Guide · Last reviewed: October 2026

Expungement and record sealing: the basics

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change. We are not a law firm and can't tell you whether you qualify for anything. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

An old arrest or conviction can follow you into job, housing and background checks. Many states offer ways to limit who can see some records. Here's what the common terms mean and where to find your state's official process.

What do "expungement" and "sealing" mean?

The words mean different things in different states, and some states use other terms entirely, like "set aside," "vacate," "annul," or "order of nondisclosure." In general:

• Expungement usually refers to a court process that destroys a record or treats it as if it never happened, for most purposes.
• Sealing usually means the record still exists but is hidden from the general public, while some agencies may still see it.
• Automatic relief ("Clean Slate" laws): some states clear certain eligible records automatically, without a petition.

Exactly what happens, and who can still see a record afterward, depends on your state's law.

Factors states commonly look at

We can't tell you whether you qualify. That's a legal question for your state's law and a licensed attorney. States often consider things like:

• The type of offense and its level (for example, infraction, misdemeanor or felony). Some offenses are excluded entirely.
• The outcome: arrest with no charges, dismissal, acquittal, diversion, or conviction.
• Waiting periods after the case ended or the sentence was completed.
• Whether fines, restitution, probation or parole are finished.
• Your other record, including any later charges.
• Whether you were a juvenile at the time. Juvenile records often follow separate rules.

How to find your state's official process

1. Go to your state court website. The National Center for State Courts keeps a directory: State court websites (NCSC). Look for "self-help," "expungement," "record sealing" or "criminal record relief."
2. Get your actual record from the court or state repository, so you know what's on it.
3. Use official forms and instructions from the court. Be wary of anyone who promises results.
4. Get free or low-cost legal help (see below). Many legal aid groups run record-clearing clinics.

Official and nonprofit resources

• Legal Services Corporation: Get Legal Help, to find a federally funded legal aid office near you.
• USA.gov: Find legal aid
• National Center for State Courts: State court websites
• Clean Slate Initiative, a nonprofit tracking automatic record-clearing laws. It isn't a government source.

What about mugshots and old news online?

Sealing or expunging a court record doesn't automatically remove copies on private websites, news archives or people-search sites. After you get relief, you may need to contact those sites yourself. Some people-search sites list criminal records, and our data broker removal guide covers opting out. Be cautious of sites that charge a fee to take down mugshots.

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change. We are not a law firm and can't tell you whether you qualify for anything. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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