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Sealing, expungement, or cori in Massachusetts

Can I clear my record in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts mostly seals criminal records instead of destroying them.

Limited automatic clearing

How did your case end?

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

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

At a glance

Most convictions and non-conviction records can be sealed for free by mail through the Probation Service after 3 years for a misdemeanor or 7 years for a felony, and a judge can seal a dismissal or nolle prosequi without a waiting period. Not-guilty findings, grand jury no-bills and no-probable-cause findings are now sealed automatically. Expungement, which destroys the record, is narrower: it covers up to two records from offenses committed before age 21, records created by identity theft, errors or fraud, and some marijuana offenses that are no longer crimes.1,2,3,4

Checked October 22, 2026 against 50 sources, starting with Massachusetts law, then by a second reader.

What it's called
Sealing, expungement, or cori1,2,3
Automatic clearing
Limited12,13,19
DUI or DWI
Sometimes1,23,39
Filing fee
No filing fee1,2,3
Fee waiver
Not confirmed

Sealing

Sealing by mail through the Commissioner of Probation

The Commissioner of Probation seals the record, and the court clerks and probation officers seal their copies too. When an authorized person other than a law enforcement agency, court or appointing authority asks, the Commissioner reports that no record exists. Job, housing and professional or occupational license applications that ask about arrests or convictions must tell applicants that a person with a sealed record may answer 'no record' (G.L. c. 276, § 100A). A sealed record can't disqualify a person from public employment and generally can't be used in court or before boards, except to impose sentence in a later criminal case and, after the judge reviews it privately, in some custody, abuse-prevention and child-welfare cases. Criminal justice agencies can still see and use sealed records (§ 100D), and firearms licensing authorities can see them for licensing (G.L. c. 6, § 172(a)(1)). The state also notifies the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice and asks them to seal the record (§ 100T).1,2,3

What it's for: Most adult convictions, misdemeanor and felony, plus dismissals, nolle prosequis, not-guilty findings and cases dismissed after a continuance without a finding, once the waiting period has passed.

Who can use it

  • Misdemeanor records once 3 years have passed, and felony records once 7 years have passed, counting the court appearance, the disposition and any period of incarceration or custody (G.L. c. 276, § 100A). The Probation Service's web page says the clock starts at the guilty finding or at release from jail or prison, whichever is later, but its Petition to Seal form asks you to swear that all parts of the sentence ended at least 3 (or 7) years before the request. Greater Boston Legal Services says probation doesn't extend the wait.
  • No guilty finding for any crime in Massachusetts during that 3-year (misdemeanor) or 7-year (felony) period, except motor vehicle offenses punished only by a fine of $50 or less (§ 100A(3)).
  • No conviction in another state, a U.S. possession or federal court, and no imprisonment in any state or county, during that period, with the same motor vehicle exception (§ 100A(4)).
  • An offense that was a felony when committed but is now a misdemeanor is treated as a misdemeanor, and so is an offense that can't be confirmed as a felony (§ 100A).
  • An offense that is no longer a crime can be sealed right away, unless its elements are still a crime under another name (§ 100A).
  • Later charges that ended in not guilty, dismissal for want of prosecution, dismissal at the complainant's request, nolle prosequi or no bill don't restart the clock (§ 100A).
  • For a case dismissed after a continuance without a finding (CWOF), Greater Boston Legal Services says the waiting period starts on the date of the CWOF.

