OHIO
How to Clear Your Criminal Record
in Ohio
A free, plain English guide to sealing and expungement under Ohio law — who qualifies, how to file, and what the two-step process means for you.
What You Need to Know First
Ohio has a two-step process. Most people seal their record first — which hides it from public view. Then after an additional waiting period, true expungement becomes available — which permanently destroys the record. You don't have to pursue expungement, but it is the stronger remedy if you qualify.
Ohio law changed significantly in 2023. True expungement for adult convictions became available for the first time in April 2023. Additional changes took effect in October 2023. If you were told you couldn't expunge your record before 2023, check again under the new law.
Sealing
STEP 1 — HIDES THE RECORD
The court hides your record from public view — background check companies, employers, and landlords generally cannot see it. The record still exists and is accessible to courts and law enforcement. Available sooner than expungement for most offenses.
Expungement
STEP 2 — DESTROYS THE RECORD
Permanently destroys the record — it no longer exists as an official document. Available after an additional waiting period following sealing for most misdemeanors. Felonies eligible for expungement after 10 years. The strongest remedy available in Ohio.
What Can — and Can't — Be Sealed or Expunged
ELIGIBLE
- Dismissed charges and acquittals — immediately
- Most misdemeanor convictions — after waiting period
- Non-violent F4 and F5 felony convictions — no limit on number
- F3 felony convictions — after 3-year wait (1 or 2 convictions)
- Minor misdemeanors — sealing after 1 year, expungement after 6 months
- Two misdemeanor convictions of the same offense — now eligible under 2023 law
- Human trafficking victims — records can be shredded at any time
NOT ELIGIBLE
- F1 and F2 felony convictions
- Any traffic violation — including OVI/DUI
- Rape, sexual battery, and sex offenses
- Crimes of violence — M1 or felony level
- Most offenses where victim was under age 13
- Most domestic violence convictions
- Currently charged with a criminal offense
- Outstanding fines, restitution, or pending criminal proceedings
Ohio uses an "eligible offender" standard — your entire criminal history matters, not just the offense you want to seal. Having a first or second degree felony anywhere on your record can affect your eligibility even for unrelated lower-level offenses. Consult the Ohio Legal Help tool or an attorney to assess your full record.
Waiting Periods
Waiting periods begin after final discharge — meaning after completing your sentence, parole, probation, and paying all fines and restitution. Court costs do not count as part of the sentence for this purpose.
Dismissed charges / acquittals — sealing
Immediately
Minor misdemeanor — sealing
1 year
Misdemeanor conviction — sealing
1 year
F4 / F5 felony conviction — sealing
1 year
F3 felony conviction — sealing
3 years
Misdemeanor — expungement (after sealing)
1 year
Felony — expungement
10 years
How to File — Step by Step
1
Check Your Eligibility
Use the free Ohio Legal Help eligibility tool at
ohiolegalhelp.org to check whether your specific offense and criminal history qualify. Ohio's eligibility rules are complex — your full record matters, not just the offense you want to seal.
2
Get Your Criminal History
Request a copy of your Ohio criminal history from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at
ohioattorneygeneral.gov. You'll need this to confirm your record and complete your application accurately.
3
File Your Application
File your Application for Sealing or Expungement with the sentencing court — the court where your conviction occurred. You can file for multiple cases in a single application. Pay the $50 state fee plus any local court fee (up to $50). Request a fee waiver using a poverty affidavit if you cannot afford it.
4
The Court Notifies the Prosecutor
The court notifies the prosecutor who handled your case. The prosecutor has 60 days to object. Victims of your offense also have the right to submit statements for the court to consider.
5
Attend Your Hearing
Ohio requires a hearing for every sealing and expungement application — there are no exceptions. The judge will consider your rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and whether the interests of justice are served by sealing. Come prepared to speak on your behalf.
6
After the Order Is Granted
For sealing, all official records are filed in a separate secured location — hidden from public view. For expungement, records are permanently destroyed and deleted. The proceedings are considered not to have occurred. You can legally deny the conviction in most circumstances.
Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE)
If you don't yet qualify for sealing, Ohio offers a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) — a court order that removes automatic employment bars for most jobs. It signals to employers that a court has determined you are suitable for employment despite your record. Apply through the court of common pleas in the county where you reside.
