# Clearing an old record: expunging or sealing > Many states let you clear or hide old records. Expunging usually erases the record; sealing hides it from most employers and the public, with terms varying by state. Eligibility often depends on the offense, time since your sentence ended, no new convictions, and finishing fines and probation; arrests without convictions are often easier. Some states clear records automatically. Otherwise, file a petition with the court. Legal aid clinics often help for free. - URL: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=clearing-an-old-record ## Step by step 1. **An old arrest or conviction keeps showing up?** Many states let you clear or hide old records, which can help with jobs and housing. Here’s how it usually works. 2. **Expunging vs sealing.** Expunging usually erases or destroys the record. Sealing hides it from most employers and the public. Terms and effects vary by state. 3. **Check if you qualify.** Usually depends on the offense, how long since your sentence ended, no new convictions, and finishing fines and probation. Arrests without a conviction are often easier. 4. **Some states clear records automatically.** A growing number of states have “clean slate” laws that seal some old records automatically. Check whether yours already was. 5. **Otherwise, file a petition.** Get your records, fill out the court’s form, and file it, often with a fee you may be able to waive. A prosecutor may respond, and there may be a hearing. 6. **Free help is common.** Legal aid groups and record-clearing clinics often help for free. Avoid companies charging big fees for forms you can file yourself. 7. **After it’s cleared.** In many states you can then answer most job applications as if it didn’t happen, with exceptions. Check private background check companies updated their files. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Know expunging vs sealing - Check if you qualify - See if it was cleared automatically - File a petition with the court - Use free legal aid clinics - Make sure screening companies update ## Why clear a record Old arrests and convictions can block jobs, housing, licenses and loans. Clearing them can open doors. ## Expunging vs sealing - **Expungement** usually means the record is erased or destroyed, or treated as if it never happened. - **Sealing** usually means it’s hidden from the public and most employers, though some agencies can still see it. Terms and effects vary by state. ## Who qualifies Rules depend on your state, but often: - The type of offense (many violent and sex offenses are excluded). - A waiting period after your sentence ends. - No new convictions. - All fines, fees and probation completed. Arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction, and dismissed cases, are often easier to clear. ## Clean slate laws A growing number of states automatically seal certain old records. Check whether yours qualifies or was already sealed. ## The process 1. Get copies of your records from the court and state. 2. Fill out your state’s petition forms. 3. File with the court; ask about fee waivers. 4. The prosecutor may respond, and a judge may hold a hearing. ## Free help Legal aid organizations and record-clearing clinics often help for free. ## Afterward In many states you can then legally say you weren’t convicted on most job applications, with exceptions for some jobs. Ask private background check companies to update their records. ## Common questions ### Can a federal record be expunged? Federal law offers very limited options. Most expungement and sealing applies to state records. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/can-a-federal-record-be-expunged ### Will a cleared record show up on background checks? It shouldn’t on most, but private databases may lag. Dispute any that still report it. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/will-a-cleared-record-show-up-on-background-checks ### What is the difference between expungement and sealing? Expungement usually erases or destroys the record; sealing hides it from the public and most employers. Exact meanings vary by state. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-expungement-and-sealing ### How do I know if I can expunge my record? Check your state’s rules on offense type, waiting periods and completed sentences, or ask a legal aid clinic. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/how-do-i-know-if-i-can-expunge-my-record ### Can an arrest without a conviction be cleared? Often yes, and it’s usually easier than clearing a conviction. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/can-an-arrest-without-a-conviction-be-cleared ### What is a clean slate law? A state law that automatically seals certain old records after a waiting period, without a petition. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/what-is-a-clean-slate-law ### How much does it cost to expunge a record? Court filing fees vary and are sometimes waived. Many legal aid clinics help for free. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-expunge-a-record ### Do I have to tell employers about an expunged record? In many states, no, for most jobs. Some jobs and licenses are exceptions. Check your state’s rules. Source page: https://explained.page/clearing-an-old-record/questions/do-i-have-to-tell-employers-about-an-expunged-record ## Official sources - [Legal Services Corporation: free legal aid](https://www.lsc.gov/) - [National Center for State Courts](https://www.ncsc.org/) - [CFPB: disputing background check errors](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] expungement eligibility" - "[your county] record clearing clinic" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.