About clearing a record in the District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, the law lets you ask the court to seal citations, arrests, charges and many convictions under D.C. Code § 16-806. You file a motion with the Superior Court. The court may hold a hearing before it rules.

The same law makes the court seal some records on its own, with no motion. The deadline is October 1, 2027. A record that qualifies later must be sealed within 90 days.

In February 2026, the court said it had not yet started. Until it does, you must file a motion to seal a record that qualifies.

The law also allows expungement, a narrower remedy. Who qualifies, and what each remedy does, depends on the record and how the case ended.

Remedies in the District of Columbia

  • Sealing DIY

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