Criminal records & expungement
How Much Does Expungement Cost?
Last updated June 13, 2026
| Cost | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | Charged per petition by the court | Set by the state/county; sometimes waivable for low income |
| Attorney fee | Optional, for help with the petition | Often a flat fee per case; varies with complexity |
| Records & copies | Your criminal history, certified dispositions | Small per-document fees |
| Multiple cases | A fee per case or per petition | Clearing several offenses can multiply filing fees |
| Fee waivers | Reduced/zero court fees for those who qualify | Many states offer indigency waivers |
attorney records across 37 states are searchable on this site right now.
Source: official state bar registration rosters.
The two main costs
Expungement cost comes down to court filing fees (mandatory, set by the state or county) and attorney fees (optional, if you hire help). Simple, clearly-eligible matters — like a single dismissed charge in a DIY-friendly state — can cost little more than the filing fee. Convictions, multiple cases, or contested petitions cost more, mostly in attorney time.
Ways to lower it
- Ask the court about a fee waiver if you have limited income — many states offer one.
- Use free legal-aid or 'expungement clinic' programs where available.
- Bundle eligible cases if your state allows one petition for multiple offenses.
- Get a flat-fee quote from an attorney rather than hourly, for predictability.
Before you pay an attorney
If you hire an expungement attorney, verify their license is active and check their disciplinary record first — it's free and takes a minute. Get the fee in writing.
Looking to clear your record?
Expungement and record-sealing rules vary by state and an expungement attorney can tell you if you qualify. Before you hire anyone, you can verify their license and disciplinary record here for free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I expunge my record for free?
Sometimes. If you qualify for a fee waiver and handle the petition yourself (or through a free clinic), out-of-pocket cost can be minimal. Court filing fees still apply unless waived.
Do expungement lawyers charge flat fees?
Many do, especially for straightforward petitions — a single flat fee per case is common. Complex or contested matters may be billed differently. Always get the fee in writing.
Does it cost more to expunge multiple charges?
Usually yes, because filing fees and work scale with the number of cases or petitions. Some states allow combining eligible offenses into one petition, which can reduce the total.
Related guides
- Criminal Record Expungement: Costs, Timelines & How to Check
- Can a DUI Be Expunged?
- How Long Does It Take to Expunge a Felony?
Numbers on this page are computed from official rosters — see our data sources & methodology. This guide is part of the criminal records & expungement series.
This site republishes official public records and is not legal advice, a lawyer referral service, or a consumer reporting agency. Information here may not be used to make decisions about employment, tenancy, or credit (FCRA). Records are shown as published by their official sources and may contain errors or be out of date; consult the linked official source to verify. To correct or dispute a record, contact the licensing authority of record.