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Record sealing, petition to seal records, or set aside in Nevada

Can I clear my record in Nevada?

Nevada clears records by sealing them, not by destroying them.

Limited automatic clearing

How did your case end?

Pick the one that matches. We'll show the routes Nevada 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 can be sealed by petition after a wait of 1 year for most misdemeanors up to 10 years for category A felonies and crimes of violence, and dismissed charges and acquittals can be sealed at any time. Courts must seal many cases on their own once a person finishes a diversion, deferred judgment or treatment court program, and an unconditional pardon leads to automatic sealing. Crimes against children, listed sexual offenses, home invasion with a deadly weapon, a third DUI within 7 years and DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm can't be sealed by petition.1,2,3,4

Checked October 22, 2026 against 40 sources, starting with Nevada law, then by a second reader.

What it's called
Record sealing, petition to seal records, or set aside1,2,3
Automatic clearing
Limited1,17,18
DUI or DWI
Sometimes1,17,32
Filing fee
No filing fee1,2,3
Fee waiver
Available1,2,3

Sealing

Sealing a conviction by petition

Sealing does not destroy the record. It removes it from general information sources, and in some cases it can be reopened or inspected later (Nevada Records, Communications and Compliance Division; NRS 179.295, 179.301). Once a record is sealed, the proceedings are deemed never to have occurred, and you may answer any question about them, including on a job application, as if the arrest, conviction, dismissal or acquittal did not happen (NRS 179.285(1)(a)). Sealing restores the rights to vote, hold office and serve on a jury, but not the right to have a firearm unless a pardon restores it (NRS 179.285). Some agencies can still look at records sealed under NRS 179.245 or 179.255: the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission when the case was related to gaming, the Division of Insurance when it was related to insurance, a prosecutor when the records relate to a violation of NRS 202.485 for which you have been arrested or cited, the Central Repository for information about sexual offenses (and it may notify employers as federal law allows), Repository staff and police for records kept in the statewide registry of sex offenders and offenders convicted of a crime against a child, and the Board of Pardons Commissioners if you apply for a pardon (NRS 179.301). Agencies outside Nevada are not bound to follow the order (Records, Communications and Compliance Division).1,2,3

What it's for: Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and most felony convictions, after a waiting period that depends on the offense.

Who can use it

  • Most misdemeanors: 1 year after release from custody or the end of a suspended sentence, whichever is later (NRS 179.245(1)(g)).
  • Misdemeanor battery (NRS 200.481), harassment, stalking, or violating a temporary or extended protection order: 2 years (NRS 179.245(1)(f)).
  • Misdemeanor DUI (NRS 484C.110 or 484C.120), misdemeanor battery that is domestic violence, and offenses under NRS 422.540 to 422.570: 7 years (NRS 179.245(1)(e)).
  • Gross misdemeanors and category E felonies: 2 years after release from custody or discharge from probation or parole, whichever is later (NRS 179.245(1)(c)-(d)).
  • Category B, C and D felonies: 5 years after release from custody or discharge from parole or probation (NRS 179.245(1)(b)).
  • Category A felonies, crimes of violence and residential burglary: 10 years after release from custody or discharge from parole or probation (NRS 179.245(1)(a)).
  • During the waiting period you must not have been convicted of anything except minor moving or standing traffic violations, and you can't have charges pending (NRS 179.245(5)).
  • If you meet every requirement, there is a rebuttable presumption that the records should be sealed; at a hearing the court applies it unless an objecting party presents evidence sufficient to rebut it. The presumption does not apply after a dishonorable discharge from probation (NRS 179.2445, 179.245(4)).

