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Sealing, expungement, or second chance amendment act in D.C.

Can I clear my record in D.C.?

D.C.'s Second Chance Amendment Act rewrote its record-sealing law, and the new rules have applied since March 1, 2025.

Automatic clearing passed, not yet in effect

How did your case end?

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

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

At a glance

You can ask D.C. Superior Court to seal arrests and charges that didn't end in a conviction, misdemeanor convictions 5 years after the sentence ends, and most felony convictions 8 years after the sentence ends, if sealing is in the interests of justice. The law also requires automatic sealing of many non-convictions and older misdemeanor convictions, and automatic expungement of decriminalized offenses and pre-2015 marijuana possession, by October 1, 2027; the court says no cases are being automatically sealed or expunged yet. Full expungement by request is limited to actual innocence and some first-time drug possession dismissals, and people convicted for offenses committed at age 24 or younger may be able to have the conviction set aside.1,2,3,4

Checked October 22, 2026 against 35 sources, starting with District of Columbia law, then by a second reader.

What it's called
Sealing, expungement, or second chance amendment act1,2,3
Automatic clearing
Passed, not yet in effect4,12,22
DUI or DWI
Sometimes1,4,25
Filing fee
No filing fee1,2,3
Fee waiver
Not confirmed

Sealing

Sealing by motion

Sealing removes the records from public view. The Clerk and each prosecutor, police, corrections, pretrial and supervision agency must remove public references to you, keep the records in a restricted file, and answer public inquiries by saying no records are available. You can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing a sealed record when asked for any purpose (D.C. Code § 16-807(a)-(c)). Sealed records stay available to you, to prosecutors, defense attorneys and police, corrections, pretrial and supervision agencies for any lawful purpose, such as later cases, sentencing, sex offender and gun offender registration and employment decisions. Licensing agencies (for offenses that could disqualify you from a license), schools, day care and child protection agencies, and government employers filling judicial or senior executive positions can still see them, but only to the extent they could before sealing (§§ 16-801(5), 16-807(d)).1,2,3

What it's for: Arrests and charges that didn't end in a conviction, fugitive-from-justice arrests, misdemeanor convictions after 5 years and most felony convictions after 8 years.

Who can use it

  • Citations, arrests or charges that the prosecutor dropped or that ended in a final disposition other than a conviction (D.C. Code § 16-806(a)(1)(A)). If the offense is one that will later be sealed automatically, file before October 1, 2027; if it is on the list of offenses excluded from automatic sealing (§ 16-805(b)), you can file at any time (§ 16-806(a)(1)(B)).
  • A misdemeanor conviction, once at least 5 years have passed since you completed the sentence (§ 16-806(a)(3)(A)(i)).
  • A felony conviction, once at least 8 years have passed since you completed the sentence (§ 16-806(a)(3)(A)(ii)).
  • 'Completion of the sentence' means unconditional discharge from incarceration, probation, parole or supervised release, whichever is latest. Unpaid fines, restitution or other court costs don't stop the clock (§ 16-801(2)).
  • An arrest in D.C. only as a fugitive from justice, if you waived extradition, the fugitive case ended, and you show you appeared before the proper official in the other jurisdiction (§ 16-806(a)(2)).
  • For every type, you must show by a preponderance of the evidence that sealing is in the interests of justice; the court weighs your interest in sealing and the community's interest in your rehabilitation against the community's interest in access, including employers' interest (§ 16-806(a), (b)).
  • You don't have to meet the waiting periods for all your records, or ask to seal every eligible record, at once (§ 16-806(h)). The prosecutor can waive the conviction waiting periods in writing (§ 16-806(e)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Felony convictions in Offense Severity Groups 1, 2 or 3 of the Sentencing Commission's Master Grid as it stood on March 10, 2023 (§ 16-806(a)(3)(A)(ii)). In the manual then in effect, these include first- and second-degree murder, first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree child sexual abuse, and armed versions of offenses such as kidnapping, carjacking, first-degree burglary and voluntary manslaughter (D.C. Sentencing Commission, 2022 Guidelines Manual, Appendix C). Drug felonies are ranked on a separate Drug Grid, so this exclusion doesn't appear to reach them, but we found no court or agency statement on that point.
  • Convictions before the waiting period ends: 5 years after the sentence for a misdemeanor, 8 years for a felony (§ 16-806(a)(3)(A)), unless the prosecutor waives it in writing.
  • A plea or verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity counts as a conviction under this law, not as a non-conviction (§§ 16-801(3), 16-806(a)(1)(A)).
  • If the court denies your motion, you generally have to wait one year to file again, and a third motion is the last one the court must consider (§ 16-806(i)(6)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Arrest or charge that didn't end in convictionNoneFile before October 1, 2027 if the offense will be sealed automatically; any time if it is excluded from automatic sealing (§ 16-806(a)(1)(B)).
Misdemeanor conviction5 years after completing the sentenceThe prosecutor can waive the wait in writing (§ 16-806(e)).
Felony conviction (not in Master Grid Offense Severity Groups 1-3)8 years after completing the sentenceThe prosecutor can waive the wait in writing (§ 16-806(e)).

