Can I clear my record in Oklahoma?

Expungement

Expungement by petition (Section 18)

In Oklahoma, expungement means sealing, not destruction (22 O.S. §§ 18, 19). Once the court orders records sealed, the arrest and case are treated as never having occurred, and you and criminal justice agencies may reply to an inquiry that no such record exists (§ 19). Since July 1, 2026 (SB 2030), records cleared for acquittals, reversals, DNA exoneration, arrests with no charges, pardons for offenses committed under 18 and non-deferred dismissals are fully sealed: not available to the public or to law enforcement, kept only for OSBI research. Records cleared after deferred sentences, convictions, adult pardons, identity theft and reclassified felonies are partially sealed: hidden from the public but available to law enforcement. Cleared deferred and conviction records (paragraphs 8-14) can be used to prove a prior conviction or deferred judgment in a later prosecution (§ 18(D)). Sealed records can still be used at a hearing or trial to impeach a witness or as character evidence, and prosecutors, police, OSBI or other interested parties can later ask the court to unseal them for a change of conditions or a compelling reason (§ 19). OSBI says your FBI record is expunged as well, but fingerprints are kept.^1,2,3

What it's for: Arrests without charges, acquittals, dismissals, completed deferred sentences, many misdemeanor convictions, some felony convictions after a wait, pardoned convictions and identity-theft arrests.

Who can use it

• You were acquitted, or your conviction was reversed on appeal and dismissed, or DNA evidence later established your factual innocence (22 O.S. § 18(A)(1)-(3)).
• You were arrested and no charges were filed, and the statute of limitations has run or the prosecutor declined to file (§ 18(A)(5)).
• All charges were dismissed (other than after a deferred sentence), you have never been convicted of a felony, nothing is pending, and the time to refile has run or the prosecutor confirms no refiling (§ 18(A)(7)).
• A misdemeanor was dismissed after you completed a deferred sentence, 1 year has passed, you have no felony conviction and nothing is pending (§ 18(A)(8)).
• A nonviolent felony (not on the 57 O.S. § 571 violent crime list) was dismissed after a deferred sentence, 5 years have passed, you have no felony conviction and nothing is pending (§ 18(A)(9)).
• Up to two felony charges were dismissed after deferred sentences, none an 85% crime under 21 O.S. § 13.1 or a sex-registration offense, 10 years have passed and nothing is pending (§ 18(A)(14)).
• A misdemeanor conviction with only a fine under $501 that has been paid, with no felony conviction and nothing pending (§ 18(A)(10)).
• A misdemeanor conviction with jail, a suspended sentence or a fine over $500, 5 years after the end of your last misdemeanor sentence, with no felony conviction and nothing pending (§ 18(A)(11)).
• One nonviolent felony conviction, 5 years after completing the sentence, with no other felony, no separate misdemeanor conviction in the last 7 years and nothing pending (§ 18(A)(12)).
• Up to two felony convictions, none an 85% crime under 21 O.S. § 13.1 or a sex-registration offense, 10 years after completing the sentence, with nothing pending (§ 18(A)(13)).
• A nonviolent felony conviction later reclassified as a misdemeanor under Oklahoma law, 30 days after the sentence ended, with restitution paid and any ordered treatment completed (§ 18(A)(16)).
• A full pardon from the Governor, including a pardon for an offense committed before age 18 (§ 18(A)(4), (A)(6)); or an arrest or charge caused by someone else using your identity (§ 18(A)(15)).
• Offenses from the same transaction or occurrence count as one conviction for the misdemeanor and felony conviction routes (§ 18(C)). An offense that has already been expunged doesn't count as a prior offense (§ 19).

What doesn't qualify

• Felonies on the violent crime list in 57 O.S. § 571 (for example robbery, first-degree burglary, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, child abuse, rape, certain domestic abuse felonies and some eluding offenses) can't use the one-nonviolent-felony routes (§ 18(A)(9), (A)(12), (A)(16)).
• Crimes listed in 21 O.S. § 13.1 (85% crimes such as murder, first-degree manslaughter, robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, child abuse and human trafficking) and offenses that require registration under the Sex Offenders Registration Act can't use the two-felony routes (§ 18(A)(13)-(14)). Most of these crimes are also on the violent crime list, so for most of them a full pardon is the only route (§ 18(A)(4)).
• People with more than two felony convictions, unless pardoned.
• Anyone with pending felony or misdemeanor charges, for most routes.
• Misdemeanor conviction routes and the dismissal and deferred routes for paragraphs 7-9 require that you have never been convicted of a felony.
• Your driving record (Service Oklahoma's Motor Vehicle Report) is not subject to expungement (47 O.S. § 6-117(D)).
• The court can deny the petition even when you qualify if it finds the public interest in keeping the records outweighs the harm to your privacy; prosecutors, the arresting agency and OSBI may object (§ 19; OSBI FAQ).

