How to File for Expungement in District of Columbia

File a written motion in D.C. Superior Court stating all of the person's unsealed citations, arrests, charges and convictions known to the person, the grounds for eligibility, and supporting facts, and serve a copy on the prosecutor (who need not respond unless the court orders it). The court may deny a motion that is plainly ineligible, may order a response, and decides whether to hold a hearing. It weighs the person's interest in sealing and rehabilitation against the community's interest in access to the records, and must rule in writing with reasons. A person need not seek relief for every eligible record at once.

Citations, arrests and charges that ended without a conviction (and not in an acquittal by reason of insanity) are to be sealed automatically by the court, unless the offense is on the excluded list (for example intrafamily offenses, dangerous crimes, crimes of violence and DUI). Records of cases that ended on or before September 30, 2027 are to be sealed by October 1, 2027, and later cases within 90 days of the final disposition. Excluded offenses, or non-excluded ones where the person files before October 1, 2027, may be sealed by motion if it is in the interests of justice. A person who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense did not occur or was not committed by them may move at any time for expungement on grounds of actual innocence.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Arrest and Criminal History Section issues police clearances, and you can only request information about yourself (age 18 or older). In person, complete PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request) at 441 4th Street NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001 ((202) 727-4245); the fee is $7, by cash or credit card (no money orders or personal checks), with a driver's license or non-driver ID, or an original birth certificate plus Social Security card. Option A lists all adult arrests regardless of outcome (used for sealing or expungement); Option B lists adult convictions with completed sentences in the past 10 years. By mail, send a notarized request letter, a copy of your ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $7 money order payable to the DC Treasurer to the same address; allow about six weeks.