How to apply

  1. Get your arrest record from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Ask for the Option A record for sealing or expungement, which lists all adult arrests. It costs $7; call (202) 727-4245 or make an appointment (MPD).
  2. Get the disposition of each case from D.C. Superior Court, in person at 500 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 4001, or by email to criminalcustomerservice@dcsc.gov (court instructions).
  3. Write the motion yourself or with a lawyer or legal aid group. It must list all of your unsealed and unexpunged arrests, charges and convictions that you reasonably know of, the grounds for eligibility and the supporting facts (§ 16-806(c)(1)). If the list is incomplete, you have 30 days after the court's notice to fix it or the motion is dismissed (§ 16-806(c)(2)).
  4. Email the MPD record, the disposition and the motion to criminalmotionsealteam@dcsc.gov, or file in person. The court says motions need the original and one copy. The Seal Team assigns a case number if needed and sends the motion to a judge (court instructions).
  5. Serve a copy on the prosecutor; the prosecutor doesn't have to respond unless the court orders it (§ 16-806(d)).
  6. The judge may decide on the papers or hold a hearing (§ 16-806(i)).
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court, Criminal Division (Seal Team), 500 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 4001, Washington, D.C. 20001; criminalmotionsealteam@dcsc.gov, (202) 879-1362.
Cost
The court's sealing page and filing instructions don't list a court filing fee. The MPD arrest record costs $7 (cash or card in person; money order by mail).
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The court must rule in writing within 180 days after the motion is filed unless there is good cause for delay, and records must be sealed within 90 days after a motion is granted (§ 16-806(i)(4), (j)). The court says the whole process can take up to six months.

Official forms

Sealing

Automatic sealing (required by October 1, 2027; not yet in effect)

Sealing removes the records from public view. The Clerk and each prosecutor, police, corrections, pretrial and supervision agency must remove public references to you, keep the records in a restricted file, and answer public inquiries by saying no records are available. You can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing a sealed record when asked for any purpose (D.C. Code § 16-807(a)-(c)). Sealed records stay available to you, to prosecutors, defense attorneys and police, corrections, pretrial and supervision agencies for any lawful purpose, such as later cases, sentencing, sex offender and gun offender registration and employment decisions. Licensing agencies (for offenses that could disqualify you from a license), schools, day care and child protection agencies, and government employers filling judicial or senior executive positions can still see them, but only to the extent they could before sealing (§§ 16-801(5), 16-807(d)).1,3,4

What it's for: Arrests and charges that didn't end in a conviction, and misdemeanor convictions 10 years after the sentence, except for listed offenses such as domestic violence, sex offenses, violent and dangerous crimes, and DUI.

Who can use it

  • Citations, arrests or charges that the prosecutor dropped or that ended in a final disposition other than a conviction or a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity (D.C. Code § 16-805(a)(1)).
  • Misdemeanor convictions, once at least 10 years have passed since you completed the sentence (§ 16-805(a)(2)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Intrafamily offenses, parental kidnapping, criminal abuse or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, and a guardian's refusal or neglect to provide for a child under 14 (§ 16-805(b)(1)-(5)).
  • Incest, misdemeanor sexual abuse, offenses under Chapters 30A, 31 and 31A of Title 22, registrable sex offenses while the registration period hasn't expired, and sex offender registration violations (§ 16-805(b)(6)-(12)).
  • Any 'dangerous crime' or 'crime of violence' as defined in § 23-1331 (§ 16-805(b)(13)-(14)).
  • DUI, commercial-vehicle DUI and operating while impaired (§ 16-805(b)(15)-(17)).
  • Felony convictions are never sealed automatically; they can be sealed only by motion (§§ 16-805(a), 16-806(a)(3)).
  • Records excluded here can still be sealed by motion (§ 16-806(a)(1)(B)(ii), (a)(3)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Arrest or charge that didn't end in convictionNone, but the court has until October 1, 2027Must be sealed by October 1, 2027 or within 90 days after the case ends, whichever is later (§ 16-805(c)(1)).
Misdemeanor conviction10 years after completing the sentenceMust be sealed by October 1, 2027 or within 90 days after the waiting period ends, whichever is later (§ 16-805(c)(2)).