How long you have to wait

How to apply

1. Get your Oklahoma criminal history from OSBI (name-based search $15, fingerprint-based $19; online through OSBI's CHIRP portal or by mail, fax or in person) and the court records for each case.
2. Match each case to a category in 22 O.S. § 18(A) and check the waiting period. OSBI cannot pre-approve you.
3. File a petition in the district court of the county where the arrest records are located. Several offenses in the same county can go in one petition, but each county needs its own petition (§ 19; OSBI FAQ).
4. The court sets a hearing and gives at least 30 days' notice to the prosecutor, the arresting agency and OSBI; OKLaw.org says you serve the petition on each of them before the hearing.
5. Go to the hearing. The judge decides whether the harm to your privacy or the danger of unwarranted adverse consequences outweighs the public interest in keeping the records.
6. If granted, send certified copies of the order to OSBI with the $150 processing fee (cashier's check or money order) and to the other agencies in the order. OSBI does not notify you when it's done, so request your record later to confirm.

Where to file

District court in the county where the arrest records are located; OSBI processes the order for the state criminal history file.

Cost

The court clerk's filing fee is not set out in § 18 and varies; ask the clerk in your county. To clear your arrest record, OSBI charges a $150 processing fee for each expungement order, paid before it processes the order (74 O.S. § 150.12(J)); OSBI takes cashier's checks or money orders, not personal checks, and local law enforcement agencies may charge their own fees (OSBI FAQ). For DNA exoneration cases, the $150 fee is waived (74 O.S. § 150.12(J)) and the court must order filing fees and court costs reimbursed (22 O.S. § 19).

Court hearing

Yes

How long it takes

The hearing is set with at least 30 days' notice (or, on request, within 30 days of filing for DNA exoneration or full-pardon cases under § 18(A)(3)-(4)). OSBI says sealing usually takes about a month after it receives the certified order and the fee.

The law

22 O.S. §§ 18, 19 (as amended by SB 2030, 2026)

Official forms

• Statutory Petition and Order to Expunge Records (22 O.S. § 18a, for nonviolent felonies later reclassified as misdemeanors)

Expungement

Clean Slate expungement without a court petition

Records cleared this way are partially sealed: hidden from the public but still available to law enforcement, and usable to prove a prior conviction or deferred judgment in a later prosecution (22 O.S. § 18b(D)-(E), added by SB 2030). The district court still signs an order, numbered with the prefix 'AE', which is not a public record (§ 19d(F)). Clearing a pardoned conviction can also seal the Pardon and Parole Board's records about the pardon application from the public (§ 18b(E)).^2,3,13

What it's for: Oklahoma records from 1980 or later made up only of qualifying offenses: non-convictions, pardons, identity-theft arrests, misdemeanor deferred dismissals, misdemeanor convictions and felony drug-possession convictions after 5 years.

Who can use it

• The record arose on or after January 1, 1980, and every offense in it fits one of the categories below (22 O.S. § 18b(A)(1)).
• Acquittals, convictions reversed on appeal, DNA exonerations, full pardons, pardons for offenses committed under 18, and arrests or charges caused by identity theft (§ 18(A)(1)-(4), (6), (15)).
• An arrest where the prosecutor declined to file charges, if your record is an Oklahoma 'single-source' record (§ 18b(A)(1)(b)).
• Charges that were all dismissed, or a misdemeanor dismissed at least 1 year ago after a deferred sentence, if the record is single-source and the other conditions of § 18(A)(7) or (8) are met (§ 18b(A)(1)(c)).
• A felony drug-possession conviction under 63 O.S. § 2-402(A)(1), if you are not serving a sentence in Oklahoma, 5 years have passed since your last felony or misdemeanor sentence ended, and the record is single-source (§ 18b(A)(1)(d)).
• A misdemeanor conviction, if you have no felony conviction, nothing is pending, 5 years have passed since your last misdemeanor sentence ended, and the record is single-source (§ 18b(A)(1)(e)).
• The online request portal also takes nonviolent felonies later reclassified as misdemeanors (§ 19d(A), referring to § 18 paragraph 16).

What doesn't qualify

• A record that isn't 'single-source' where that's required: it has an arrest from another state, a federal arrest, an entry in the National Sex Offender Registry or an NCIC wanted/warrant entry (§ 18b(A)(3)).
• Records with any offense outside the listed categories, such as other felony convictions or felony deferred dismissals; those still need a petition under § 18.
• Records from before January 1, 1980 (§ 18b(A)(1)).
• In the automatic process, the prosecutor, the arresting agency or OSBI can object within 45 days if they believe the record isn't eligible, court-ordered restitution hasn't been paid, or they have a reasonable, fact-based belief you are continuing to engage in criminal activity (§ 19d(E)). In the portal process, the arresting and prosecuting agencies review the record, and a request is rejected if any of them finds it ineligible (§ 19d(C)).

