging from 1 year for minor misdemeanors in some jurisdictions to 10 years for certain felonies where relief is available at all. Check for automatic relief if was a juvenile States will often automatically seal your juvenile criminal history or expunge your juvenile records when you reach the age of majority, usually 18, but law enforcement may still access them if you're arrested as an adult. Resolve any outstanding fines, fees, or restitution tied to the case if your state requires it An unpaid balance can block eligibility outright. Decide whether to hire a lawyer or use self-help court resources Many courts and legal aid organizations have information online explaining what records qualify for expungement in your state.
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After the Order Is Granted
Get several certified copies of the final court order This is the one document that proves your record was sealed or expunged, and you'll need it again and again. Send certified copies to every agency holding a copy of your record A certified copy of the expungement or sealing order is the single document that settles the question — send to court, arresting police department, prosecutor's office, and your state's criminal history repository. Follow up directly with the arresting police department if the record hasn't been purged in a reasonable time if police department has not purged record Contact the police department, give them a copy of the order, and ask them to remove the record. Confirm removal with the state repository, not just the local court Confirm with relevant courts, county agencies, local police departments, state police, and state criminal history repositories that your record has been removed or sealed in their official systems. Check major background check companies directly, since they keep their own stored data Many courts or agencies, after granting a petition for expungement or record-sealing, do not inform the public of the decision, so the conviction might be wiped from that court's records but not from criminal history databases elsewhere. Dispute it in writing with the reporting company if a background check still shows the old record after your order if background check still shows old record Attach your certified court order. Escalate in writing if an agency won't remove or correct the record after you've given them the orderif agency refuses to correct record File a written complaint that says what happened if they don't fix it. Keep a certified copy of your order somewhere permanent You may need to produce it years later for licensing, immigration, or a job with a deeper-than-usual background check. Remember relief isn't absolute Even in states that practice expungement, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still view the expunged record under specific circumstances. That’s everything. Nice work.
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