Illinois Expungement Laws 2026
Illinois expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Illinois.
Illinois allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement & Sealing", governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.
At a glance
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement & Sealing |
| Statute | 20 ILCS 2630/5 |
| Automatic clearing? | No — a court petition is required |
| Waiting period | Varies; often immediate for arrests, years for convictions |
| Eligible records | Arrests and some supervisory records; many convictions sealable |
| Process | File expungement or sealing petition with the circuit court |
Who is eligible
Arrests and some supervisory records; many convictions sealable.
How the process works
File expungement or sealing petition with the circuit court.
Source and last verified
Statute: 20 ILCS 2630/5. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Illinois records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Illinois?
In Illinois, the relief is called "Expungement & Sealing", governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Illinois?
Varies; often immediate for arrests, years for convictions.
Who can clear a record in Illinois?
Arrests and some supervisory records; many convictions sealable.
Does Illinois clear records automatically?
No — in Illinois you generally must file a petition and obtain a court order before a record is cleared.