Happens automatically. Not in effect yet. The law gives the court until October 1, 2027 to seal eligible records (D.C. Code § 16-805(c)), and the D.C. Courts' sealing page (updated February 2, 2026) says the automatic sealing and expungement provisions 'are not yet in effect' and no cases are being automatically sealed or expunged. Until then, eligible non-conviction records can be sealed by motion if you file before October 1, 2027 (§ 16-806(a)(1)(B)(i)).

How to apply

  1. No filing will be needed once automatic sealing starts.
  2. If you don't want to wait, file a motion to seal (see Sealing by motion). For a non-conviction record that is eligible for automatic sealing, file before October 1, 2027.
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court (automatic, once in effect).
Cost
No filing is required for automatic sealing.
Court hearing
No
How long it takes
By October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after the case ends or the waiting period expires, whichever is later (§ 16-805(c)).

Expungement

Automatic expungement of decriminalized offenses and pre-2015 marijuana possession (by October 1, 2027; not yet in effect)

Expungement restores you, in the eyes of the law, to the status you had before the citation, arrest, charge or conviction, and you can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing it (D.C. Code § 16-804(a)-(b)). Agencies remove public references and keep records only in a restricted file, available to you, to prosecutors, defense attorneys and police, corrections, pretrial and supervision agencies for other criminal cases or for deciding your eligibility for diversion, release, sentence reductions or sealing in another case, and to others only for related civil litigation or by court order (§ 16-804(c)-(d)). This is narrower access than for sealed records.11,12,13

What it's for: Records only for offenses that were later decriminalized, legalized or held unconstitutional, and for simple marijuana possession before February 15, 2015.

Who can use it

  • Citations, arrests, charges or convictions related only to an offense that has since been decriminalized or legalized, or held unconstitutional by the D.C. Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court (D.C. Code § 16-802(a)).
  • Records related only to simple possession of any quantity of marijuana under § 48-904.01(d)(1) before February 15, 2015 (§ 16-802(a)).
  • The case was dropped or reached a final disposition (§ 16-802(a)(1)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Records the prosecutor shows, by clear and convincing evidence, need to be kept for a lawful purpose such as another criminal case, or that don't qualify (§ 16-802(a)(2)).
  • Cases that also involve other charges; the law covers records related 'only' to these offenses (§ 16-802(a)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Decriminalized, legalized or unconstitutional offense; pre-February 15, 2015 marijuana possessionNone, but the court has until October 1, 2027Must be expunged by October 1, 2027 or within 90 days after the case ends, whichever is later (§ 16-802(b)).

Happens automatically. Not in effect yet. The law sets an October 1, 2027 deadline (D.C. Code § 16-802(b)), and the D.C. Courts' sealing page (updated February 2, 2026) says no cases are being automatically expunged. In the meantime, these records may be eligible for sealing by motion under § 16-806 (a misdemeanor conviction after 5 years, or a non-conviction).

How to apply

  1. No filing will be needed once automatic expungement starts.
  2. Until then, consider a motion to seal under § 16-806 if the record qualifies (see Sealing by motion).
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court (automatic, once in effect).
Cost
No filing is required for automatic expungement.
Court hearing
No
How long it takes
By October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after the case ends, whichever is later (§ 16-802(b)).

Expungement

Expungement by motion for actual innocence

Expungement restores you, in the eyes of the law, to the status you had before the citation, arrest or charge, and you can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing it (D.C. Code § 16-804(a)-(b)). Records are kept only in a restricted file with narrower access than sealed records (§ 16-804(c)-(d)). The court's order must rule as a matter of law that you didn't commit the offense or that no offense was committed (§ 16-803(d)(7)).8,13,14

What it's for: Citations, arrests or charges that didn't end in a conviction, where the person shows the offense didn't happen or wasn't committed by them.