What doesn't qualify

  • Convictions for firearms licensing and sales violations under G.L. c. 140, §§ 121-131H, for crimes against public justice under chapter 268 (such as perjury, witness intimidation or escape), and for State Ethics Act violations under chapter 268A. A resisting arrest conviction can be sealed (§ 100A). Non-convictions for these charges can still be sealed (Mass. Legal Help).
  • The statute also requires that the record include no convictions for those excluded offenses (§ 100A, condition 5), and Probation's Petition to Seal form asks you to swear that your record has none. Greater Boston Legal Services says other eligible cases can still be sealed. Ask Probation or legal aid how this applies to your record.
  • Sex offenses as defined in G.L. c. 6, § 178C, until 15 years after the disposition (including the end of supervision, probation or incarceration) or for as long as the person must register as a sex offender, whichever is longer (§ 100A, clause 6).
  • Sex offenses of anyone who has ever been given a Level 2 or Level 3 sex offender classification under G.L. c. 6, § 178K; the statute says these can never be sealed (§ 100A, clause 6). Mass. Legal Help says a person who no longer has to register may be able to challenge this bar in court and should talk to a lawyer.
  • A violation of an abuse prevention order (G.L. c. 209A, § 7) or harassment prevention order (c. 258E, § 9) is treated as a felony, so it has the 7-year wait (§ 100A, clause 5).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Misdemeanor (including a case dismissed or not prosecuted, if sealed by mail)3 yearsRuns from the guilty finding or release from jail or prison, whichever is later (mass.gov); for non-convictions, from the disposition (Mass. Legal Help). Probation's Petition to Seal form instead asks that all parts of the sentence ended 3 years before the request. Any new conviction or incarceration restarts the clock.
Felony7 yearsRuns from the guilty finding or release from jail or prison, whichever is later (mass.gov); Probation's form asks that all parts of the sentence ended 7 years before the request. Mass. Legal Help says a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to 2½ years in jail and a felony is one punishable by more than 2½ years.
Violation of an abuse or harassment prevention order7 yearsTreated as a felony for sealing (§ 100A, clause 5), and GBLS's 2024 sealing chart also says 7 years. One Mass. Legal Help page says 10 years, which doesn't match the current statute.
Sex offense that can be sealed15 years after the disposition, or as long as registration lasts, whichever is longerNever for anyone ever classified Level 2 or Level 3 (§ 100A).
Offense that is no longer a crimeNone§ 100A, clause 2.

How to apply

  1. Get a copy of your own criminal record (CORI) so you know every case on it; the Probation Service recommends this but doesn't require it.
  2. Fill out the Petition to Seal and sign it under the penalties of perjury.
  3. Mail it to the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, One Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108, or file it there in person.
  4. Probation checks eligibility; if the petition is allowed, it notifies the court clerks and probation offices to seal their records too.
  5. Before sealing, consider getting certified copies of the complaint and docket sheets. Greater Boston Legal Services advises this, and advises people who are not U.S. citizens to talk with an immigration lawyer first.
Where to file
Office of the Commissioner of Probation, One Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108 (617-727-5300).
Cost
The Probation Service says there is no fee to request sealing. Getting a copy of your own CORI from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) has a fee.
Court hearing
No

Official forms

Sealing

Automatic sealing after a not-guilty finding, no bill or no probable cause

The Commissioner of Probation and the court clerks and probation officers seal the records. When an authorized person other than a law enforcement agency or court asks, the Commissioner or clerk reports that no record exists, and applicants for jobs, housing or licenses may answer 'no record' to questions about arrests or criminal court appearances. After a guilty finding in a later case, the probation officer can see these records, but they are not made available to the court (G.L. c. 276, § 100C).12,13,14

What it's for: Charges that ended in a not-guilty verdict or finding, a grand jury no-bill, or a judge's finding of no probable cause.

Who can use it

  • A not-guilty finding by a judge or jury, a no bill returned by a grand jury, or a finding of no probable cause by the court (§ 100C, first paragraph).
  • The Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. J.F. (May 5, 2023) that this sealing is mandatory and immediate unless the person objects (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute).

What doesn't qualify

  • Not-guilty findings from before May 5, 2023 generally aren't sealed automatically. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute says these older cases must be sealed by mail under § 100A (with the waiting period) or by a court petition.
  • Records you ask not to seal (see below).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Not guilty, no bill or no probable causeNoneFor records entered on or after March 11, 2024, Probation's Request Not to Seal form says to send it within 10 days if you don't want the record sealed.

Happens automatically. Nothing to file. The court sends a letter saying the records will be sealed. If you don't want them sealed (for example, you need certified copies for immigration), send the Request Not to Seal form to the Commissioner of Probation within 10 days, by mail or email to OCPSealingDivision@jud.state.ma.us (form OCPS004).

