Expungement and Record Sealing by State
Each state decides whether and how a criminal record can be cleared. Some destroy the record (expungement), others seal it from public view, and a growing number clear old records automatically. Here is each state's rule, linked to the law or court page it comes from.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare the states
- Criminal Record Checks in Every State
- Which States Have Clean Slate (Automatic) Record Clearing
- DUI Expungement Rules by State
- Felony Expungement and Sealing by State
- Clearing Past Marijuana Convictions by State
Tools, guides and templates
Plain-English guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between expungement and sealing?
Expungement generally means the record is destroyed or treated as if it never existed. Sealing generally means the record still exists but is hidden from the public and most employers. States use these words differently, so check your state's rule.
Does an expungement clear my record for immigration or federal gun purposes?
Not always. Federal agencies may still see or count a cleared conviction. People with immigration or firearm questions should talk to a lawyer before relying on a state expungement.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.