How long you have to wait

Some records clear automatically. SB 2030 (2026), in effect since July 1, 2026, replaced the 2022 automatic process that was never fully built. It makes Clean Slate eligible records eligible for sealing without a court petition 'subject to the availability of funds' (§ 18b(B)). By November 1, 2026, OSBI must open a public online portal for 'expedited expungement requests' that asks only for identifying and contact information; OSBI checks its records, asks the arresting agency and prosecutor to review, sends eligible cases to the district court, and tells you when the record is sealed or why it was rejected (§ 19d(A)-(C)). On or before November 1, 2027, OSBI must start finding and sealing eligible records automatically, with no request, and all eligible electronic records must be cleared before November 1, 2029 on a schedule OSBI sets (§ 19d(D)). As of October 22, 2026, we did not find the portal on OSBI's website.

How to apply

1. Check whether every offense on your record fits the categories above and whether your record is Oklahoma-only (OSBI's CHIRP portal sells copies of your record).
2. When OSBI's online portal opens (required by November 1, 2026), submit an expedited expungement request with your identifying and contact information.
3. If OSBI or an agency finds the record ineligible, OSBI must send you the reasons; you can still petition the district court under § 19 (§ 19d(C), (G)).
4. From November 1, 2027, OSBI must begin sealing eligible records without a request. Questions can go to cleanslate@osbi.ok.gov or 405-879-2641 (OSBI Clean Slate page).

Where to file

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (online portal and automatic review); orders are signed by the district court.

Cost

SB 2030 does not set a fee for the portal or the automatic process. The separate OSBI fee law, which SB 2030 did not amend, says all expungement orders presented to OSBI must come with a $150 payment from the person whose record is cleared (74 O.S. § 150.12(J)); we could not confirm whether OSBI will charge it for portal or automatic expungements.

Court hearing

Sometimes

How long it takes

Portal due by November 1, 2026; automatic sealing to begin by November 1, 2027, with eligible electronic records cleared before November 1, 2029. In the automatic process agencies have 45 days to object; if one objects, the court may hold a hearing with 30 days' notice (§ 19d(E)).

The law

22 O.S. §§ 18b, 19d (SB 2030, 2026)

Expungement

Expungement after a deferred sentence (Section 991c)

When you finish a deferred sentence, the court discharges you without a judgment of guilt, orders your guilty or no-contest plea expunged and dismisses the charge with prejudice. Your name is removed from the docket sheet and the public index, and the clerk keeps a confidential index (22 O.S. § 991c(D)). The records are sealed to the public but not to law enforcement and can be used to prove a prior deferred judgment in a later prosecution. OSBI says your state record then shows the case as 'pled not guilty, case dismissed', but the arrest stays on your record until you get a Section 18 expungement.^1,5,7

What it's for: Pleas and charges in cases that ended with a completed deferred sentence (deferred judgment).

Who can use it

• You completed all conditions of the deferred sentence and paid all fines, fees and assessments as ordered, and the court finds the conditions were met (22 O.S. § 991c(D)).
• Deferred sentences are generally available only to people with no prior felony conviction and no more than one felony deferred judgment in the previous 10 years, unless the prosecutor applies for a waiver (§ 991c(H)).
• The rule applies to older deferred sentences too (§ 991c(E)).

What doesn't qualify

• Deferred sentences are not available for offenses that require registration under the Sex Offenders Registration Act (§ 991c(I)).
• This step does not remove the arrest record. To seal the arrest, petition under § 18(A)(8) (misdemeanor, after 1 year), § 18(A)(9) (nonviolent felony, after 5 years) or § 18(A)(14) (up to two felonies, after 10 years) (§ 991c(D)(5); OSBI FAQ).

How long you have to wait

Some records clear automatically. The statute says the court shall order the plea expunged once it finds you met the conditions and paid what was ordered (§ 991c(D)). We did not find official instructions on whether you must ask for this; check your court docket and OSBI record after you finish.

How to apply

1. Finish every condition of the deferred sentence and pay all fines, fees and assessments.
2. Make sure the court has entered the order discharging you, expunging the plea and dismissing the charge; ask the court clerk if you're not sure.
3. Check your OSBI record afterward. To seal the arrest itself, file a Section 18 petition once you meet its waiting period.

Where to file

The district court that gave the deferred sentence.

Cost

OSBI says expunging your court record is free and charges $150 only to expunge your arrest record; OKLaw.org says a judge can grant a 991c expungement at no cost to you.

