Sealing Criminal Records

How do I seal my criminal record?

Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2006

The District of Columbia City Council enacted the Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2006. This act permits persons who have a criminal record to have their criminal record sealed provided they meet the eligibility criteria. See the Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2006 here.

Please note that the “Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022” (D.C. Law 24-284; 70 DCR 913), which grants automatic expungement and sealing for certain matters, is not yet in effect. At this time, no cases are being automatically sealed or expunged.

To seal your criminal record:

• Submit requests to the Criminal Information Office. See the procedures here.
• These motions also require the original document and one copy.