How to apply

  1. Nothing to file for records entered on or after March 11, 2024.
  2. To keep a record unsealed, send the Request Not to Seal Criminal Records form to the Commissioner of Probation within 10 days.
  3. For an older not-guilty finding that isn't sealed, ask the Commissioner of Probation (617-727-5300) or file to seal it by mail or in court.
Where to file
Automatic through the court and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.
Cost
No fee.
Court hearing
No

Official forms

Sealing

Court petition to seal a dismissal or nolle prosequi

The court orders the clerk to seal the case, and the clerk notifies the Commissioner of Probation and probation officers, who seal their records. Authorized non-law-enforcement inquirers are told no record exists, applicants for jobs, housing or licenses may answer 'no record' about arrests or criminal court appearances, and the record can't disqualify a person from public employment. After a guilty finding in a later case, the sealed record is available to the probation officer and the court (G.L. c. 276, § 100C).6,7,12

What it's for: Cases dismissed by the court or ended by a nolle prosequi (the prosecutor dropped the case), with no waiting period.

Who can use it

  • A case where a nolle prosequi was entered or the court entered a dismissal, if the judge finds that sealing would serve substantial justice (§ 100C, second paragraph). Courts apply a 'good cause' standard (Commonwealth v. Pon, 2014, per Greater Boston Legal Services).
  • Greater Boston Legal Services says this includes cases dismissed after probation or a continuance without a finding. The Probation Service's eligibility page describes the route as a court dismissal 'without probation', so ask the clerk or legal aid how your court treats a dismissed CWOF.
  • The judge may consider the disadvantages your record causes (jobs, housing, public assistance, advancement, volunteering), evidence of rehabilitation, your circumstances at the time of the offense, how much time has passed, and why the case was dismissed or dropped (mass.gov).
  • Greater Boston Legal Services reports success filing in court to seal older not-guilty findings (from before May 5, 2023) without the mail waiting period (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute).

What doesn't qualify

  • Convictions (use sealing by mail, or the first-offense drug possession route).
  • Greater Boston Legal Services warns that a petition is weak if you are in jail or have open criminal cases.

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Dismissal or nolle prosequiNoneAny time after the disposition. The same records can also be sealed by mail after 3 years (misdemeanor) or 7 years (felony).

How to apply

  1. Get your CORI to find every case, and a certified copy of the docket from the clerk's office where the case started (recommended, not required).
  2. Fill out the Petition to Seal Criminal Records for Nolle Prosequi or Dismissal (form TC0057), one petition per case, and attach anything that supports your reasons, such as job rejection letters, proof of programs completed or letters of support.
  3. File it with the clerk's office of the court where the case started. In the Boston Municipal Court, you can file one petition for 3 or more dismissals and non-conviction records from 2 or more BMC divisions in the BMC division where you live.
  4. The judge may deny the petition without a hearing if you don't meet the requirements. Otherwise you get a hearing date by mail, notice is posted at the courthouse for at least 7 days, and the clerk notifies Probation and the prosecutor. Some courts use a preliminary hearing and then a final hearing.
  5. At the hearing, explain why there is good cause to seal the record. You may bring a lawyer. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the Appeals Court.
Where to file
Clerk's office of the court where the criminal case started (District Court, Boston Municipal Court, Superior Court or Juvenile Court).
Cost
The Probation Service says there is no fee to request sealing, and Greater Boston Legal Services says the court process is free.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The hearing is set at least 7 days after filing (form TC0057). In the BMC, when sealing records from several divisions, the final hearing is 30 to 45 days after the preliminary hearing or filing, and the petition must be sent to the Suffolk County District Attorney at least 30 days before it.

Official forms

Sealing

Court sealing for drug possession cases

The court may dismiss the case and seal all official records of the arrest, conviction, probation or continuance. Police and law enforcement records that are not public records are not sealed, and Probation keeps a separate file used only to check eligibility for this route later. A conviction sealed this way is not treated as a conviction for any disqualification or other purpose, and the person can't be charged with perjury or making a false statement for not mentioning it (G.L. c. 94C, § 34).9,18,19

What it's for: A first drug possession case that ended in a CWOF or probation that was completed without violations, and drug possession charges that ended in not guilty, dismissal or nolle prosequi.