What doesn't qualify

  • A crime against a child, as defined in NRS 179D.0357 (NRS 179.245(6)(a)).
  • A listed sexual offense, such as sexual assault, lewdness with a child, incest, offenses involving child sexual abuse material (NRS 200.710 to 200.730), felony statutory sexual seduction, and felony open or gross lewdness or indecent exposure, and attempts to commit them (NRS 179.245(6)(b), (10)).
  • Invasion of the home with a deadly weapon (NRS 205.067) (NRS 179.245(6)(c)).
  • A DUI punished as a felony under NRS 484C.400(1)(c) (a third DUI within 7 years), unless the judgment was entered as a second offense because you took part in the statewide sobriety and drug monitoring program (NRS 179.245(6)(d), (7)).
  • DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm (NRS 484C.430) and any homicide caused by driving under the influence (NRS 179.245(6)(e)-(f)).
  • Felony boating under the influence (NRS 488.410 punished under NRS 488.427) and violations of NRS 488.420 or 488.425 (NRS 179.245(6)(g)-(h)).
  • If a petition is denied, you must wait 2 years before asking for a rehearing, though you can appeal (NRS 179.265).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Most misdemeanors1 year from release from custody or end of a suspended sentence, whichever is laterNRS 179.245(1)(g)
Misdemeanor battery, harassment, stalking or protection order violation2 yearsNRS 179.245(1)(f)
Misdemeanor DUI, misdemeanor domestic battery, or NRS 422.540-422.570 offense7 years from release from custody or end of a suspended sentenceNRS 179.245(1)(e)
Gross misdemeanor2 years from release from custody or discharge from probation, whichever is laterNRS 179.245(1)(d)
Category E felony2 years from release from custody or discharge from parole or probation, whichever is laterNRS 179.245(1)(c)
Category B, C or D felony5 years from release from custody or discharge from parole or probation, whichever is laterNRS 179.245(1)(b)
Category A felony, crime of violence or residential burglary10 years from release from custody or discharge from parole or probation, whichever is laterNRS 179.245(1)(a)

How to apply

  1. Request your current Nevada criminal history from the Records, Communications and Compliance Division with form DPS-006, a ten-print fingerprint card and a $27 money order or certified check. The Repository's FAQ says it processes requests within 30 calendar days, but form DPS-006 says to allow about 45 days. The petition must include this current, verified record, and some courts treat a record more than 30 days old as stale.
  2. Fill out a petition to seal records and a proposed order. List each arrest and conviction (date of arrest, arresting agency, charge, outcome), your date of birth, and every agency that may hold the records (police, courts, prosecutors, Parole and Probation, the Repository).
  3. In many counties you first send the petition and order to the district attorney (or city attorney for municipal court cases), who may sign a stipulation agreeing to the sealing. Other courts, such as the Washoe County justice courts, take the petition directly and send it to the prosecutor.
  4. File with the court where you were convicted (or, for records in more than one court, one petition in district court) and pay the court's fee or apply to proceed as an indigent litigant.
  5. If the prosecutor agrees, the court must seal the records. If the prosecutor does not object within 30 days, the court may seal them without a hearing. If the prosecutor objects, or the court doesn't grant the petition on the papers, the court holds a hearing (NRS 179.245(4)).
  6. After the judge signs, get certified copies of the order and send one to each agency named in it. The Repository says sealing can take up to 6 months after it receives the order.
Where to file
The court where you were convicted (district, justice or municipal court). If you have records in more than one court, you may file one petition in district court for all of them (NRS 179.2595).
Cost
Each court sets its own filing fee. The Reno and Incline Village justice courts charge $71, and the Las Vegas Municipal Court's 2021 handbook lists $50; legal aid attorneys told a legislative committee in the 2023-2024 interim that court filing fees run from $50 to $270. Certified copies of the order cost extra ($3 each at the Incline Village Justice Court). Your Nevada criminal history from the Repository costs $27 (form DPS-006), plus whatever the police agency charges to take your fingerprints. No fee may be charged if you were being sex trafficked when the crime happened (NRS 179.245(9)).
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. A person who can't pay costs in a civil case can apply on the court's form to proceed as an indigent litigant; grounds include receiving public assistance or household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and legal aid clients can submit a statement of representation (NRS 12.015). The petition to seal is treated as a civil proceeding (NRS 179.245(8)). Ask the clerk for the court's in forma pauperis form.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The prosecutor has 30 days after notice to object. The Repository says sealing can take 2 to 4 months, or up to 6 months, after it receives the signed order.

