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Record sealing, set aside, or certificate of second chance in Arizona

Can I clear my record in Arizona?

Arizona has three main kinds of relief.

You have to apply

How did your case end?

Pick the one that matches. We'll show the routes Arizona law offers for it, with the wait and the cost.

Pick an answer above to see your routes, waits and costs.

At a glance

Since late 2022 (A.R.S. 13-911), many people can ask a court to seal arrest, conviction and sentencing records after a waiting period that ranges from none to 10 years. A set-aside (A.R.S. 13-905) dismisses the case and lifts many penalties, but the conviction stays public. Some past marijuana offenses can be fully expunged under A.R.S. 36-2862. Arizona has no automatic record clearing; you have to file.1,2,3,4

Checked October 21, 2026 against 21 sources, starting with Arizona law, then by a second reader.

What it's called
Record sealing, set aside, or certificate of second chance1,2,3
Automatic clearing
No, you have to apply1,12
DUI or DWI
Can be cleared1,9,13
Filing fee
No filing fee1,2,3
Fee waiver
Available1,2,3

Sealing

Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records (A.R.S. 13-911)

The court seals all records of the arrest, conviction and sentence, and the Department of Public Safety (DPS), arresting and prosecuting agencies mark them sealed. You may then state that you were never arrested for, charged with or convicted of the crime, including on employment, housing, financial aid and loan applications. Exceptions include applications needing a fingerprint clearance card, jobs with law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, probation, child welfare or corrections, disclosures required by state or federal law, and some job-specific exceptions (for example, DUI records for driving jobs). Law enforcement, prosecutors, courts and some other agencies can still see sealed records, and they can still be used as a prior conviction in a later case. Sealing covers records held by criminal justice agencies; records already published elsewhere may still be found.1,2,3

What it's for: Most Arizona convictions after the waiting period, plus arrests and charges that were dismissed, ended in acquittal, or were never filed.

Who can use it

  • You were convicted and have completed every term of the sentence, including paying all fines, fees and restitution, and the waiting period has passed.
  • Your charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty at trial.
  • You were arrested and no charges were filed.
  • Arrests, convictions and sentences before, on or after December 31, 2022 can be sealed.
  • Other convictions: A.R.S. 13-911 doesn't make other convictions a bar (the court must grant a petition if sealing serves both the petitioner's interests and the public's safety, 13-911(D)), but the Arizona courts' self-help page lists "You have not been convicted of any other offenses" (except non-DUI traffic misdemeanors) as a condition. If you have other convictions, ask the court or a lawyer before filing.

What doesn't qualify

  • A dangerous offense (A.R.S. 13-105).
  • A dangerous crime against children (A.R.S. 13-705).
  • A serious offense or violent or aggravated felony (A.R.S. 13-706).
  • Any offense with an element of using, discharging or threatening to exhibit a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or knowingly inflicting serious physical injury.
  • Sex trafficking (A.R.S. 13-1307).
  • A class 2, 3, 4 or 5 felony under Title 13, chapter 14 (sexual offenses) or chapter 35.1 (sexual exploitation of children).
  • You cannot file again for 3 years after a petition is denied.
  • If you were arrested but never charged and you have a pending or new charge that could lead to a conviction that can't be sealed (or extend your wait), the court must hold your petition until that charge is resolved (A.R.S. 13-911(N)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Class 2 or 3 felony10 yearsCounted from when you completed the non-monetary terms of probation or sentence and were discharged by the court. All fines, fees and restitution must also be paid when you file.
Class 4, 5 or 6 felony5 yearsSame starting point.
Class 1 misdemeanor3 yearsSame starting point.
Class 2 or 3 misdemeanor2 yearsSame starting point.
Petty offenseImmediatelyAfter completing the non-monetary sentence terms. The waiting period for petty offenses was set to zero by HB 2198 (Laws 2026, ch. 86), signed June 4, 2026, effective with the session's general effective date of September 12, 2026.
Conviction vacated under A.R.S. 13-909 (sex trafficking victims)Immediately
New felony after an earlier sealingThe normal waiting period for the new felony plus 5 more yearsApplies to a person whose records were already sealed and who then commits a felony (A.R.S. 13-911(F)). The court self-help page describes this as adding 5 years for a prior felony; the statute ties it to a felony committed after sealing.
Dismissed, acquitted, or never chargedNo waiting period stated in the statute