Who can use it

  • The case was dropped or ended in a final disposition that wasn't a conviction or a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity (D.C. Code § 16-803(a)(1)).
  • You show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the offense didn't occur or wasn't committed by you (§ 16-803(a)(2)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Convictions.
  • An acquittal or dismissal alone doesn't create a presumption that you are innocent (§ 16-803(e)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Arrest or charge that didn't end in convictionNone; the motion can be filed at any time§ 16-803(b)(2)(B)

How to apply

  1. Get your MPD arrest record (Option A, $7) and the court disposition.
  2. Write a motion stating the grounds and the facts showing the offense didn't occur or wasn't committed by you, with any supporting affidavits or documents (§ 16-803(b)).
  3. File it with the Superior Court's Criminal Division Seal Team and serve a copy on the prosecutor (§ 16-803(c); court instructions).
  4. The court may deny it on the papers, order the prosecutor to respond, or hold a hearing where hearsay is allowed (§ 16-803(d)).
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court, Criminal Division (Seal Team), criminalmotionsealteam@dcsc.gov.
Cost
The court's instructions don't list a filing fee. The MPD arrest record costs $7.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The court must rule in writing within 180 days unless there is good cause, and records must be expunged within 90 days after the motion is granted (§ 16-803(d)(4), (f)).

Official forms

Set-aside

Youth Rehabilitation Act set-aside

The conviction is set aside and you receive a certificate saying so (D.C. Code § 24-906(e-2)). The D.C. Court of Appeals has said a YRA set-aside removes the conviction from your public record but doesn't change the fact of conviction (Williams v. United States, 2025). A set-aside conviction can still be used for sentence enhancements and sentencing in a later case, for impeachment if you testify, for sex offender and gun offender registration, and in deciding unlawful firearm possession (§ 24-906(f)). Private criminal history providers may not report a set-aside record (§ 2-1652). The statute doesn't say how court files are handled, and we didn't confirm what the Superior Court's public records show after a set-aside; sealing the arrest and case records is a separate motion under § 16-806.15,16,17

What it's for: Convictions for offenses committed at age 24 or younger, other than murder, first- and second-degree sexual abuse and first-degree child sexual abuse.

Who can use it

  • You were 24 or younger when you committed the offense (D.C. Code § 24-901(6)).
  • If you were sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, an early unconditional discharge from commitment, supervised release or probation sets the conviction aside automatically (§ 24-906(a), (c), (e)).
  • If your sentence or probation ended before an unconditional discharge, the U.S. Parole Commission or the court may set it aside (§ 24-906(b), (e)).
  • Even if you weren't sentenced under the Act, you can file a motion after completing probation, incarceration, supervised release or parole, whichever is later. The court decides, considering factors such as your age at the offense, your role in it, your rehabilitation and any victim statement, and must state its reasons in writing (§ 24-906(e-1); § 24-903(c)(2)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Murder (including murder as an act of terrorism), first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse and first-degree child sexual abuse (§ 24-901(6)).
  • Offenses committed at age 25 or older (§ 24-901(6)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Youth offender conviction (motion)After completing probation, incarceration, supervised release or parole, whichever is later§ 24-906(e-1)(1)
Youth Rehabilitation Act sentence with early unconditional dischargeNone; set aside at discharge§ 24-906(a), (c), (e)

Some records clear automatically. Automatic only when a person sentenced under the Act is unconditionally discharged early from commitment, supervised release or probation (D.C. Code § 24-906(a), (c), (e)). Otherwise it is up to the U.S. Parole Commission or the court, or you file a motion.

How to apply

  1. If you weren't discharged early, file a motion in the Superior Court case after you finish your sentence and supervision, explaining why the conviction should be set aside (§ 24-906(e-1)).
  2. You are entitled to present facts that could affect the decision (§ 24-906(e-1)(2)).
  3. After a set-aside, you can also ask to seal the record by motion if you qualify (§ 16-806).
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court, in the criminal case; for committed youth offenders whose sentence expired, the U.S. Parole Commission (§ 24-906(b)).
Cost
We did not find a fee stated for this motion.

Expungement

Dismissal and expungement after first-time drug possession probation

If you finish probation, the court dismisses the case without a finding of guilt, and the dismissal isn't a conviction for any purpose. A nonpublic record is kept only so courts can see whether you have used this option before (D.C. Code § 48-904.01(e)(1)). You can then ask the court to expunge all official records of the arrest, charge, trial, finding of guilt and dismissal. The order restores you to the status you had before the arrest, and you can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing it (§ 48-904.01(e)(2)).20,21

What it's for: A first conviction-free drug possession case where the court deferred judgment and placed the person on probation.