Official forms

Sealing

Sealing after dismissal, declined prosecution or acquittal

Sealing does not destroy the record. It removes it from general information sources, and in some cases it can be reopened or inspected later (Nevada Records, Communications and Compliance Division; NRS 179.295, 179.301). Once a record is sealed, the proceedings are deemed never to have occurred, and you may answer any question about them, including on a job application, as if the arrest, conviction, dismissal or acquittal did not happen (NRS 179.285(1)(a)). Sealing restores the rights to vote, hold office and serve on a jury, but not the right to have a firearm unless a pardon restores it (NRS 179.285). Some agencies can still look at records sealed under NRS 179.245 or 179.255: the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission when the case was related to gaming, the Division of Insurance when it was related to insurance, a prosecutor when the records relate to a violation of NRS 202.485 for which you have been arrested or cited, the Central Repository for information about sexual offenses (and it may notify employers as federal law allows), Repository staff and police for records kept in the statewide registry of sex offenders and offenders convicted of a crime against a child, and the Board of Pardons Commissioners if you apply for a pardon (NRS 179.301). Agencies outside Nevada are not bound to follow the order (Records, Communications and Compliance Division).1,2,16

What it's for: Arrests where the charges were dismissed, the prosecutor declined to file, or you were acquitted, and convictions set aside after a problem gambling treatment program.

Who can use it

  • Charges dismissed: you may petition the court that dismissed them at any time after the dismissal (NRS 179.255(1)(a)).
  • Acquittal: you may petition the court at any time after the acquittal, and the court must seal the records if there is no evidence that further action will be brought (NRS 179.255(1)(c), (7)(a)).
  • Prosecution declined: you may petition after the statute of limitations has run, 8 years after the arrest, or sooner if the prosecutor agrees (NRS 179.255(1)(b)).
  • A conviction set aside under NRS 458A.240 (problem gambling treatment) can be sealed at any time after it is set aside (NRS 179.255(2)).
  • The same presumption in favor of sealing and the same 30-day objection process apply (NRS 179.255(6)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Prosecutors may refuse to agree to sealing a charge dismissed without prejudice until the statute of limitations has run (Clark County District Attorney; Las Vegas Municipal Court), so the court may hold a hearing.
  • If prosecution was declined and the records are sealed, the prosecutor can still file the charges before the statute of limitations runs, and the court will open the records (NRS 179.255(9)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Charges dismissedNoneAny time after dismissal (NRS 179.255(1)(a)).
AcquittalNoneAny time after acquittal (NRS 179.255(1)(c)).
Prosecution declinedUntil the statute of limitations runs, or 8 years after arrest, or sooner by agreementNRS 179.255(1)(b)

How to apply

  1. Request your current Nevada criminal history from the Records, Communications and Compliance Division with form DPS-006, a ten-print fingerprint card and a $27 money order or certified check. The Repository's FAQ says it processes requests within 30 calendar days, but form DPS-006 says to allow about 45 days. The petition must include this current, verified record, and some courts treat a record more than 30 days old as stale.
  2. Fill out a petition to seal records and a proposed order. List each arrest and conviction (date of arrest, arresting agency, charge, outcome), your date of birth, and every agency that may hold the records (police, courts, prosecutors, Parole and Probation, the Repository).
  3. In many counties you first send the petition and order to the district attorney (or city attorney for municipal court cases), who may sign a stipulation agreeing to the sealing. Other courts, such as the Washoe County justice courts, take the petition directly and send it to the prosecutor.
  4. File with the court where you were convicted (or, for records in more than one court, one petition in district court) and pay the court's fee or apply to proceed as an indigent litigant.
  5. If the prosecutor agrees, the court must seal the records. If the prosecutor does not object within 30 days, the court may seal them without a hearing. If the prosecutor objects, or the court doesn't grant the petition on the papers, the court holds a hearing (NRS 179.245(4)).
  6. After the judge signs, get certified copies of the order and send one to each agency named in it. The Repository says sealing can take up to 6 months after it receives the order.
Where to file
The court where the charges were dismissed or the acquittal was entered, or the court with jurisdiction over declined charges. One district court petition can cover records in several courts (NRS 179.2595).
Cost
Same court fees as other sealing petitions, which vary by court (for example $71 in the Reno and Incline Village justice courts), plus $27 for the Repository record and fingerprinting costs.
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. Apply to proceed as an indigent litigant under NRS 12.015 on the court's form.
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The prosecutor has 30 days after notice to object (NRS 179.255(6)).

