How to file to clear a record in Indiana
How to ask a Indiana court to clear your record, what it costs and which forms to use.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
File a verified petition in the circuit or superior court of the county where the charges were filed (or where you were arrested, if no charges were filed).
- Main remedy
- Expungement of arrest records (IC 35-38-9-1)
- Cost
- No filing fee.
- Forms
- 4
Where and how to file in Indiana
Expungement of arrest records (IC 35-38-9-1)
File a verified petition in the circuit or superior court of the county where the charges were filed (or where you were arrested, if no charges were filed). The court serves the prosecutor and must grant the petition if you qualify.
- Cost
- No filing fee.
Law: IC 35-38-9-1(e)
Expungement of misdemeanor convictions (IC 35-38-9-2)
File a verified petition in the county of conviction and serve the prosecutor, who has 30 days to reply. You must have no pending charges and must have paid all fines, fees, court costs and restitution. If you qualify, the court must grant it; a hearing is set only if the prosecutor objects.
- Cost
- The civil-case filing fee; for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule.
- If you can't pay
- The court may reduce or waive the fee if you are indigent; Indiana Legal Help has expungement fee waiver forms.
Law: IC 35-38-9-8(d)
Expungement of Class D / Level 6 felony convictions (IC 35-38-9-3)
Same as misdemeanor expungement. If you qualify, the court must grant it and the records are sealed.
- Cost
- Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule).
- If you can't pay
- The court may reduce or waive the fee if you are indigent.
Marked as expunged: other felonies (IC 35-38-9-4)
Same petition process. The judge has discretion to grant or deny. The records stay public but are clearly marked as expunged.
- Cost
- Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule).
- If you can't pay
- The court may reduce or waive the fee if you are indigent.
Marked as expunged: serious felonies with prosecutor consent (IC 35-38-9-5)
Same petition process plus the prosecutor's written consent. The judge has discretion. Records stay public but are marked as expunged.
- Cost
- Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule).
- If you can't pay
- The court may reduce or waive the fee if you are indigent.
Limited criminal history restriction (IC 35-38-5-5)
Petition the Indiana State Police directly. Court records are not affected.
Court self-help
Who cannot use these remedies in Indiana
- Expungement of arrest records (IC 35-38-9-1): You cannot use this while you are in a pretrial diversion program unless the prosecutor allows it, or while charges are pending.
- Expungement of misdemeanor convictions (IC 35-38-9-2): Sex or violent offenders; people with two or more unrelated felonies involving unlawful use of a deadly weapon.
- Expungement of Class D / Level 6 felony convictions (IC 35-38-9-3): Sex or violent offenders; felonies that caused bodily injury; perjury; official misconduct; homicide offenses, human trafficking and sex crimes; officials convicted while in office; two or more unrelated deadly-weapon felonies.
- Marked as expunged: other felonies (IC 35-38-9-4): Sex or violent offenders; felonies causing serious bodily injury or death; official misconduct; homicide, trafficking and sex offenses (including attempts); officials convicted in office; two or more unrelated deadly-weapon felonies; unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
- Marked as expunged: serious felonies with prosecutor consent (IC 35-38-9-5): Sex or violent offenders; felonies resulting in death; homicide, trafficking and sex offenses (including attempts); official misconduct by an official in office; two or more unrelated deadly-weapon felonies; serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.
Law: IC 35-38-9-1; IC 35-38-9-2, -6, -8, -9; IC 35-38-9-3, -6; IC 35-38-9-4, -7; IC 35-38-9-5, -7
What changes afterwards
After expungement you are treated as if you had never been convicted, and your civil rights (vote, office, jury service, firearms except for domestic violence) are restored. Applications may only ask about records "that have not been expunged," and it is unlawful to refuse to hire, license or admit you because of an expunged or sealed record. Exceptions: law enforcement, probation and community corrections employers, schools, the bar, mortgage-licensing (SAFE Act) checks and federal CDL reporting; an expunged conviction can still count if you are charged with a new crime.
Law: IC 35-38-9-6, -10
Get your own record in Indiana
Indiana State Police, Criminal Justice Information Services Section · 317-232-8262
For your full Indiana record, schedule a fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO (choose "Criminal Record Review Challenge") and pay at scheduling; you get your transcript or a no-record letter. A name-based Limited Criminal History is also available online or by mail (money order).
Letter: ask the state records office for a copy of your record
In nearby states
What to do now in Indiana
Get your papers ready
Collect your case numbers, final court papers and proof of payment. Checklist: what to gather before you file.
Fill out the forms
The court's self-help pages explain each form: Indiana Legal Help (Indiana Coalition for Court Access): Expungement and Indiana Legal Help: Expungement FAQ.
Turn in the petition
After you file, the prosecutor may respond and the court decides.
Get help
Ask for free help: Indiana Legal Services: Criminal Record Expungement and Indiana Legal Help (find legal clinics by county).
Where to get free help in Indiana
Questions about filing in Indiana
How long do I have to wait in Indiana?
Arrest, charge dismissed or acquitted (petition): 1 year, counted from the date of arrest, charge or juvenile allegation, whichever is later; Arrest after June 30, 2022, no charges pending: 1 year, counted from the date of arrest; Misdemeanor conviction: 5 years, counted from the date of conviction; Class D / Level 6 felony conviction: 8 years, counted from the date of conviction.
Is there a fee to clear a record in Indiana?
Expungement of arrest records: No filing fee. Expungement of misdemeanor convictions: The civil-case filing fee; for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule. Expungement of Class D / Level 6 felony convictions: Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule). Marked as expunged: other felonies: Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule). Marked as expunged: serious felonies with prosecutor consent: Civil-case filing fee (for example, $157 for a conviction expungement (XP) in Clark County, per its posted fee schedule).
Where do I get my own record in Indiana?
For your full Indiana record, schedule a fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO (choose "Criminal Record Review Challenge") and pay at scheduling; you get your transcript or a no-record letter. A name-based Limited Criminal History is also available online or by mail (money order).
Where can I get free help in Indiana?
Indiana Legal Services: Criminal Record Expungement and Indiana Legal Help (find legal clinics by county).