New York Expungement Laws 2026
New York expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in New York.
New York allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Sealing (CPL 160.59)", governed by N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.59.
Automatic record clearing in New York
Yes — New York clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. New York seals up to two eligible convictions by petition under CPL 160.59 and automatically seals more records under Clean Slate.
At a glance
| Detail | New York |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Sealing (CPL 160.59) |
| Statute | N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.59 |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | 10 years (8 for some); Clean Slate automatic |
| Eligible records | Up to 2 convictions sealed; Clean Slate covers more |
| Process | Petition to seal; many seal automatically under Clean Slate |
Who is eligible
Up to 2 convictions sealed; Clean Slate covers more.
How the process works
Petition to seal; many seal automatically under Clean Slate.
Source and last verified
Statute: N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.59. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the New York records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in New York?
In New York, the relief is called "Sealing (CPL 160.59)", governed by N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.59.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in New York?
10 years (8 for some); Clean Slate automatic.
Who can clear a record in New York?
Up to 2 convictions sealed; Clean Slate covers more.
Does New York clear records automatically?
Yes — under New York law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. New York seals up to two eligible convictions by petition under CPL 160.59 and automatically seals more records under Clean Slate.