Who can use it

  • A drug possession charge under G.L. c. 94C, § 34 where you had no earlier conviction under Massachusetts drug law and no drug-related felony conviction in another state or federal court, your case was continued without a finding or you were convicted and placed on probation, and you didn't violate the conditions. At the end of that period the court may dismiss the case and seal the records (§ 34).
  • A first conviction for possessing marijuana or a Class E substance with no earlier conviction under Massachusetts drug law: the court places the person on probation unless they decline or the court gives written reasons, and on successful completion the case is dismissed and the records sealed (§ 34).
  • A drug possession charge that ended in not guilty, dismissal or nolle prosequi: the court shall order the records sealed (G.L. c. 94C, § 44).

What doesn't qualify

  • People with an earlier drug conviction or a drug-related felony conviction in any state or federal court (§ 34).
  • Drug distribution, trafficking and possession with intent to distribute charges (this route is only for possession under § 34).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
First drug possession with CWOF or probationAt the end of the CWOF or probation period, if no conditions were violatedGreater Boston Legal Services lists this as the only conviction a judge can seal; other convictions are sealed by mail after the waiting period.
Drug possession charge ending in not guilty, dismissal or nolle prosequiNone§ 44.

Some records clear automatically. Section 44 says the court shall order sealing after a not-guilty finding, dismissal or nolle prosequi of a drug possession charge, and § 34 says a first marijuana or Class E possession case is dismissed and sealed after probation is completed. Ask the clerk whether your records were sealed; if not, ask the court that handled the case.

How to apply

  1. Ask the court that handled the case to dismiss and seal it when the CWOF or probation ends, or later by petition. Greater Boston Legal Services says court sealing petitions are available online or at the courthouse.
  2. Attach the docket and anything showing you completed the CWOF or probation terms.
Where to file
The court that handled the drug possession case.
Cost
Greater Boston Legal Services says the court sealing process is free.
Court hearing
Sometimes

Expungement

Time-based expungement (offenses before age 21)

Expungement permanently erases or destroys the record so it is no longer kept by or available to the court, criminal justice agencies or any state, county or city agency (G.L. c. 276, § 100E). Agencies must answer any inquiry, including from other criminal justice agencies, by saying no record exists (§ 100L). You can't be charged with perjury or making a false statement for not mentioning the record (§ 100M), and you may answer 'no record' on job applications, which must say so (§ 100N). Expunged records can't be used in court, before boards or commissions, or to decide licensing for a trade or profession (§ 100N). The state notifies the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice and asks them to expunge the record too (§ 100T).20,21,22

What it's for: Up to two records (convictions, juvenile adjudications or non-convictions) for offenses committed before the person turned 21, after a waiting period.

Who can use it

  • All offenses in the petition happened before your 21st birthday (G.L. c. 276, § 100I(a)(2); the Petition to Expunge form also says 'I was under 21 years of age at the time the offense was committed').
  • No more than 2 records; multiple offenses from the same incident count as one (§§ 100F-100H).
  • At least 7 years have passed if the records include a felony, or 3 years if they include only misdemeanors, counting any incarceration, custody or probation (§ 100I(a)(3)).
  • No other criminal or juvenile court appearances or dispositions on file in Massachusetts, another state, a U.S. possession or federal court, except motor vehicle offenses with a fine of $50 or less (§ 100I(a)(4)-(5)).
  • You certify that, to your knowledge, you are not the subject of an active criminal investigation (§ 100I(a)(6)).
  • The court decides based on the interests of justice and enters written findings (§§ 100F-100H).

