New Jersey Expungement Laws 2026
New Jersey expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in New Jersey.
New Jersey allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement / Clean Slate", governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1.
Automatic record clearing in New Jersey
Yes — New Jersey clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. New Jersey expunges eligible records by petition and automatically seals some records under its Clean Slate law.
At a glance
| Detail | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement / Clean Slate |
| Statute | N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | Automatic for Clean Slate; 5-10 years otherwise |
| Eligible records | Many indictable and disorderly records |
| Process | Automatic sealing for many; petition otherwise |
Who is eligible
Many indictable and disorderly records.
How the process works
Automatic sealing for many; petition otherwise.
Source and last verified
Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the New Jersey records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the relief is called "Expungement / Clean Slate", governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in New Jersey?
Automatic for Clean Slate; 5-10 years otherwise.
Who can clear a record in New Jersey?
Many indictable and disorderly records.
Does New Jersey clear records automatically?
Yes — under New Jersey law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. New Jersey expunges eligible records by petition and automatically seals some records under its Clean Slate law.