How to apply

  1. Read A.R.S. 13-911 and confirm the waiting period has passed and every fine, fee and restitution payment is made.
  2. Gather case details: arrest date, arresting agency, case or citation number, booking information and discharge papers.
  3. Fill out the mandatory statewide form, Petition to Seal Criminal Case Records (AOCCRSL1F). Use a separate petition for each case.
  4. File in the court where you were convicted, or where the charges were filed and dismissed. If no charges were filed, file in the court of your initial appearance, or in superior court in the county of arrest if there was none.
  5. The clerk sends the petition to the prosecutor, who may respond and ask for a hearing; victims have the right to be heard. The court asks DPS for a criminal history report.
  6. Ask for a hearing before the court rules if you want one; you cannot ask afterward.
Where to file
The Arizona court where you were convicted or charged (superior, justice or municipal court); see the court self-help page for arrests with no charges.
Cost
The statute does not set a court filing fee. Maricopa County Superior Court's packet says "There is no filing fee"; other courts did not state a fee on the pages we read, so check with the court. DPS may charge a fee for the background investigation and another to correct your criminal history after sealing.
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. Neither DPS fee applies if you are indigent: the background investigation fee (A.R.S. 13-911(H)) and the fee to correct your criminal history after sealing (13-911(I)(3)) both say "unless the petitioner is indigent." They also don't apply if the case was dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in a not-guilty verdict.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The court generally cannot grant or deny a petition until 60 calendar days after receiving it, unless the prosecutor and all victims who asked for notice say they don't object (A.R.S. 13-911(D)).

Official forms

Set-aside

Setting aside a conviction (A.R.S. 13-905)

The court sets aside the judgment of guilt, dismisses the complaint, information or indictment, and releases you from the penalties and disabilities of the conviction, with exceptions: some Department of Transportation and Game and Fish penalties stay in place, and the conviction can still be used as a prior conviction, as an element of a later offense, and for fingerprint clearance card decisions. DPS notes the set-aside on your record but does not remove it, and the conviction stays a public record (it is not sealed). A set-aside restores the right to possess firearms unless the conviction was a "serious offense" under A.R.S. 13-706.9,10,11

What it's for: Most Arizona convictions once you have finished probation or your sentence and been discharged by the court.

Who can use it

  • You completed the conditions of probation or your sentence and were discharged by the court.
  • You, your lawyer or your probation officer may apply.

What doesn't qualify

  • A dangerous offense.
  • An offense for which you were required or ordered to register as a sex offender (A.R.S. 13-3821).
  • An offense with a finding of sexual motivation (A.R.S. 13-118).
  • A felony in which the victim was a minor under 15.

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Any eligible convictionNone after you complete the sentence and are dischargedThe judge considers, among other things, how long it has been since the sentence was completed.
Certificate of second chance with the set-aside: misdemeanorNo extra wait
Certificate of second chance: class 4, 5 or 6 felony2 years after the sentence was fulfilledIf you already received a certificate for a set-aside felony, you can't get another.
Certificate of second chance: class 2 or 3 felony5 years after the sentence was fulfilled

How to apply

  1. Get the set-aside application from the court where you were convicted (Maricopa County Superior Court publishes form CRSA12f; justice and city courts have their own).
  2. Attach your probation discharge or Department of Corrections certificate of absolute discharge if you have one.
  3. File one application per case. The prosecutor and victims are notified and have 30 days to object; the court may hold a hearing.
  4. If granted, the order includes a certificate of second chance when you qualify; if denied, the court must give its reasons.
Where to file
The court that sentenced you.
Cost
A.R.S. 13-905 says the clerk may not charge a filing fee for a set-aside application.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
Objections are due within 30 days of filing. Maricopa County Superior Court says to contact Criminal Administration if you have no order after 120 days.

Official forms

Expungement

Marijuana expungement (A.R.S. 36-2862)

The conviction or adjudication is vacated, and all records of the arrest, charge, conviction and sentence are expunged and sealed (available only to you or your lawyer). Civil rights, including firearm rights, are restored unless you are ineligible on other grounds, the records can't be used in a later prosecution, and you may generally say you were never arrested, charged or convicted for the offense.12,13,14

What it's for: Past arrests, charges and convictions for possessing small amounts of marijuana, up to six plants at home, and related paraphernalia.

Who can use it

  • Possessing, consuming or transporting 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana, of which no more than 12.5 grams was concentrate.
  • Possessing, transporting, cultivating or processing no more than six plants at your primary residence for personal use.
  • Possessing, using or transporting marijuana paraphernalia.
  • Conduct that happened before November 30, 2020, when the law took effect; petitions could be filed beginning July 12, 2021.

What doesn't qualify

  • Offenses outside these amounts or types (for example, sale). DUI is not covered: the court system's examples say a marijuana charge can be expunged but a DUI in the same case cannot.