What doesn't qualify

  • Offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury, or committed with intent to cause death or serious bodily injury (§ 100J).
  • Offenses committed while armed with a dangerous weapon, and offenses against a person 60 or older or a person with a disability (§ 100J).
  • Sex offenses, sex offenses involving a child and sexually violent offenses (§ 100J).
  • Operating under the influence (OUI) under G.L. c. 90, § 24 (§ 100J(9)).
  • Firearms offenses under G.L. c. 140, §§ 121-131Q and c. 269, § 10(a)-(d) and § 10E (§ 100J).
  • Violations of abuse prevention, harassment prevention and other protective orders (§ 100J).
  • Assault or assault and battery on a family or household member (c. 265, § 13M), and any felony under chapter 265, crimes against the person (§ 100J).
  • A violation of an abuse or harassment prevention order is treated as a felony for the waiting period (§ 100I).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Records that include a felony7 yearsCounting any period of incarceration, custody or probation (§ 100I).
Misdemeanor records only3 yearsCounting any period of incarceration, custody or probation (§ 100I).

How to apply

  1. Make copies of any court records you want to keep first; once the record is destroyed, the court can't give you copies (mass.gov).
  2. Fill out the Petition to Expunge (PROB0002) and check the box for an adult conviction (§ 100G), a non-conviction (§ 100H) or a juvenile adjudication (§ 100F). You may attach information supporting your petition.
  3. Mail it to the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, One Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108.
  4. Probation certifies whether you are eligible (within 60 days, or 30 days for non-convictions) and, if you are, notifies the district attorney, who has 60 days (30 for non-convictions) to object.
  5. Probation sends the petition to the court. If the district attorney objected, the court holds a hearing within 21 days; if not, the judge may decide without one. Hearings are closed to the public (§ 100P).
  6. If the petition is granted, the clerk gives you a copy of the order.
Where to file
Office of the Commissioner of Probation, which forwards the petition to the court where the case was handled.
Cost
The Probation Service says 'The process is free.'
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
Probation has 60 days to certify (30 for non-convictions); the district attorney has 60 days to object (30 for non-convictions); if there is an objection, the court must hold a hearing within 21 days of getting the petition (§§ 100F-100H).

Official forms

Expungement

Non-time-based expungement (identity theft, errors, fraud, decriminalized offenses)

Same effect as other expungement: the record is permanently destroyed, agencies report that no record exists, you may answer 'no record', and the FBI is asked to expunge it too (G.L. c. 276, §§ 100E, 100L-100N, 100T).28,29,30

What it's for: Records created by false identification, identity theft, errors by police, witnesses or court staff, fraud on the court, or an offense that is no longer a crime.

Who can use it

  • The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the record was created because of false identification of the petitioner or unauthorized use or theft of the petitioner's identity (§ 100K(a)(1)).
  • An offense that is no longer a crime, unless its elements are still a crime under another name (§ 100K(a)(2)). The Probation Service gives possessing small amounts of marijuana as an example.
  • Demonstrable errors by law enforcement, by civilian or expert witnesses, or by court employees, or demonstrable fraud on the court (§ 100K(a)(3)-(6)).
  • The age limit, two-record limit, waiting periods and offense exclusions of time-based expungement don't apply (§ 100K(a)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Records that don't fit one of the listed reasons; the judge also decides whether expungement is in the interests of justice (§ 100K(b)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Any eligible recordNone

How to apply

  1. Make copies of any records you want to keep before filing.
  2. Fill out the Petition for Expungement, listing all charges in the case and giving as much detail as you can, with supporting documents. Use a separate petition for each case.
  3. File it with the clerk's office in the court where the case was heard, and give a copy of everything to the district attorney's office that prosecuted the case on or before the day you file.
  4. Check the box if you want a hearing; the court must hold one if you or the district attorney ask (§ 100K(b)).
Where to file
Clerk's office of the court where the case was heard.
Cost
The court's non-time-based expungement page doesn't list a fee, and Greater Boston Legal Services' Know Your CORI Rights booklet (June 2024) says 'The process is free.'
Court hearing
Sometimes

Official forms

Expungement

Expungement of decriminalized marijuana offenses

Expungement means the record is permanently erased or destroyed so courts and state, county and city agencies no longer keep it (G.L. c. 276, § 100E). The clerk gives you a certified copy of the order, the docket sheets and the complaint, and the order goes to the court clerk, the Commissioner of Probation and DCJIS (§ 100K1/4(c)).21,31,32

What it's for: Records for possessing, cultivating, possessing with intent to distribute or distributing amounts of marijuana that were later decriminalized.

