How to file to clear a record in Alabama

The steps, cost, fee waiver and forms to clear a record in Alabama.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

File a Petition for Expungement of Records in the criminal division of the circuit court in the county where you were charged, one petition per charge, with a sworn statement, a certified case record and a certified criminal record from ALEA. Serve the district attorney, the arresting agency and the court clerk.

Main remedy
Expungement of non-conviction records (Ala. Code 15-27-1(a), 15-27-2(a))
Cost
$500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees.
Forms
3

How to file in Alabama

Expungement of non-conviction records (Ala. Code 15-27-1(a), 15-27-2(a))

File a Petition for Expungement of Records in the criminal division of the circuit court in the county where you were charged, one petition per charge, with a sworn statement, a certified case record and a certified criminal record from ALEA. Serve the district attorney, the arresting agency and the court clerk. The DA and victim have 45 days to object; if they object, the court sets a hearing at least 30 days later. The court decides at its discretion.

Source: Form CR-65

Cost
$500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees.
If you can't pay
You can ask for indigent status with an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and Order filed with the petition; if granted, the $500 fee is waived.

Law: Ala. Code 15-27-4; Ala. Code 15-27-4(c)

Expungement of misdemeanor, violation, traffic and municipal convictions (Ala. Code 15-27-1(b))

Same process as above: file Form CR-65 in circuit court in the county where you were charged, serve the DA, arresting agency and clerk, and wait 45 days for any objection.

Cost
$500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees.
If you can't pay
Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and Order.

Law: Ala. Code 15-27-4; Ala. Code 15-27-4(c)

Expungement of a pardoned felony conviction (Ala. Code 15-27-2(c))

First get a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles, then file Form CR-65 in the circuit court of the county where you were charged.

Cost
$500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees.
If you can't pay
Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and Order.

Law: Ala. Code 15-27-4; Ala. Code 15-27-4(c)

Court self-help

Checklist: what to gather before you file

Exclusions in Alabama

  • Expungement of misdemeanor, violation, traffic and municipal convictions (Ala. Code 15-27-1(b)): Violent offenses; sex offenses (15-20A-5); crimes involving moral turpitude, except some former felonies reclassified as misdemeanors in 2015 if you had no arrest for 15 years; serious traffic offenses; certain commercial driver offenses if you were driving a commercial vehicle or held a CDL
  • Expungement of a pardoned felony conviction (Ala. Code 15-27-2(c)): Violent offenses (except some offenses committed while a trafficking victim); sex offenses; crimes involving moral turpitude (with the 2015 reclassification exception); serious traffic offenses; certain commercial driver offenses

Law: Ala. Code § 15-27-1(b); Ala. Code § 15-27-2(c)

What changes afterwards

After expungement the proceedings are deemed never to have occurred, and you do not have to disclose the record on applications for employment, credit or other applications. You must still disclose it to government regulatory or licensing agencies, utilities, and banks or financial institutions, which may inspect the records. Law enforcement and corrections job applicants must disclose it to the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (15-27-18).

Law: Ala. Code 15-27-6(b)

Get your own record in Alabama

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Criminal Records and Identification Unit

Complete ALEA CJIS Form 46, signed before two witnesses or a notary, with a copy of photo ID, your fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency, and a $25.00 money order or cashier's check. Mail to ALEA Criminal Records and Identification Unit, P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511. You need a certified record to file for expungement.

Source: Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record

Letter: ask the state records office for a copy of your record

In nearby states

  • Mississippi: $150 filing fee for each petition under § 99-19-71, collected by the circuit clerk; the statute sets no separate fee for § 99-15-59 applications.
  • Georgia: Arrests before July 1, 2013: arresting agency fee up to $50, plus $25 GCIC processing fee by money order or certified check payable to 'Georgia Bureau of Investigation'.
  • Tennessee: Free for dismissed, nolle prosequi, no true bill and not-guilty charges. Dismissals after pretrial or judicial diversion: $100 nonrefundable clerk fee (Knox County District Attorney; TBI says clerk fees apply).

Your next steps in Alabama

  1. Get your papers ready

    Collect your case numbers, final court papers and proof of payment. Checklist: what to gather before you file.

  3. File with the clerk

    File the petition with the clerk and follow the court's rules for notice to the prosecutor.

  4. Get help

    Free help: Legal Services Alabama.

Where to get free help in Alabama

Questions about filing in Alabama

When can I ask to clear my record in Alabama?

Dismissed with prejudice, no-billed, not guilty, or nolle prossed (any charge): You can file once more than 90 days have passed, counted from the dismissal, no-bill, acquittal or nolle pros; Indictment quashed: You can file once the time limit for refiling has run out, or the prosecutor confirms the charge will not be refiled, counted from the quash order; Charge dismissed after a drug court, diversion or other deferred prosecution program: 1 year, counted from successful completion of the program; Misdemeanor or violation dismissed without prejudice: 1 year, counted from the dismissal.

How much does it cost to clear a record in Alabama?

Expungement of non-conviction records: $500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees. Expungement of misdemeanor, violation, traffic and municipal convictions: $500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees. Expungement of a pardoned felony conviction: $500 administrative filing fee per arrest, plus court costs or docket fees.

How can I see my Alabama record?

Complete ALEA CJIS Form 46, signed before two witnesses or a notary, with a copy of photo ID, your fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency, and a $25.00 money order or cashier's check. Mail to ALEA Criminal Records and Identification Unit, P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511. You need a certified record to file for expungement.

Who helps for free in Alabama?

Legal Services Alabama.

Related Alabama pages