Official forms

Sealing

Sealing after diversion, deferred judgment or a specialty court program

When you complete the program, the court dismisses the case (or sets aside the conviction), and the dismissal is not a conviction for employment, civil rights, licensing or any questionnaire (NRS 176.211(5), 176A.240(7), 174.033(2), 453.3363(4)). After a deferred judgment, first-time drug possession probation or the drug or alcohol treatment program, it still counts as a conviction for higher penalties for a later offense and for setting bail (NRS 176.211(5), 453.3363(4), 176A.240(7)-(8)). The court then orders the records sealed, with the same effect as other sealing (NRS 179.285). Professional licensing boards can still consider a drug possession dismissal under NRS 453.3363, are entitled to a truthful answer about it, and can inspect and copy those sealed records (NRS 453.3363(5), 453.3365(4)).17,18,19

What it's for: Cases dismissed or set aside after a justice or municipal court preprosecution diversion, a district court deferred judgment (NRS 176.211, which the court must offer for a first or second small-quantity drug possession offense), first-time drug possession probation (NRS 453.3363), or a drug, mental health or veterans treatment court program.

Who can use it

  • Preprosecution diversion in justice or municipal court: after dismissal, the court must seal the records without a hearing unless the district attorney shows good cause (NRS 174.034).
  • Deferred judgment in district court (NRS 176.211): after discharge and dismissal, the court must seal the records without a hearing unless Parole and Probation or the prosecutor shows good cause, and it sends the order to each agency named in it (NRS 176.211(6), (8)).
  • First or second offense of possessing a small amount of a controlled substance (under 14 grams of a schedule I or II substance, or under 28 grams of a schedule III, IV or V substance; a category E felony): if you consent, the court must defer judgment under NRS 176.211, and the deferred-judgment sealing rule applies when you finish (NRS 453.336(2)(a), 176.211(3)(a)(1)).
  • First-time drug possession probation (NRS 453.3363): if you have never been convicted of a drug offense under Nevada, federal or any state's law, the court may suspend proceedings on certain drug possession or use charges and place you on probation with an education or treatment program. After you are discharged, the court must seal the records without a hearing unless Parole and Probation shows good cause (NRS 453.3363(1), (3), 453.3365(2)). This dismissal can be granted only once (NRS 453.3363(4)).
  • Drug or alcohol, mental health, or veterans treatment court programs: after discharge or dismissal, the court must seal the records without a hearing unless Parole and Probation shows good cause (NRS 176A.245, 176A.265, 176A.295).
  • DUI or domestic battery charges that were conditionally dismissed (or a conviction set aside) after one of these treatment programs: you may petition 7 years later, and the court must seal them without a hearing unless Parole and Probation shows good cause (NRS 176A.245(2), 176A.265(2), 176A.295(2)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Since January 1, 2026, cases charged as child abuse or neglect (NRS 200.508) or abuse of an older or vulnerable person (NRS 200.5099) are left out of the drug or alcohol, mental health and veterans treatment court sealing rules (NRS 176A.245(3), 176A.265(3), 176A.295(3)), and the court may not seal a deferred-judgment case charged under NRS 200.5099 (NRS 176.211(7)). Assembly Bill 4 of the 36th (2025) Special Session added these limits.
  • The court may not defer judgment for a defendant who has been convicted of a violent or sexual offense (as defined in NRS 202.876), a crime against a child, a violation of NRS 200.508, or a violation of NRS 574.100 punishable under its subsection 6 (NRS 176.211(3)(b)).
  • The drug or alcohol treatment program is not available for category A felonies or sexual offenses punishable as category B felonies (NRS 176A.240(4)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Diversion, deferred judgment, first-time drug possession probation or specialty court caseNone after you complete the programThe court orders sealing when you are discharged.
DUI or domestic battery conditionally dismissed or set aside after a treatment program7 years after the conditional dismissal or set-asideRequires a petition (NRS 176A.245(2), 176A.265(2), 176A.295(2)).

Some records clear automatically. For most of these programs the statutes say the court shall order the records sealed once you complete the terms, without a petition or hearing unless Parole and Probation (or the prosecutor) objects for good cause. DUI and domestic battery cases need a petition after 7 years. Check that the court actually entered the order and that each listed agency received it; in preprosecution diversion cases the defendant must send the order to the agencies (NRS 174.034(2)).