Who can use it

  • You were found guilty of drug possession under § 48-904.01(d), had no earlier drug conviction under D.C., federal or state law, and had never before been discharged under this subsection (§ 48-904.01(e)(1)).
  • With your consent, the court deferred proceedings and placed you on probation for up to one year without entering a judgment of guilt (§ 48-904.01(e)(1)).
  • You completed probation and the court dismissed the case (§ 48-904.01(e)(1)-(2)).

What doesn't qualify

  • People with an earlier drug conviction, or who used this option before (§ 48-904.01(e)(1)).
  • If you violate probation, the court can enter a finding of guilt and sentence you (§ 48-904.01(e)(1)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Drug possession case dismissed after probationNone after dismissal§ 48-904.01(e)(2)

How to apply

  1. Ask about probation under § 48-904.01(e) in a first drug possession case; it needs your consent and the court's agreement.
  2. After dismissal, apply to the Superior Court for an order to expunge the records (§ 48-904.01(e)(2)).
  3. The court holds a hearing and must grant the order if it finds you were discharged and the case dismissed (§ 48-904.01(e)(2)).
Where to file
D.C. Superior Court, in the criminal case.
Cost
We did not find a fee stated for this application.
Court hearing
Yes

Automatic clearing

The Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Law 24-284, effective March 10, 2023) requires the Superior Court to automatically seal non-conviction records and misdemeanor convictions 10 years after the sentence ends, except listed offenses such as intrafamily, sex, violent and dangerous crimes and DUI (D.C. Code § 16-805), and to automatically expunge decriminalized or unconstitutional offenses and simple marijuana possession before February 15, 2015 (§ 16-802). The Act's start was tied to funding and then moved several times: the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 (D.C. Law 25-175) set October 1, 2024 and added an October 1, 2027 deadline for the automatic provisions, and the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act (D.C. Law 25-217) moved the Act's applicability to March 1, 2025. The Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025 (D.C. Law 26-52, effective October 28, 2025, applying as of March 1, 2025) let people seal non-convictions that will later be automatic by motion until October 1, 2027. The law now says eligible records must be sealed or expunged by October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after the case ends or the waiting period runs, whichever is later. The D.C. Courts' sealing page, last updated February 2, 2026, says the automatic provisions 'are not yet in effect' and no cases are being automatically sealed or expunged.4,5,7,11,12,22,23,24

DUI and DWI records in D.C.

DUI, commercial-vehicle DUI and operating while impaired are excluded from automatic sealing (D.C. Code § 16-805(b)(15)-(17)), but they can be sealed by motion. A DUI arrest or charge that didn't end in conviction can be sealed by motion at any time (§ 16-806(a)(1)(B)(ii)). D.C. DUI penalties top out at 180 days for a first offense and 1 year with prior offenses (§ 50-2206.13), which is misdemeanor-level, so a DUI conviction would follow the misdemeanor rule: a motion once 5 years have passed since the sentence ended, if sealing is in the interests of justice (§ 16-806(a)(3)). We did not confirm how sealing affects D.C. DMV driving records.1,4,25

Arrests and dismissed charges

Arrests and charges that were dropped or ended without a conviction can be sealed by motion now if sealing is in the interests of justice. If the offense is one that will be sealed automatically, file before October 1, 2027; if it is excluded from automatic sealing (such as intrafamily offenses, sex offenses, crimes of violence, dangerous crimes and DUI), you can file at any time (D.C. Code § 16-806(a)(1)). The law requires automatic sealing of eligible non-conviction records by October 1, 2027 (§ 16-805), but the court says this isn't in effect yet. If you can show the offense didn't happen or wasn't committed by you, you can move for expungement instead (§ 16-803). A verdict or plea of not guilty by reason of insanity counts as a conviction under this law (§ 16-801(3)). MPD's general police clearance (Option B) lists only convictions with sentences completed within the past 10 years and collateral forfeitures, not arrests that didn't lead to conviction (MPD).1,2,4,7,9,14

Marijuana records

Records related only to simple possession of any amount of marijuana before February 15, 2015 are to be expunged automatically, along with records of other offenses that were later decriminalized or legalized or held unconstitutional, by October 1, 2027 (D.C. Code § 16-802). This isn't happening yet: the D.C. Courts say no cases are being automatically expunged. Until then, a marijuana possession conviction can be sealed by motion like other misdemeanors once 5 years have passed since the sentence ended, and a marijuana arrest or charge that didn't end in conviction can be sealed by motion (§ 16-806). A first drug possession case handled with probation before judgment can be dismissed and then expunged on application (§ 48-904.01(e)).1,7,12,20

