Which states are clean slate states?

Asked by: Stacy Eichmann  |  Last update: April 14, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (47 votes)

As of early 2025, twelve states have passed Clean Slate laws for automatic record sealing or expungement: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia, with Illinois also passing a similar law recently, while Washington D.C. also implemented measures. These laws provide a fresh start by automatically clearing eligible records for people who've completed their sentences, expanding opportunities for housing, employment, and education.

What states have a clean slate law?

Other states that have passed clean slate laws include: California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia.

In what states can you not expunge a DUI?

However, 22 states including Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Illinois completely prohibit DUI expungement under their state law, making criminal convictions permanent. The availability of relief depends entirely on where the conviction occurred, with eligibility requirements varying dramatically by statutory authority.

Which state has the least strict background checks?

Montana has no law regulating consideration of criminal record in public or private employment, including the limits on application-stage inquiry by public employers that most other states have adopted.

What states go back 10 years on background checks?

A 10-year background check reflects states where employers can look back that far, but many states, like California, New York, and Washington, have 7-year limits for convictions, while others like Texas and Florida generally allow longer looks unless state or local laws restrict them. Federal guidelines (FCRA, EEOC) set a baseline, but state laws vary, with some states restricting conviction reporting to seven years, while others allow longer, especially for felonies or higher-salary positions, meaning "10-year states" are those without strong reporting limits. 

Pennsylvania becomes first state in nation with a “Clean Slate” law

27 related questions found

What states are felony friendly?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What states have the 7 year rule?

Seven-Year Reporting Restriction States

However, several states limit the timeframe of conviction reporting to seven years. These states include: California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Washington.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist. 

Does a background check show from all 50 states?

Does a background check show information for all states? Whether a background check shows information for all states depends on the scope of the background screening process. National criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks typically access records from all 50 states.

How many states don't require a background check for guns?

States that Issue Permits that Qualify the Holder for an Exemption from a NICS Check. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(3), 28 states issue permits or licenses that exempt the holder from the federal background check requirement at the point of sale, referred to as Brady Permits.

What's the worst state to get a DUI in?

Arizona is frequently cited as having the most rigorous DUI laws in the nation for first-time offenders. The state implements measures that are often reserved for repeat offenders in other regions.

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. 

Where can you not travel with a DUI?

  • Australia. To visit Australia, you must meet the country's character requirements for travel visas. ...
  • Canada. Canada has strict restrictions on people who have DUI convictions. ...
  • China. ...
  • Iran. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Mexico. ...
  • New Zealand. ...
  • South Africa.

What state is the most lenient on crime?

  • New Hampshire. #1 in Crime & Corrections. #2 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Maine. #2 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Hawaii. #3 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Vermont. #4 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Massachusetts. #5 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Rhode Island. #6 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Utah. #7 in Crime & Corrections. ...
  • Connecticut. #8 in Crime & Corrections.

Which felonies cannot be expunged?

Generally, serious felonies like murder, violent crimes (e.g., aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery), sex offenses (especially against minors), and domestic violence convictions are often ineligible for expungement across most states, with specific exclusions varying by jurisdiction, while federal felonies are typically not expungeable at all, but state laws have exceptions for certain offenses like some DUIs or lower-level drug crimes.
 

What states do not extradite felons?

South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana have not adopted the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, but have adopted other extradition laws.

What are red flags on a background check?

Red flags on a background check are discrepancies or concerning findings like criminal records (especially violent, financial, or drug-related), significant inconsistencies in employment/education history, poor credit history (for finance roles), negative references, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media activity, all raising concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role.
 

Who doesn't pass a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What looks bad on a background check?

Things that look bad on a background check include criminal records (especially job-related offenses), significant inconsistencies on resumes (like falsified degrees or job titles), frequent job hopping, unexplained employment gaps, poor credit (for financial roles), negative social media activity (hate speech, unprofessionalism), and failed drug/driving tests, all suggesting dishonesty, instability, or risk to the employer. 

What is the 10 second rule in an interview?

The "10-second rule" in interviews refers to making a strong, clear impression within the first 10 seconds, either by starting answers with the conclusion (the main point) or ensuring your resume summary hooks the reader instantly, as recruiters often scan resumes in about 7-10 seconds. It also suggests that when asked a question, your first sentence should state the answer, then you can explain the details, ensuring clarity and grabbing attention immediately rather than burying the lead. 

What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?

The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.
 

Do misdemeanors go away after 10 years?

Criminal Records in California

They don't automatically disappear or get sealed over time. Even minor misdemeanors, like shoplifting, can show up on background checks indefinitely. Some misdemeanor convictions can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as firearm ownership.

What states prohibit pending charges on a background check?

What States Prohibit Pending Charges on a Background Check?

  • California: Employers can't consider arrests that didn't lead to conviction unless directly related to the job.
  • New York: Pending charges can only be considered if relevant to job duties or safety.
  • Illinois: Only convictions can be considered.

How far back to employment background checks go?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.