How to apply

  1. Finish every program term, including payments.
  2. Ask the court clerk whether a sealing order was entered and get certified copies.
  3. Send copies to every agency named in the order if the court does not, and check your Repository record afterward.
  4. For a DUI or domestic battery case, wait 7 years after the conditional dismissal or set-aside, then file a petition with the court that handled it.
Where to file
The justice, municipal or district court that ran the program.
Cost
The statutes for court-ordered sealing at discharge don't set a fee. A 7-year DUI or domestic battery petition may carry the court's usual filing fee; we did not find a published amount.
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. Apply to proceed as an indigent litigant under NRS 12.015 if a fee is charged.
Court hearing
Sometimes

Official forms

Sealing

Sealing after a reentry program

Same effect as other sealing (NRS 179.285), except that professional licensing boards and the Division of Insurance can inspect and copy the sealed record when deciding on a license or discipline (NRS 179.259(3)-(4)).1,2

What it's for: One nonviolent felony conviction, 4 years after you complete a correctional or judicial reentry program.

Who can use it

  • You completed a correctional reentry program run by the Department of Corrections or a judicial reentry program, which you took part in under NRS 209.4886, 209.4888, 213.625 or 213.632 (NRS 179.259(6)(b)-(c)).
  • You were convicted of a single felony that did not involve the use or threatened use of force or violence against the victim; multiple felony counts from the same incident count as one (NRS 179.259(6)(b)).
  • 4 years have passed since you completed the program (NRS 179.259(1)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Crimes against a child and sexual offenses (NRS 179.259(5)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Single nonviolent felony after a reentry program4 years after completing the programNRS 179.259(1)

How to apply

  1. Get proof that you completed the reentry program and a current Repository record (DPS-006).
  2. Contact the court that handled the case or the reentry program about the sealing order.
Where to file
The court that handled the case.
Cost
Not stated in the statute.
Court hearing
Sometimes

Official forms

Sealing

Sealing a conviction for a decriminalized offense

Same effect as other sealing (NRS 179.285).1,12,26

What it's for: Convictions for offenses that are no longer crimes because of a law passed by the Legislature or a ballot initiative or referendum.

Who can use it

  • You were convicted of the offense before the date it was decriminalized (NRS 179.271(1)(a)).
  • Decriminalized means the offense is no longer punishable as a crime because of an act of the Legislature or a referendum or initiative petition (NRS 179.271(4)(a)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Traffic offenses (NRS 179.271(3)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Conviction for a decriminalized offenseNoneNRS 179.271

How to apply

  1. Send a written request to the court where you were convicted asking it to seal the records.
  2. The court notifies the prosecutor, who has 10 judicial days to object in writing. With no objection, the court must grant the request; with an objection, it holds a hearing and must grant the request unless the prosecutor shows good cause by clear and convincing evidence. A denial can be appealed (NRS 179.271(1)(b)).
Where to file
Any court where you were convicted of the offense.
Cost
No court or criminal justice agency may charge a fee for the request (NRS 179.271(2)).
Court hearing
Sometimes
How long it takes
The prosecutor has 10 judicial days after notice to object.

Sealing

Sealing after a pardon

Same effect as other sealing (NRS 179.285). Unlike sealing alone, a pardon can restore the right to have a firearm if the pardon does not restrict it (NRS 179.285(2)(b); Nevada Division of Parole and Probation).1,2,29

What it's for: Convictions pardoned by the State Board of Pardons Commissioners, including the Board's June 2020 pardon of convictions for possessing one ounce or less of marijuana not for sale.

Who can use it

  • When the court and the Central Repository receive a certified copy of an unconditional pardon from the State Board of Pardons Commissioners, they must seal all records covered by the pardon (NRS 179.273(1)).
  • Anyone who receives a pardon from the Board may also petition any convicting court, with proof of the pardon, to seal the records; the prosecutor does not review it, and the court must grant it unless the charges differ from the pardon (NRS 179.273(2)-(4)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Pardoned convictionNoneNRS 179.273

Happens automatically. For an unconditional pardon, sealing happens once the court and the Repository receive the certified pardon; a petition is optional (NRS 179.273(1)-(2)).