Who can use it

  • Possession or cultivation of an amount of marijuana decriminalized by chapter 387 of the Acts of 2008, chapter 334 of the Acts of 2016 or chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017 (§ 100K1/4(a)).
  • Possession with intent to distribute, or distribution, based on such an amount (§ 100K1/4(a)).
  • The age limit, record limit, waiting periods and exclusions of time-based expungement don't apply, and the court 'shall' order expungement within 30 days of the petition (§ 100K1/4(a)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Marijuana offenses involving amounts that were not decriminalized by those laws.

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Eligible marijuana recordNoneThe court must rule within 30 days of the petition (§ 100K1/4(a)).

How to apply

  1. Fill out the Petition for Expungement of Marijuana Offenses.
  2. File it with the court where the case was handled. The court must hold a hearing if you or the district attorney ask for one, and must enter written findings (§ 100K1/4(b)).
Where to file
The court where the case was handled.
Cost
No fee was listed on the official pages we read.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The court must order expungement within 30 days of the petition (§ 100K1/4(a)).

Official forms

Automatic clearing

Massachusetts has no broad Clean Slate law. Two kinds of records are sealed without a petition: charges that end in a not-guilty finding, a grand jury no-bill or a no-probable-cause finding (G.L. c. 276, § 100C, first paragraph), which the Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. J.F. (May 5, 2023) must be sealed immediately unless the person objects, with Probation's opt-out form covering records entered on or after March 11, 2024; and drug possession charges that end in not guilty, dismissal or nolle prosequi, which the court 'shall' order sealed (G.L. c. 94C, § 44). Clean Slate bills that would make sealing of convictions automatic after the waiting period were filed in the 2025-2026 session (H.1811, sent to a study order March 26, 2026; S.1114, reported favorably and sent to Senate Ways and Means June 16, 2025). In the economic development bill, House Amendment #155 (automated sealing) was listed among the amendments covered by Consolidated Amendment C, but neither that consolidated amendment nor the bill the House passed on July 8, 2026 (H.5576) contains any record-sealing provision. The Senate's version (S.3228, passed July 24, 2026) does include automated sealing of § 100A and § 100B records, which would take effect when the Commissioner of Probation certifies the system is ready or on July 1, 2030, whichever comes first. The two versions have been in a conference committee since July 30, 2026. As of October 22, 2026 the legislature's site shows no conference report, so automatic sealing of convictions is not law.12,13,19,33,34,35,36,37,38

DUI and DWI records in Massachusetts

An OUI (operating under the influence) conviction can be sealed by mail, but it is excluded from time-based expungement; only the non-time-based route for identity theft, errors or fraud (§ 100K) could expunge one. OUI is not on the list of convictions that can never be sealed (G.L. c. 276, § 100A), so a first or second OUI, which carries up to 2.5 years in a house of correction and is a misdemeanor, can be sealed after 3 years, and a third or later OUI, which can carry a state prison sentence and is a felony, after 7 years (G.L. c. 90, § 24; § 100A). An OUI that was continued without a finding and dismissed can be sealed in court or by mail. OUI is excluded from time-based expungement (§ 100J(9)) and from the Governor's 2024 marijuana pardon. Sealing has limits for OUI: sealed records can still be used to impose sentence in a later criminal case (§ 100A), criminal justice agencies keep access (§ 100D), and the OUI law counts earlier convictions and assignments to an alcohol or drug education program from any jurisdiction when setting penalties for a repeat offense (G.L. c. 90, § 24). We did not confirm how sealing affects Registry of Motor Vehicles driving records.1,23,25,39,40

Arrests and dismissed charges

Not-guilty findings, grand jury no-bills and no-probable-cause findings are sealed automatically unless you object (G.L. c. 276, § 100C; Commonwealth v. J.F., 2023); older not-guilty findings may need a petition. Dismissals and nolle prosequis can be sealed by a judge at any time if the judge finds good cause (§ 100C, second paragraph), or by mail through Probation after 3 years (misdemeanor) or 7 years (felony) under § 100A. Drug possession charges that end in not guilty, dismissal or nolle prosequi are sealed by court order (G.L. c. 94C, § 44). A case continued without a finding (CWOF) and then dismissed is not a conviction; Greater Boston Legal Services says it can be sealed in court or by mail, with the mail waiting period starting at the CWOF date. People who were under 21 at the time can ask to expunge up to two non-conviction records after the waiting period (§ 100H). Employers may not ask about arrests or cases that did not end in a conviction, including CWOFs (G.L. c. 151B, § 4(9); Attorney General).9,12,13,19,41,42

