Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Virginia
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Virginia, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: The juvenile and domestic relations court clerk destroys juvenile case records each year once the person is 19 and five years have passed since the last hearing. Records for offenses reported to the DMV are kept until age 29. Va. Code §§ 16.1-306, 19.2-392.5(B)
| Juvenile records | The juvenile and domestic relations court clerk destroys juvenile case records each year once the person is 19 and five years have passed since the last hearing. Records for offenses reported to the DMV are kept until age 29. Records for delinquent acts that would be felonies for an adult are kept. A person found not guilty, or whose delinquency or traffic case was dismissed, may ask the court to destroy the records. The court must grant the request unless good cause is shown against it. The adult sealing chapter applies only to juveniles who were tried as adults in circuit court. A new version of § 16.1-306 takes effect December 1, 2026. |
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Where to get help in Virginia
More Virginia expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Virginia Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Virginia
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Virginia
- How to File for Expungement in Virginia
- All Virginia expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Virginia?
The juvenile and domestic relations court clerk destroys juvenile case records each year once the person is 19 and five years have passed since the last hearing. Records for offenses reported to the DMV are kept until age 29. Records for delinquent acts that would be felonies for an adult are kept. A person found not guilty, or whose delinquency or traffic case was dismissed, may ask the court to destroy the records. The court must grant the request unless good cause is shown against it. The adult sealing chapter applies only to juveniles who were tried as adults in circuit court.
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.