How to apply

  1. Apply to the State Board of Pardons Commissioners (Records, Communications and Compliance Division general information).
  2. After a pardon, check that the court and the Repository received a certified copy; if needed, file a written petition with proof of the pardon in the convicting court.
  3. The Division of Parole and Probation notes that only a pardon can restore the right to have a firearm, and that sealing records before applying for a pardon makes a pardon harder to get.
Where to file
State Board of Pardons Commissioners for the pardon; the convicting court for an optional petition.
Cost
No court or criminal justice agency may charge a fee for the petition (NRS 179.273(5)).
Court hearing
No

Vacating a conviction

Vacating and sealing convictions of trafficking survivors

The court vacates the judgment, dismisses the charge and seals the records (NRS 179.247(7)). Sealed records have the effect described in NRS 179.285.1,5,9

What it's for: Convictions for prostitution or solicitation (not as a customer), loitering for prostitution under a local ordinance, or any nonviolent state crime, where the person took part because they were a victim of trafficking or involuntary servitude.

Who can use it

  • You were convicted of prostitution or solicitation (not as an alleged customer), loitering for prostitution under a county, city or town ordinance, or any crime other than a crime of violence (NRS 179.247(2)).
  • Your participation was the result of being a victim of trafficking in persons or involuntary servitude (NRS 179.247(4)(b)).
  • You file with due diligence after you stopped being a victim or sought services for victims (NRS 179.247(4)(c)).

What doesn't qualify

  • Crimes of violence (NRS 179.247(2)(b)).

How long you have to wait

RecordWaiting period
Eligible convictionNo fixed waitFile with due diligence (NRS 179.247(4)(c)).

How to apply

  1. File a petition that meets the requirements of NRS 179.245 in the convicting court, or in district court if you have cases in more than one court (NRS 179.247(1), (3)).
  2. The court notifies the Repository, the Attorney General, the district attorney and police, considers safety concerns, and follows the same 30-day objection process (NRS 179.247(5)-(6)).
Where to file
The convicting court, or the district court for petitions covering more than one court.
Cost
The vacatur statute (NRS 179.247) does not set its own fee rule, so ask the court. For sealing petitions under NRS 179.245, no court or criminal justice agency may charge any fee if you were being sex trafficked when the crime happened (NRS 179.245(9)), and the Repository's form DPS-006 waives its record fee for sex trafficking victims.
If you can't pay
You can ask to file without paying. Anyone who can't pay can apply to proceed as an indigent litigant under NRS 12.015 on the court's form.
Court hearing
Sometimes

Automatic clearing

Nevada has no broad Clean Slate law; most sealing still needs a petition. Some relief happens without one: courts must order records sealed after a person completes preprosecution diversion, a deferred judgment, first-time drug possession probation or a drug, mental health or veterans treatment court program (NRS 174.034, 176.211, 176A.245, 176A.265, 176A.295, 453.3365), must seal a misdemeanor case for possessing 1 ounce or less of marijuana without a hearing once the person fulfills the terms imposed (NRS 453.336(4), (8)), and the court and Repository must seal records once they receive a certified unconditional pardon (NRS 179.273). Since January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 4 of the 36th (2025) Special Session has left cases charged as child abuse or neglect or abuse of an older or vulnerable person out of the treatment court sealing rules (NRS 176A.245(3), 176A.265(3), 176A.295(3)), and cases charged as abuse of an older or vulnerable person out of deferred-judgment sealing (NRS 176.211(7)). A 2023 bill for state-initiated automatic sealing of misdemeanors and certain drug felonies (Assembly Bill 160) was vetoed on June 16, 2023.1,17,18,19,20,21,24,25,31

DUI and DWI records in Nevada

A first or second DUI within 7 years is a misdemeanor (NRS 484C.400(1)(a)-(b)) and can be sealed by petition 7 years after release from custody or the end of a suspended sentence, whichever is later (NRS 179.245(1)(e)). A third DUI within 7 years is a category B felony (NRS 484C.400(1)(c)), and a DUI punished as a felony under that paragraph can't be sealed, unless the judgment was entered as a second offense because the person took part in the statewide sobriety and drug monitoring program (NRS 179.245(6)(d), (7)). In counting the 7 years, time spent in prison, in residential confinement, under a treatment provider's supervision, or on parole or probation is left out, and a DUI that was conditionally dismissed or set aside after a treatment program still counts as a prior offense (NRS 484C.400(2)(c), (6)). DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm (NRS 484C.430) and any DUI homicide can never be sealed (NRS 179.245(6)(e)-(f)). If a DUI charge is conditionally dismissed or a DUI conviction is set aside after a drug or alcohol, mental health or veterans treatment program, the person can petition 7 years later and the court must seal it without a hearing unless Parole and Probation objects (NRS 176A.240(8), 176A.245(2)). We did not review how sealing affects DMV driving records.1,8,11,17,32,33