The law

22 O.S. § 991c

Expungement

Expungement for human trafficking survivors

The court may order law enforcement and court records expunged for a prostitution-related charge or conviction that resulted from the person being a victim of human trafficking. The order follows the notice requirements and procedures of § 19 (22 O.S. § 19c); § 19c does not say whether the records are fully or partially sealed.^1,10

What it's for: Prostitution-related charges or convictions that happened because the person was a victim of human trafficking.

Who can use it

• A charge or conviction for a prostitution-related offense committed as a result of having been a victim of human trafficking, with good cause shown (22 O.S. § 19c).
• The court can act on its own motion or on the person's petition.

What doesn't qualify

• Offenses that are not prostitution-related (§ 19c).

How long you have to wait

How to apply

1. File a petition in the court that handled the case, explaining how the offense resulted from being trafficked.
2. The order is subject to the notice requirements and procedures of 22 O.S. § 19.

Where to file

The district court that handled the charge or conviction.

Cost

No fee is set in § 19c. If OSBI processes the order, its $150 fee under 74 O.S. § 150.12(J) may apply; we did not confirm.

The law

22 O.S. § 19c

Expungement

Expungement after identity theft

Records of an arrest, charge or warrant caused by someone else using your name or identification can be sealed. Records sealed by court order under § 18(A)(15) are partially sealed: hidden from the public but available to law enforcement (22 O.S. § 18(D)).^1,2,10

What it's for: Arrests, charges or warrants caused by someone else using your name or identification without your consent.

Who can use it

• When a court dismisses a charge because it finds you were arrested or charged because another person used your name or identification without consent, that court may order the law enforcement and court records expunged, on its own motion or on motion of the prosecutor or you (22 O.S. § 19a).
• You can also petition under § 18(A)(15) if you were charged, arrested or named in a warrant for a crime someone else committed using your identity.
• These records are on the Clean Slate list, so they can also go through the OSBI request portal once it opens (§ 18b(A)(1)(a)).

How long you have to wait

How to apply

1. Ask the court dismissing the charge to order expungement under § 19a, or file a Section 18 petition in the county where the records are.
2. OSBI also runs an Identity Theft Passport Program for victims of identity theft (22 O.S. § 19b).

Where to file

The court that dismissed the charge, or the district court of the county where the records are located.

Cost

No specific fee is set for § 19a. OSBI's $150 fee applies to expungement orders it processes (74 O.S. § 150.12(J)).

The law

22 O.S. §§ 18(A)(15), 19a

Pardon

Governor's pardon (then expungement)

A pardon is granted by the Governor after a Pardon and Parole Board hearing and a favorable majority recommendation. The Board says a pardon does not clear a record by itself, but a full pardon makes the conviction eligible for Section 18 expungement, including offenses that are otherwise excluded (22 O.S. § 18(A)(4)). The expunged record is partially sealed, and the Board's pardon-application records can be sealed from the public too (§ 18(D)).^1,17,18

What it's for: Oklahoma felony and non-traffic misdemeanor convictions, including convictions no other route reaches.

Who can use it

• A conviction for an Oklahoma felony or misdemeanor, or a municipal conviction for a crime of moral turpitude involving alcohol or an illegal drug offense (Pardon and Parole Board).
• You have discharged all sentences, including supervision, or completed five consecutive years of parole or probation right before applying with no new offenses.
• All fines, fees, restitution and court costs are paid, and you have no new or pending charges, warrants, detainers, tax liens or child support arrears.
• After a full pardon, you may petition to expunge the conviction under § 18(A)(4), and you can ask for the hearing to be set within 30 days (§ 19).

What doesn't qualify

• Traffic misdemeanor convictions (Pardon and Parole Board).
• People currently in jail or prison, or recently considered for a pardon (the Board's pardon page says within the previous 3 years; its FAQ says 12 months).
• Federal and out-of-state convictions; the Governor can pardon only Oklahoma convictions.

How long you have to wait

How to apply

1. Apply online through the Pardon and Parole Board's pardon application portal and keep copies of everything you submit.
2. The Board investigates, holds a hearing and votes; a favorable majority sends a recommendation to the Governor. The Board looks for good citizenship and a specific, verified and compelling need for a pardon.
3. After a full pardon, file a Section 18 petition or use the OSBI Clean Slate portal to expunge the conviction.

Where to file

Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, then the Governor; expungement through the district court or OSBI.

Cost

The Board's FAQ says there is no fee to apply for a pardon (character affidavits must be notarized). Expungement after the pardon has the usual court and OSBI costs.

Court hearing

Yes

The law

22 O.S. § 18(A)(4)

Official forms

• Pardon application (online portal)