Pennsylvania Expungement Laws 2026
Pennsylvania expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement / Clean Slate", governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.
Automatic record clearing in Pennsylvania
Yes — Pennsylvania clears or seals many eligible records automatically, without a separate petition. Pennsylvania automatically seals many eligible records under the Clean Slate Act and also allows petition-based expungement.
At a glance
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement / Clean Slate |
| Statute | 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 |
| Automatic clearing? | Yes — many eligible records clear automatically |
| Waiting period | Automatic sealing; 5-10 years for petitions |
| Eligible records | Many non-convictions and some convictions |
| Process | Automatic sealing under Clean Slate; petition otherwise |
Who is eligible
Many non-convictions and some convictions.
How the process works
Automatic sealing under Clean Slate; petition otherwise.
Source and last verified
Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Pennsylvania records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the relief is called "Expungement / Clean Slate", governed by 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Pennsylvania?
Automatic sealing; 5-10 years for petitions.
Who can clear a record in Pennsylvania?
Many non-convictions and some convictions.
Does Pennsylvania clear records automatically?
Yes — under Pennsylvania law, many eligible records are sealed or cleared automatically without a petition. Pennsylvania automatically seals many eligible records under the Clean Slate Act and also allows petition-based expungement.