Arrests and dismissed charges

Charges that were dismissed, and acquittals, can be sealed by petition at any time; for an acquittal, the court must seal the records if no further action is expected. Charges the prosecutor declined to file can be sealed after the statute of limitations runs, 8 years after the arrest, or sooner if the prosecutor agrees (NRS 179.255). The prosecutor gets 30 days to object, and a hearing is held only if the court doesn't grant it on the papers (NRS 179.255(6)). Cases dismissed after diversion, deferred judgment or a treatment court program are sealed by the court when the program ends (NRS 174.034, 176.211, 176A.245). Some prosecutors won't agree to seal a charge dismissed without prejudice until the statute of limitations has run (Clark County District Attorney).1,16,17,18,19

Marijuana records

Possessing 1 ounce or less of marijuana in violation of NRS 453.336 is a misdemeanor, and once a person fulfills the terms and conditions imposed for it, the court must order the records sealed without a hearing and send the order to each agency named in it (NRS 453.336(4), (8)). Separately, anyone convicted of an offense that was later decriminalized by the Legislature or a ballot initiative or referendum can send a written request to the convicting court to seal it, with no fee; the prosecutor has 10 judicial days to object, the court must grant it unless the prosecutor shows good cause by clear and convincing evidence, and a denial can be appealed (NRS 179.271). The statute does not list which offenses count. When the law was passed (Assembly Bill 192 of 2019), the Senate Judiciary chair described it as addressing misdemeanor marijuana possession only, though a senator said it was unclear which of the many marijuana offense codes would count (Senate Judiciary minutes, May 9, 2019); the Governor's office has described it as a streamlined, free process for sealing convictions for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Separately, on June 17, 2020 the State Board of Pardons Commissioners unconditionally pardoned people convicted in Nevada of possessing one ounce or less of marijuana not for the purpose of sale (including NRS 453.336(4)), but not related convictions. The pardon does not seal the record by itself; a pardoned person can petition any convicting court, with proof of the pardon and no fee, and the court must grant it unless the charges differ from the pardon (NRS 179.273). Other drug convictions follow the regular waits in NRS 179.245, and drug possession cases dismissed after a deferred judgment or first-time drug possession probation are sealed by the court (NRS 176.211(6), 453.3365(2)). A 2023 bill for automatic sealing (Assembly Bill 160) was vetoed.1,12,18,20,26,27,28,30,31

What employers can see afterward

After sealing, the proceedings are deemed never to have occurred, and you may answer any inquiry, including on a job application, as if the arrest, conviction, dismissal or acquittal did not happen (NRS 179.285(1)(a)). Exceptions: the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission can inspect sealed gaming-related records and use them for gaming licenses, though not to deny a gaming work permit unless the case relates to the person's suitability for it; the Division of Insurance can use insurance-related records; and the Central Repository can notify employers of sexual-offense information as federal law allows (NRS 179.301). Licensing boards can see records sealed after a reentry program or a drug possession dismissal under NRS 453.3363, and are entitled to a truthful answer about an NRS 453.3363 case (NRS 179.259, 453.3363(5), 453.3365(4)). A dismissal after diversion, a deferred judgment, first-time drug possession probation or a treatment program is not a conviction for employment purposes (NRS 174.033(2), 176.211(5), 176A.240(7), 453.3363(4)). A person who has been discharged from probation need not disclose the conviction to an employer or prospective employer, except that it must be disclosed to a gaming establishment and to the State and its agencies, boards, commissions and political subdivisions when an application for employment, a license or another permit asks for it (NRS 176A.850(4)(h)-(i)). Nevada's fair-chance law (Assembly Bill 384 of 2017, effective January 1, 2018) applies to state, county, city and town jobs, which generally may consider criminal history only after the final in-person interview, a conditional offer or certification; it does not cover private employers, and we found no statewide law that does.1,17,18,19,20,34