What employers can see afterward

D.C.'s Fair Criminal Record Screening law covers employers with more than 10 employees in D.C., including the D.C. government. They may not ask about arrests or charges that aren't pending or didn't lead to a conviction, may ask about convictions only after a conditional job offer, and may then withdraw the offer only for a legitimate business reason, weighing factors such as the job's duties, how long ago the offense was and evidence of rehabilitation (D.C. Code §§ 32-1341, 32-1342). Exceptions include jobs where law requires a criminal history check and employers serving minors or vulnerable adults (§ 32-1342(c)). Complaints go to the D.C. Office of Human Rights; there is no private lawsuit (§ 32-1343). After sealing or expungement, you can't be found guilty of perjury or a false statement for not disclosing the record (§§ 16-804(b), 16-807(b)), and private criminal history providers may not report sealed, expunged or set-aside records (§ 2-1652). Sealed records remain available to licensing agencies, schools, day care and child protection agencies, government employers filling judicial or senior executive positions, and police and other criminal justice agencies, including for their employment decisions (§§ 16-801(5), 16-807(d)).2,3,13,18,26,27,28

Free help in D.C.

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.31,32,33
  • 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.34,35

This page explains District of Columbia'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 D.C.?" https://secondchanceindex.com/record-clearing/district-of-columbia, checked October 22, 2026.

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Sources

Each source was opened and checked on October 22, 2026.

  1. D.C. Code § 16-806
  2. D.C. Code § 16–801. DefinitionsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  3. D.C. Code § 16–807. Effect of sealing of criminal recordsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  4. D.C. Code § 16–805. Automatic sealing of criminal recordsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  5. D.C. Law 26-52. Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025 (§§ 7, 10)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  6. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual (August 15, 2022, the edition in effect on March 10, 2023), sections 1.2.2-1.2.3 and Appendix CDistrict of Columbia Sentencing Commission
  7. Sealing Criminal Records (last updated February 2, 2026)District of Columbia Courts
  8. How to File a Motion to Seal/Expunge Your Criminal Record (Rev. June 30, 2026)Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Criminal Division
  9. Police Clearances (Arrest and Criminal History Section)Metropolitan Police Department
  10. D.C. Code § 23–1331. Definitions (dangerous crime; crime of violence)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  11. D.C. Law 25-175. Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 (§§ 40, 41, 45)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  12. D.C. Code § 16-802
  13. D.C. Code § 16–804. Effect of expungement of criminal recordsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  14. D.C. Code § 16-803
  15. D.C. Code §§ 24-901, 24-906
  16. D.C. Code § 24–901. Definitions (Youth Rehabilitation Act)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  17. D.C. Code § 24–903. Sentencing alternatives (Youth Rehabilitation Act)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  18. D.C. Code § 2–1652. Restrictions on criminal history reportsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  19. Williams v. United States, Nos. 23-CO-355 & 23-CO-356 (decided October 23, 2025), on Youth Rehabilitation Act set-asidesDistrict of Columbia Court of Appeals
  20. D.C. Code § 48-904.01(e)
  21. D.C. Code § 16–809. Savings provisionCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  22. D.C. Code § 16–808. Applicability (with notes on applicability dates)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  23. D.C. Law 24-284. Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 (including Title II, criminal history reports, and § 301 applicability)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  24. D.C. Law 25-217. Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act of 2024 (§ 7290)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  25. D.C. Code § 50–2206.13. Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drugCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  26. D.C. Code § 32–1341. Definitions (Fair Criminal Record Screening)Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  27. D.C. Code § 32–1342. Inquiries into certain arrests, accusations, and convictionsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  28. D.C. Code § 32–1343. Filing a complaint with the Office of Human Rights; exclusive remedyCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
  29. Criminal Forms and ListsDistrict of Columbia Courts
  30. Community Defender DivisionPublic Defender Service for the District of Columbia
  31. List of consumer reporting companiesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
  32. What Employment Background Screening Companies Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting ActFederal Trade Commission
  33. Employer Background Checks and Your RightsFederal Trade Commission
  34. 15 U.S. Code § 1681c - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reportsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (U.S. Code text)
  35. Advisory Opinion to Nadell (12-10-98)Federal Trade Commission (staff advisory opinion)