Clear your District of Columbia record.

✓ District of Columbia change state

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About clearing a record in the District of Columbia

You can clear your D.C. record. D.C. law lets you petition to seal a wide range of arrest records and convictions under D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq. The process uses a petition filed with the D.C. Superior Court, which may set a hearing before ruling.

D.C. enacted a Clean Slate statute that automates sealing for certain records once they qualify; the automated system is scheduled to be operational by October 1, 2027.

Until the automated process goes live, you must file a petition with the D.C. Superior Court to seal a record that qualifies.

D.C. Code Chapter 8 provides both sealing and a narrower expungement remedy, with eligibility and downstream effects that differ by record type and disposition.

Remedies in the District of Columbia

  • Sealing DIY