Marijuana records

Massachusetts has three marijuana-specific routes. (1) Expungement: a court must, within 30 days of a petition, expunge records for possessing or cultivating amounts of marijuana decriminalized in 2008, 2016 or 2017, and for possession with intent to distribute or distribution based on those amounts (G.L. c. 276, § 100K1/4, effective November 9, 2022). Other decriminalized offenses can be expunged under § 100K or sealed right away under § 100A. (2) Governor's pardon: Governor Healey's pardon, approved by the Governor's Council on April 3, 2024, forgives all Massachusetts state-court misdemeanor convictions for simple marijuana possession before March 13, 2024. It does not cover continuances without a finding, possession with intent to distribute, distribution, trafficking, OUI, out-of-state or federal convictions, or people under 21 at the time of the pardon. State agencies are updating many records without any action, though the Governor's office says not every record can be updated that way, and the pardon does not seal or expunge the record: you can check a box on the online pardon certificate request to ask for sealing, or request sealing or expungement yourself. (3) First-offense possession: a first marijuana possession conviction leads to probation and, once completed, dismissal and sealing (G.L. c. 94C, § 34). Separately, St. 2026, c. 65 (approved April 19, 2026) raised the adult possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces; it contains no new sealing or expungement provisions, and § 100K1/4 still names only the 2008, 2016 and 2017 laws, so for an older record involving an amount decriminalized only in 2026, ask legal aid whether § 100K or § 100A fits.18,31,40,43

What employers can see afterward

Massachusetts' fair-chance ('ban the box') law covers private employers: an employer may not ask about criminal records on its initial written application, except for jobs where a federal or state law creates a mandatory or presumptive disqualification for certain convictions, or where the employer is legally barred from hiring people with certain convictions (G.L. c. 151B, § 4(9½)). At no point may an employer ask about, or keep a record of, an arrest or case that did not end in a conviction, a first conviction for drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, affray or disturbance of the peace, a misdemeanor conviction 3 or more years old (counting from conviction or release from incarceration) unless there was another conviction in the last 3 years, or any record that has been sealed or expunged (§ 4(9)). The Attorney General says this includes CWOFs and juvenile records, that employers may never ask you for a copy of your own CORI, and that an employer must notify you and give you a copy of your criminal history before refusing to hire you because of it. A person with a sealed record may answer 'no record' on job, housing and license applications (G.L. c. 276, §§ 100A, 100C), and employers' application forms that ask about criminal history must say that a person with an expunged record may answer 'no record' (§ 100N). In a negligence claim, an employer or landlord is presumed not to have known about a sealed or expunged record (§ 100S). Employers using the state CORI system generally see felony convictions for 10 years and misdemeanor convictions for 5 years after the disposition or release, plus pending cases, including open CWOFs (G.L. c. 6, § 172(a)(3)); murder, manslaughter and sex offense convictions punishable by state prison stay available permanently unless sealed (§ 172(b)).3,24,42,44,45

Free help in Massachusetts

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.46,47,48
  • 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.49,50

This page explains Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts?" https://secondchanceindex.com/record-clearing/massachusetts, checked October 22, 2026.

