How do I know if my record is sealed or expunged?

Asked by: Alisha Dach  |  Last update: February 10, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

To know if your record is sealed or expunged, check with the court that handled your case for an official order and look up your record on state-specific portals (like Utah's court system) where an expunged case might show "Expunged," or a sealed record won't appear at all; you can also request your criminal history from your state's Department of Justice or law enforcement agency to see if the record is hidden or marked as sealed/expunged, as this confirms the process is complete.

How do I check if my record is sealed?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

Is sealing your record the same as expungement?

Sealed vs. Expunged: Expungement destroys records, making them legally nonexistent for most purposes, usually for acquittals or dismissals, while Sealing hides records, restricting public access but allowing law enforcement & specific entities to see them, typically for eligible convictions after waiting periods. Expungement offers more complete erasure, whereas sealing provides confidentiality, both improving job/housing prospects by removing records from most background checks. 

What crimes cannot be expunged in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, you generally cannot expunge charges for serious violent felonies (murder, rape, kidnapping), Class Y felonies, sexual offenses involving a minor, or crimes requiring lifetime sex offender registration, plus many other violent crimes or felonies with long sentences, though eligibility depends heavily on the specific charge and circumstances, with some drug offenses and lesser felonies often being eligible after meeting waiting periods and conditions.
 

What is the expungement law in Montana?

Montana's expungement statute, primarily found in Title 46, Chapter 18, Part 11 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) (stemming from HB 168 in 2017), allows for the expungement of certain misdemeanor convictions, requiring completion of sentence and typically a five-year waiting period without new offenses, though it's discretionary and has exclusions like some driving offenses, with specific provisions for military service and marijuana-related convictions.
 

What happens if your expunged record still shows up on a background check?

32 related questions found

Is it better to seal or expunge?

It's generally better to get a record expunged if you qualify, as it erases the record, making it as if it never happened and completely removing it from most background checks. Sealing a record hides it from public view, but law enforcement and some government agencies can still access it with a court order, making expungement the superior, though often harder to get, option for a truly clean slate. 

What charges are not eligible for expungement?

Crimes that generally cannot be expunged include serious violent offenses (murder, rape, aggravated assault, kidnapping), sex offenses (especially those involving minors or requiring registration), human trafficking, terrorism, arson, DUI/DWI (especially felony levels), domestic violence, crimes involving serious bodily harm or death, public corruption, and many serious traffic offenses, though specifics vary significantly by state. Federal convictions are also often ineligible, and some states bar expungement for repeat offenders or certain high-level felonies. 

Is expunging your record worth it?

Yes, for most people, criminal expungement is highly worth it, offering significant benefits like better job and housing opportunities, easier access to education, and restored civil rights, effectively giving a fresh start by removing past convictions from public view. While the legal process can be complex and not all records are eligible (especially serious offenses like domestic violence), the rewards of clearing your name and unlocking future potential often outweigh the effort and cost, says Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan and Lohrke Law. 

Can police pull up expunged records?

Police and other law enforcement agencies can access an expunged record only for certain purposes, such as if you apply for a law enforcement job or certification. In fact, if you seek employment as a police officer or similar role, you are required to disclose expunged convictions during the background process.

What does sealed mean on a background check?

When a criminal record is “sealed,” that means that most people can't see it. A sealed record cannot be seen or considered by: • The general public • Landlords • Schools • Licensing boards • Most employers -- Employers who do not use FBI background checks won't see a sealed criminal record.

What does it mean when my record is sealed?

Record sealing is the process of hiding criminal records from public view. The records still exist, but access to them is restricted. Some law enforcement agencies and authorized organizations can still view sealed records.

How do I know if my background check is clean?

The report the potential employer shares with you should have the contact information for the company that provided the background check services. You can use this information to contact them and ask them to review the report results.

How do I know if my record is clean?

Local police background check

Police departments may need you to be there in person to request the background check: Ask that the police conduct a local or state criminal records search. Request proof that you have no history of a criminal record.

What employers can see a sealed record?

While most jobs cannot ask about or consider sealed or expunged records, there are a few exceptions—especially when federal or licensing rules apply. You may still need to disclose past records for the following types of jobs: Law enforcement or corrections. Positions requiring federal security clearance.

Is it better to have your record sealed or expunged?

It's generally better to get a record expunged if you qualify, as it erases the record, making it as if it never happened and completely removing it from most background checks. Sealing a record hides it from public view, but law enforcement and some government agencies can still access it with a court order, making expungement the superior, though often harder to get, option for a truly clean slate. 

Can the FBI see my expunged record?

A Level 2 FBI Background Check

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

Are expunged records destroyed?

To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.” In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record.

Should I get my record sealed or expunged?

Key Takeaways: Expunging criminal records destroys the records, and sealing records hides them from public view. Sealing or expunging your criminal record will keep it out of public background checks from employers and landlords.

What criminal records can not be expunged?

Several types of offenses are automatically excluded from expungement eligibility in California:

  • Serious Sex Crimes Involving Minors. ...
  • Felonies That Resulted in Prison Time (Not Jail) ...
  • Crimes Related to Public Corruption. ...
  • Crimes Not Eligible Due to a Violation of Probation or Parole.

Is my life ruined if I get a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor won't necessarily ruin your life, but it can have significant, long-lasting impacts on employment, housing, education, and professional licensing, though these effects often lessen over time and can sometimes be expunged or sealed. While it's not as severe as a felony, a conviction creates a criminal record that can show up on background checks, making it harder to get certain jobs or loans, but many employers overlook misdemeanors, especially after several years or if the conviction is expunged. 

What are the hardest crimes to prove?

Top 5 Hardest Criminal Charges to Beat

  • First-degree Murder.
  • Sexual Assault.
  • Drug Trafficking.
  • White-collar Fraud.
  • Repeat DUI Offenses.
  • DNA Evidence.
  • Digital Forensics.
  • Ballistics and Weapon Analysis.

Which states have expungement laws?

State

  • Alabama. Alabama passed expungement legislation in 2014. ...
  • Arizona. Arizona's expungement equivalent is "setting aside" a conviction. ...
  • Colorado. Colorado law has recently been changed via Colorado HB 11–1167, which allows drug conviction to be sealed. ...
  • Florida. ...
  • Georgia. ...
  • Illinois. ...
  • Indiana. ...
  • Kentucky.

Is getting your record sealed the same as getting it expunged?

In the State of California, a true expungement does not exist. However, many people are eligible to have negative court records sealed from public view after a certain amount of time or after specific criteria are met.

Why would a record be sealed?

A record seal will greatly improve the chance of employment, as employers will not have access to damning records. There are occasions, like expungement, where one can truthfully state under oath that they have never been convicted before.

Does sealed and expunged mean the same thing?

Record Sealing. The key difference between expunging a person's criminal record and sealing it is that a sealed record still “exists” in both a legal and physical sense, while expungement results in the deletion of any record that an arrest or criminal charge ever occurred.