Colorado Expungement Laws 2026
Colorado expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Colorado.
Colorado allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Sealing", governed by Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-703.
Automatic record clearing in Colorado
Yes — Colorado clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. Colorado seals eligible criminal records by petition and automatically seals some records under its 2022 criminal-justice reforms.
At a glance
| Detail | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Sealing |
| Statute | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-703 |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | 1-10 years depending on offense |
| Eligible records | Many misdemeanors, some felonies, and arrest records |
| Process | Petition to seal; some records seal automatically |
Who is eligible
Many misdemeanors, some felonies, and arrest records.
How the process works
Petition to seal; some records seal automatically.
Source and last verified
Statute: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-703. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Colorado records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Colorado?
In Colorado, the relief is called "Sealing", governed by Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-72-703.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Colorado?
1-10 years depending on offense.
Who can clear a record in Colorado?
Many misdemeanors, some felonies, and arrest records.
Does Colorado clear records automatically?
Yes — under Colorado law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. Colorado seals eligible criminal records by petition and automatically seals some records under its 2022 criminal-justice reforms.