Free help in Nevada

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.36,37,38
  • 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.39,40

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

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Sources

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

  1. NRS 179.245, 179.2445, 179.2595, 179.265, 179.285, 179.301
  2. Sealing of Criminal History Records: General Information (rev. 8/2025)Nevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications and Compliance Division
  3. Sealing NV Criminal History RecordsNevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications and Compliance Division
  4. Frequently Asked QuestionsNevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications and Compliance Division
  5. Request for Nevada Criminal History (form DPS-006, rev. 7/2023)Nevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications and Compliance Division
  6. Petition to Seal Records packetJustice Court of Reno Township (Washoe County)
  7. Instruction for Filing a Petition to Seal RecordsIncline Village Justice Court (Washoe County)
  8. Sealing of Records handbook (rev. 4/5/2021)Las Vegas Municipal Court
  9. NRS 12.015 (proceeding as an indigent litigant)Nevada Legislature
  10. Assembly Bill 35 (2025), as enrolledNevada Legislature
  11. Assembly Bill 275 (2023), as enrolled (NRS 179.245, effective July 1, 2023)Nevada Legislature
  12. Assembly Bill 219 (2021), second reprint (NRS 179.245, 179.247, 179.255, 179.271, 179.273)Nevada Legislature
  13. Assembly Bill 219 (2021) bill history (approved June 4, 2021, chapter 403, effective October 1, 2021)Nevada Legislature
  14. Assembly Bill 327 (2017), as enrolled (presumption in favor of sealing, NRS 179.2445)Nevada Legislature
  15. Sealing Criminal Records in Nevada (presentation by Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers and Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada attorneys, 2023-2024 interim)Nevada Legislature (interim committee exhibit)
  16. Sealing of RecordsClark County District Attorney
  17. NRS 174.034, 176.211, 176A.245, 176A.265, 176A.295, 453.3363, 453.3365
  18. NRS 176.211 (deferral of judgment; sealing)Nevada Legislature
  19. NRS 174.031-174.034 (preprosecution diversion; sealing)Nevada Legislature
  20. NRS 453.336, 453.3363 and 453.3365 (drug possession; first-time probation; sealing)Nevada Legislature
  21. Assembly Bill 4, 36th (2025) Special Session, as enrolled (effective January 1, 2026)Nevada Legislature
  22. Practitioner Guide to AB 236 (version as of April 2020)Nevada Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice / Nevada Sentencing Commission
  23. Statutes of Nevada 2025, list of chapters (chapter 39, Senate Bill 17, approved May 26, 2025)Nevada Legislature
  24. Statutes of Nevada, 36th Special Session (2025), indexNevada Legislature
  25. Statutes of Nevada 2025, 36th Special Session, chapter 9 (Assembly Bill 4, approved November 29, 2025; effective January 1, 2026)Nevada Legislature
  26. Assembly Amendment No. 194 to Assembly Bill 192 (2019) (sealing decriminalized offenses, NRS 179.271)Nevada Legislature
  27. Minutes of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, May 9, 2019 (Assembly Bill 192)Nevada Legislature
  28. Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners passes resolution pardoning those convicted of minor marijuana offenses (June 17, 2020)Office of the Governor of Nevada
  29. Sealing of Criminal RecordsNevada Division of Parole and Probation
  30. Resolution pardoning persons convicted of possessing one ounce or less of marijuanaNevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners
  31. Veto message, Assembly Bill 160 (2023), June 16, 2023Office of the Governor of Nevada
  32. NRS 484C.400 (penalties for first, second and third DUI offenses)Nevada Legislature
  33. Driving Under the InfluenceReno Municipal Court
  34. Assembly Bill 384 (2017), as enrolledNevada Legislature
  35. Criminal Record Sealing ClassLegal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
  36. List of consumer reporting companiesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
  37. What Employment Background Screening Companies Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting ActFederal Trade Commission
  38. Employer Background Checks and Your RightsFederal Trade Commission
  39. 15 U.S. Code § 1681c - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reportsLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (U.S. Code text)
  40. Advisory Opinion to Nadell (12-10-98)Federal Trade Commission (staff advisory opinion)