How it works in Kentucky

These steps cover the court-petition process — the path that applies if you don't qualify for the automatic process.

  1. Request your Record

    Complete and submit your application to request an official copy of your criminal history record from the Kentucky State Police.

    Record request fee: $20.00

  2. Review your Record

    Confirm there is no disqualifying information in your history. If there is something incorrect, follow the process to challenge the issue. If everything is accurate, make a copy for your file and keep the original somewhere safe.

  3. Request Certified Documents

    Collect certified copies of relevant documents. These include a copy of the disposition of the case from the clerk of court that handled the original case and the arrest record from the arresting agency. If you had probation or parole, had to take classes, had to pay fees, or had any other obligations, you also need certified proof that you completed the requirements.

    Cost: $10.00 baseline + up to $1.00 per page — varies by clerk of court and arresting agency; the Kentucky Supreme Court order schedule lists $5.00 for a certified copy at the state level

  4. Verify the Final Documents

    Review each document for accuracy. Confirm each one is certified and clearly shows you completed your obligations. Make copies of every original.

  5. Obtain a Certification of Eligibility

    Fill out the certification-of-eligibility form (RU-009), describe the final outcome of your case, attach a copy of everything you obtained in Step 1 and Step 3, and submit the package to obtain your certification. If you qualify, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Kentucky State Police issue you a unique certification number.

    Eligibility certificate fee: $40.00

  6. Prepare your Petition

    Complete the petition based on the type of charge and outcome you are seeking. Kentucky imposes statutory waiting periods under KRS §§ 431.073 to 431.078 — some records require one year to pass, others three years, and others five.

  7. Finalize your Petition

    Take the completed petition from Step 6, the certification from Step 5, the documents collected in Step 3, and the background check from Step 1, and put them together in a complete package. Double-check every file in the package is the original and ensure you have a copy of the complete package for your personal file.

  8. File your Expeal Request

    File the petition with the Kentucky court that handled the case.

    Cost: $100.00 misdemeanor / $300.00 felony / $0.00 arrest record — Form 496.2 ($100.00) for some misdemeanor convictions; Form 496.3 ($300.00) for some felony convictions; Form 497.2 (no filing fee) for some arrest records

  9. Work with the Court

    After the Kentucky court confirms it has received your filing, watch for the next instructions — typically a hearing notice or a request for additional documents. Respond promptly to anything the court asks for, and prepare for the hearing if one is scheduled.

  10. Receive the Court's Order

    Once the Kentucky court rules, it issues a written order either granting or denying your petition. Review the order's terms carefully — they spell out exactly which records are covered. Keep a certified copy for your own files.

  11. Verify the Record Update

    Under KRS § 431.073, KRS § 431.076, KRS § 431.078, and KRS § 431.079, the Kentucky State Police, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the original arresting agency update or remove the records covered by the order. If a background-check provider later produces an outdated report, your certified copy of the order is your authoritative reference. After the order issues, you can lawfully decline to disclose the cleared charges in most non-government contexts.

If you have to mail anything, remember to keep a copy of whatever you send and to use a method with a tracking number like the USPS Flat Rate Envelope.

Official agencies

Court forms

Kentucky record-clearing statutes

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