Can You Clear Your Record?
A new law has expanded record clearing eligibility in Pennsylvania!
For the first time in Pennsylvania, many felony convictions can be sealed after 10 years.
Most misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after 7 years.
All summary convictions will be sealed after 5 years.
Most felony and misdemeanor offenses in these categories can be sealed:
- Drug crimes
- Theft crimes, including Retail Theft and Receiving Stolen Property
- Trespass
- Forgery & Fraud crimes, incl. Access Device Fraud, Bad Checks, ID Theft and Welfare Fraud
- Criminal Mischief
- Conspiracy to commit eligible crimes
Most other misdemeanors and all summary convictions can be sealed, including:
- DUI
- Simple Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Harassment
- Terroristic threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of an Instrument of a Crime
- Prostitution
CAN YOUR RECORD BE CLEARED?
Step 1: View Your Record - For Free!
Use our free tool to get information about your record right now - for free! Sign up.
This service is provided for free by Community Legal Services, a legal aid nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, so that you can understand your record clearing eligibility.
Sign Up to View Your Record
What is this form?
This is an automated services provided by Community Legal Services, a non-profit legal services organization. The mission of this service is to provide free information so that more Pennsylvanians can clear their records.
What happens next?
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- Fill out our form using your full name and other required information.
- Our automated tool will use the information you provide to find and show you your Pennsylvania criminal record. This is free and there are no strings attached!
- We may send you emails in the future with record clearing news and other helpful information.
Prefer to do it yourself? Follow our step-by-step guide to find your record.
GET HELP - SIGN UP TODAY
Sign up here to view your Pennsylvania criminal record and get more information about clearing it.
Follow our Step-by-Step Guide to find your Pennsylvania record.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is sealing?
Sealing hides your record so it does not show up on most background checks for employment, housing and education purposes. Employers, landlords and schools cannot use sealed records against you.
What are the benefits of sealing?
Sealing will help you access jobs, housing and education because your sealed records will not appear on background checks. You do not have to tell employers, landlords or schools about a sealed record, and the record cannot be used against you by employers, landlords or schools.
There are some exceptions to this rule. If a federal law applies to the job, then an employer can consider a sealed record. Some examples of jobs with federal laws include jobs at daycares, airports and some financial institutions.
Right now, due to a technical issue, sealed records appear on fingerprint-based FBI background checks. However, the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police are working to fix the problem, and you are still protected if your record is sealed.
Who can see a sealed record?
Law enforcement, criminal courts and the Department of Human Services can see sealed records.
Right now, due to a technical issue, sealed records still appear on FBI background checks for employment. However, the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police are working to fix the problem, and you are still protected if your record is sealed.
Can my record be expunged?
Only nonconvictions (“Not Guilty” and dropped charges), summary convictions and completed diversion programs can be expunged in Pennsylvania. If you are over 70, you may also be eligible to expunge your record. Learn more.
Misdemeanor and felony convictions cannot be expunged, unless they are first pardoned by the governor.
Can my record be sealed?
Most felony and misdemeanor offenses in these categories can be sealed:
- Drug crimes
- Theft crimes, including Retail Theft and Receiving Stolen Property
- Trespass
- Forgery & Fraud crimes, incl. Access/Devise Fraud, Bad Checks, ID Theft and Welfare Fraud
- Criminal Mischief
Most other misdemeanors can be sealed, including:
- DUI
- Simple Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Harassment
- Terroristic threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of an Instrument of a Crime
- Prostitution
All summary convictions and nonconvictions (“Not Guilty” and dropped charges) can be sealed.
What is the difference between sealing (limited access) and expunging?
Expungement completely erases and destroys a record. Sealing (limited access) hides the record so it does not appear on background checks for employment, housing and education purposes.
How long do I have to wait before my record can be sealed?
- Summary convictions will be sealed after 5 years.
- Eligible misdemeanor convictions can sealed after 7 years without another misdemeanor or felony conviction.
- Eligible felony convictions can sealed after 10 years without another misdemeanor or felony conviction.
- Nonconvictions (“Not Guilty” and dropped charges) are sealed after about 60 days.
Do I have to pay my court costs, fees, fines and restitution before my record can be sealed?
You do not need to pay court costs, fees or fines to seal your record.
However, if restitution was ordered, the restitution must be paid to seal your record. Restitution is money owed to a victim. Learn more about court debt.
How do I seal my record?
There are two ways records are sealed in Pennsylvania: through Clean Slate automation, or through a petition process.
Nonconvictions (“Not Guilty” and dropped charges) and summary convictions are always sealed through Clean Slate automation.
Some misdemeanor and felony convictions are sealed through Clean Slate automation, and some require a petition to be sealed. The rules are complicated. Find legal help to learn how you can seal your record.
Will my record be sealed automatically, without me doing anything?
Your nonconvictions (“Not Guilty” and dropped charges) and summary convictions will be sealed through Clean Slate automation. Your misdemeanor and felony convictions may be sealed through Clean Slate automation, but some require a petition to be sealed. The rules are complicated. Find legal help to learn more about sealing your record.
How do I know if my record is sealed?
You still have access to your own full criminal record, so you can see what cases were sealed.
First, look up your record using our tool or by following these directions. A sealed record will not show up when you search, because it is hidden from the public. If your record does not appear, that could mean that your record is sealed.
If you think that your case has been sealed but want to be sure, you can visit the clerk of courts in any Pennsylvania courthouse and ask for a copy of your complete record, including sealed cases.
You can also get an "Access and Review" record by mail from the Pennsylvania State Police. You can download the form here and mail it to the address listed on the form. You will need to send a money order or check for $20, payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania", as well as a copy of any government issued photo ID.
How can I get a copy of my record? Can I get it for free?
You can get a copy of your record today, for free using our tool or by following these directions.
How do I find legal help?
Legal help is available in your area. If you qualify, you may be eligible for free legal help. Learn more.
Find a Legal Representative
A legal representative in the county of your arrest can file record clearing petitions or help with complicated issues. Free legal services may be available.