A CQE does not seal or expunge your record, but it can meaningfully improve your employment prospects while you wait to become eligible for sealing. It is available to people who have been released from incarceration or completed their sentence, after a waiting period of 6 months to 3 years depending on the offense.
Helpful Resources
FREE LEGAL HELP
Ohio Legal Help
Free eligibility tool, guides, and legal aid referrals for sealing and expungement throughout Ohio
ohiolegalhelp.org →
FREE LEGAL HELP
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Free expungement clinics and legal assistance for low-income Ohioans — serves central Ohio
columbuslegalaid.org →
HOUSING, FOOD & BENEFITS
findhelp.org
Search thousands of free and reduced-cost programs for housing, food, work, and more in your area
findhelp.org →
JOB SEARCH HELP
American Job Centers
Free job search assistance, resume help, and training — including resources for people with records
careeronestop.org →
OHIO LAW HELP
Ohio State Bar Association
Find a licensed Ohio attorney for help with sealing or expungement petitions
ohiobar.org →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Ohio? +
Sealing hides the record from public view but the record still exists — courts and law enforcement can still access it. Expungement permanently destroys the record so it no longer exists at all. Ohio typically requires sealing first, then expungement becomes available after an additional waiting period. Before 2023, true expungement for adult convictions was virtually unavailable in Ohio — that changed with new laws in April and October 2023.
Does Ohio require a hearing? +
Yes — Ohio requires a court hearing for every sealing and expungement application. There are no exceptions. The judge considers your rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, your full criminal history, victim statements if applicable, and whether sealing or expungement serves the interests of justice. Being prepared to speak at your hearing meaningfully improves your chances.
Can I legally deny the conviction after sealing? +
Yes — after sealing or expungement, the proceedings are considered not to have occurred and you can legally deny the conviction in most circumstances. Exceptions include applications for law enforcement positions, certain professional licenses, and situations where a court is considering the sealed record in a subsequent criminal proceeding.
Can a felony be sealed in Ohio? +
Yes — non-violent F4 and F5 felonies can be sealed after a 1-year waiting period, with no limit on the number of convictions. F3 felonies can be sealed after 3 years if you have 1 or 2 convictions. F1 and F2 felonies cannot be sealed. Full expungement of felonies became available in 2023 after a 10-year waiting period for eligible offenses.
What is a CQE and do I need one? +
A Certificate of Qualification for Employment removes automatic bars to most jobs caused by your criminal record. It doesn't seal your record but it signals to employers that a court has found you suitable for employment. It's a valuable tool if you aren't eligible for sealing yet — or if you need immediate employment relief while waiting for your sealing waiting period to expire.
Do I need an attorney? +
Ohio requires a hearing for every application, which makes having an attorney more valuable here than in some other states. Ohio Legal Help offers free tools and legal aid referrals. For straightforward misdemeanor cases you may be able to file on your own, but for felony cases or complex criminal histories working with an attorney is strongly recommended.
After Your Record Is Cleared
After sealing or expungement in Ohio, the proceedings are considered not to have occurred. You can legally deny the conviction on most job and housing applications. Sealed records do not appear on most background checks used by private employers and landlords.
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Employment
Sealed and expunged records are not accessible to most employers. You can legally deny the conviction on most private job applications. Law enforcement employers, certain professional licensing boards, and positions regulated by federal law may still have access. Ohio's CQE program also helps with employment even before sealing is complete.
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Gun Rights
Sealing or expungement of a non-violent misdemeanor generally does not affect gun rights. Sealing of a felony conviction does not restore federal firearms rights — federal law still applies. If you have a felony conviction and wish to possess a firearm, consult a licensed Ohio attorney before purchasing or possessing a firearm.
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Professional Licensing
Many Ohio licensing boards cannot automatically deny a license based on a sealed or expunged conviction. However certain regulated professions — healthcare, law, education, childcare — may still consider the record. Check with the specific licensing board before applying.
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Background Check Databases
Third-party background check companies may take time to update their databases. Keep a certified copy of your sealing or expungement order. If an old record appears, provide the order to the reporting agency and dispute it. Federal agencies are not required to follow Ohio sealing or expungement orders.
For general information about what changes after expungement — including housing, employment resources, and more — visit our After Expungement page.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify current requirements with your county court clerk or a licensed attorney in your state before filing.