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Sources

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

  1. G.L. c. 276, § 100A
  2. G.L. c. 276, § 100D. Access by criminal justice agenciesGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  3. G.L. c. 6, § 172. Accessibility and dissemination of informationGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  4. G.L. c. 276, § 100T. Notice to FBI and U.S. Department of Justice of sealing or expungementGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  5. Sealing Records at a Glance (Greater Boston Legal Services, 2024)Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MassLegalServices.org)
  6. Find out if you can seal your criminal recordMassachusetts Probation Service
  7. Request to seal your criminal recordMassachusetts Probation Service
  8. Petition to Seal (form)Massachusetts Probation Service
  9. Sealing your CORI (Greater Boston Legal Services, reviewed May 2024)Massachusetts Legal Help
  10. Never sealable crimes (Greater Boston Legal Services, reviewed March 2026)Massachusetts Legal Help
  11. Submit a Self-Audit or Fee WaiverMassachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
  12. G.L. c. 276, § 100C (first paragraph)
  13. Sealing of offenses that ended in a not guilty finding (Pauline Quirion, 11/16/25)Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MassLegalServices.org)
  14. Request Not to Seal Criminal Records, for records entered on/after March 11, 2024 (OCPS004, rev. 01/24)Massachusetts Probation Service
  15. Seal Your Criminal RecordMassachusetts Probation Service
  16. Massachusetts law about criminal records (CORI) (last updated August 18, 2026)Trial Court Law Libraries
  17. Petition to Seal Criminal Records for Nolle Prosequi or Dismissal (TC0057, 2/24)Massachusetts Trial Court
  18. G.L. c. 94C, §§ 34, 44
  19. G.L. c. 94C, § 44. Violations of Sec. 34; acquittal, dismissal or indictment nol prossed; sealing of recordsGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  20. G.L. c. 276, §§ 100E-100J, 100L-100T
  21. G.L. c. 276, § 100E. DefinitionsGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  22. G.L. c. 276, § 100G. Petition for expungement of record of conviction (also read: §§ 100F, 100H)General Court of Massachusetts
  23. G.L. c. 276, § 100J. Offenses excluded from eligibility of record for expungementGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  24. G.L. c. 276, § 100N (also read: §§ 100L, 100M, 100O-100T)General Court of Massachusetts
  25. Find out if you can expunge your criminal recordMassachusetts Probation Service
  26. Request a time-based expungement of your criminal recordMassachusetts Probation Service
  27. Petition to Expunge Form (revised 10/11/2018)Massachusetts Trial Court
  28. G.L. c. 276, § 100K
  29. Request a non-time-based expungement of your criminal recordMassachusetts Court System
  30. Know Your CORI Rights: Sealing and Expungement of Criminal and Juvenile Records (Greater Boston Legal Services, updated June 2024)Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MassLegalServices.org)
  31. G.L. c. 276, § 100K1/4
  32. Mass. General Laws c.276 § 100K 1/4 (added by St. 2022, c. 180, § 23, effective November 9, 2022)Trial Court Law Libraries
  33. Bill H.1811, An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing (bill history)General Court of Massachusetts
  34. Bill S.1114, An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing (bill history)General Court of Massachusetts
  35. Amendment #155 to H.5562, Clean Slate Automated Record SealingGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  36. Consolidated Amendment C to H.5562 (lists Amendment #155; no record-sealing text)General Court of Massachusetts
  37. Bill H.5576, An Act relative to economic development in the commonwealth (bill history and House-passed text)General Court of Massachusetts
  38. S.3228, Senate amendment to H.5576 (sections 305-309 and 354: automated sealing and its effective date)General Court of Massachusetts
  39. G.L. c. 90, § 24. Driving while under influence of intoxicating liquor, etc.General Court of Massachusetts
  40. Marijuana Pardons Frequently Asked QuestionsOffice of Governor Maura Healey
  41. G.L. c. 276, § 100HGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  42. Guide to Criminal Records in Employment and HousingMassachusetts Attorney General's Office
  43. Acts of 2026, Chapter 65: An Act modernizing the commonwealth's cannabis lawsGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  44. G.L. c. 151B, § 4 (subsections 9 and 9½)General Court of Massachusetts
  45. G.L. c. 276, § 100SGeneral Court of Massachusetts
  46. List of consumer reporting companiesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
  47. What Employment Background Screening Companies Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting ActFederal Trade Commission
  48. Employer Background Checks and Your RightsFederal Trade Commission
  49. 15 U.S. Code § 1681c - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reportsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (U.S. Code text)
  50. Advisory Opinion to Nadell (12-10-98)Federal Trade Commission (staff advisory opinion)