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Eligible marijuana offenseNone

How to apply

  1. File a petition to expunge with the court.
  2. The prosecuting agency gets 30 days to respond.
  3. The court must grant the petition unless the prosecutor shows by clear and convincing evidence that you are not eligible; it may hold a hearing if asked or if facts are disputed.
  4. A denial can be appealed.
Where to file
The court that resolved your case; if your arrest never went to court, the superior court in the county of arrest.
Cost
Neither A.R.S. 36-2862 nor the court's petition instructions list a court filing fee, so check with the court. DPS may charge a reasonable fee to research and correct your criminal history after a successful petition.
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. The DPS fee does not apply if you are indigent.
Court hearing
Sometimes

Official forms

Automatic clearing

Arizona does not clear or seal records automatically. Sealing, set-aside and marijuana expungement all require a petition or application.1,12

DUI and DWI records in Arizona

DUI convictions are not on the sealing exclusion list in A.R.S. 13-911(O), and the Arizona Judicial Branch's examples say DUI records can be sealed. The normal wait for the offense's class applies (for example, 3 years for a class 1 misdemeanor or 5 years for a class 4, 5 or 6 felony), counted from discharge, with all fines paid. Even after sealing, you must disclose a sealed DUI (A.R.S. 28-1381, 28-1382 or 28-1383) when applying for a job that involves commercial or private operation of a motor vehicle, boat or airplane, and a sealed conviction can still be used as a prior. A DUI can also be set aside under 13-905, but Department of Transportation license penalties stay in place and the set-aside conviction can still count as a prior. Marijuana expungement under 36-2862 does not cover DUI.1,9,13

Arrests and dismissed charges

If your charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you were arrested and never charged, you can petition to seal those records under A.R.S. 13-911(A)(2)-(3). The statute sets no waiting period for these, and the DPS investigation fee does not apply. File where the charges were filed; if no charges were filed, in the court of your initial appearance, or in superior court in the county of arrest if there was none.1,3

Marijuana records

Under A.R.S. 36-2862 (from the 2020 voter-approved legalization), people can petition to expunge past records for possessing 2.5 ounces or less (no more than 12.5 grams concentrate), up to six plants at home, and paraphernalia, for conduct before November 30, 2020. Petitions have been available since July 12, 2021 on the courts' statewide forms; the statute sets no filing fee (check with the court), and the court must grant unless the prosecutor proves ineligibility by clear and convincing evidence. Granted cases are vacated and the records are expunged and sealed.12,14

What employers can see afterward

After sealing, you may say on most job applications that you were never arrested, charged or convicted, with exceptions for fingerprint clearance card jobs, law enforcement and court jobs, disclosures required by law, and certain offense-specific jobs (A.R.S. 13-911(I)(5)); an employer is not liable for hiring someone with a sealed record (13-911(I)(6), cross-referencing 12-558.03). A.R.S. 12-558.03 generally shields employers from negligent-hiring liability based only on an employee's prior conviction, with exceptions. A certificate of second chance issued with a set-aside gives employers and housing providers those evidence-limiting protections and removes barriers to occupational licenses for people otherwise qualified (13-905). We did not confirm a statewide ban-the-box law that covers private employers.1,9,16

Free help in Arizona

Before you file

  • You can ask a background screening company for the information it has on you, and the CFPB keeps a list of consumer reporting companies, including employment screening companies, with their contact details.17,18,19
  • The FCRA's seven-year limit does not apply to criminal convictions, so under federal law a conviction can show up on a background report no matter how old it is.20,21

This page explains Arizona's rules in general terms from the law and official court sources. It isn't legal advice, and laws change. A legal aid office or the court's self-help center can tell you whether your own record qualifies.

Spot something out of date? Tell us at contact@secondchanceindex.com.

Cite this page

Second Chance Index, "Can I clear my record in Arizona?" https://secondchanceindex.com/record-clearing/arizona, checked October 21, 2026.

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Sources

Each source was opened and checked on October 21, 2026.

  1. A.R.S. 13-911
  2. Sealing Criminal Case RecordsArizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center
  3. Completing the PetitionArizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center
  4. Administrative Directive No. 2023-03 (sealing forms)Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts
  5. Petition to Seal Criminal Case Records packetSuperior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center
  6. Laws 2026, Chapter 86 (HB 2198): criminal records sealed; petty offenseArizona State Legislature
  7. HB 2198 summary (signed)Arizona House of Representatives
  8. Arizona Legislature home page (2026 general effective date: September 12, 2026)Arizona State Legislature
  9. A.R.S. 13-905
  10. Set Aside a Conviction formsSuperior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center
  11. How to fill out and file the Application to Set Aside Conviction (CRSA12i)Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
  12. A.R.S. 36-2862
  13. Expunging v. Sealing Case RecordsArizona Judicial Branch
  14. Marijuana Expungement (Prop 207) formsArizona Judicial Branch
  15. Instructions for Seeking Expungement (AOCCREM1I)Arizona Judicial Branch
  16. A.R.S. 12-558.03 Employer liability; employee criminal recordArizona State Legislature
  17. List of consumer reporting companiesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
  18. What Employment Background Screening Companies Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting ActFederal Trade Commission
  19. Employer Background Checks and Your RightsFederal Trade Commission
  20. 15 U.S. Code § 1681c - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reportsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (U.S. Code text)
  21. Advisory Opinion to Nadell (12-10-98)Federal Trade Commission (staff advisory opinion)