How to file to clear a record in Kansas
The steps, cost, fee waiver and forms to clear a record in Kansas.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
File a petition in district court. The court sets a hearing and notifies the prosecutor and the arresting agency. The judge orders expungement if the arrest was mistaken identity, there was no probable cause, you were found not guilty, or charges were dismissed or not filed and expungement is in the best interests of justice.
- Main remedy
- Expungement of arrest records (K.S.A. 22-2410)
- Cost
- Docket fee of $176 set by statute. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 the Kansas Supreme Court may add a charge of up to $19, so some courts collect $195.
- Forms
- 3
Filing step by step in Kansas
Expungement of arrest records (K.S.A. 22-2410)
File a petition in district court. The court sets a hearing and notifies the prosecutor and the arresting agency. The judge orders expungement if the arrest was mistaken identity, there was no probable cause, you were found not guilty, or charges were dismissed or not filed and expungement is in the best interests of justice.
- Cost
- Docket fee of $176 set by statute. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 the Kansas Supreme Court may add a charge of up to $19, so some courts collect $195. No fee or surcharge if you were found not guilty, the charges were dismissed, the court found no probable cause, or you were arrested because of identity theft.
- If you can't pay
- If you cannot afford the fee, file a Poverty Affidavit for the judge to review.
Law: 2026 HB 2393; K.S.A. 22-2410(b)(3)
Expungement of convictions and diversions (K.S.A. 21-6614)
File the petition in the original criminal case in the convicting court. The court sets a hearing and notifies the prosecutor and arresting agency. The judge grants it if you have no felony conviction in the past 2 years and nothing pending, your circumstances and behavior warrant it, it is consistent with the public welfare, and (for felonies) your having a firearm is not likely to threaten public safety.
- Cost
- Docket fee of $176 by statute. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 the Kansas Supreme Court may add a charge of up to $19; Douglas County collects $195. For a completed specialty court program, the court may waive all or part of the fee.
- If you can't pay
- File a Poverty Affidavit with your petition; the judge decides.
Law: K.S.A. 21-6614(g)(2); 2026 HB 2393
Court self-help
After your record is cleared
After expungement you are treated as not having been arrested, convicted or diverted, and on most job, license and other applications you may say you were never arrested, convicted or diverted of that crime. You must still disclose it for jobs or licenses such as private detective and security, law enforcement, practice of law, lottery and gaming, securities registration, bail enforcement, commercial driver's licenses and some state institution jobs; it can also count as a prior conviction if you are charged again. Expungement of a crime that barred gun possession restores your firearm rights. K.S.A. 21-6614(i)-(m); 22-2410(d).
Exclusions in Kansas
- Expungement of convictions and diversions (K.S.A. 21-6614): Rape; indecent liberties or aggravated indecent liberties with a child; criminal sodomy and aggravated criminal sodomy; indecent solicitation of a child; sexual exploitation of a child; internet trading in child pornography; aggravated incest; endangering or abuse of a child; capital murder, first- and second-degree murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter; sexual battery of a minor; aggravated sexual battery; commercial driver DUI; attempts of these. No expungement while you are required to register as an offender.
Law: K.S.A. 21-6614
Get your own record in Kansas
Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Central Repository
Request your Kansas criminal history record from the KBI; the court clerk sends expungement orders to the KBI, which notifies the FBI.
Letter: ask the state records office for a copy of your record
In nearby states
- Oklahoma: OSBI charges a $150 processing fee to expunge an arrest record, plus any fees of local law enforcement agencies; expunging the court record at OSBI is free (OSBI).
- Missouri: No special expungement surcharge since August 28, 2023.
- Iowa: You must attach an Iowa DCI criminal history record check, which costs $15.
Steps to file in Kansas
Gather your papers
Gather the papers for each case before you start. Checklist: what to gather before you file.
Fill out the forms
Official forms and instructions: Kansas Judicial Council: Expungement (Adult) forms and Douglas County District Court: Getting an Expungement (step-by-step example).
File and serve
File the petition with the clerk and follow the court's rules for notice to the prosecutor.
Get help
Legal aid can help for free: Kansas Legal Services: Expungement.
Free legal help in Kansas
Questions about filing in Kansas
What is the waiting period in Kansas?
Arrest, dismissal or acquittal: No waiting period, counted from the arrest or end of the case; Misdemeanor, traffic infraction, Class D/E felony or lower-level felony (nondrug levels 6-10, drug level 5, or drug level 4 for 1993-2012 crimes): 3 years, counted from satisfying the sentence or discharge from probation, community corrections, parole, postrelease supervision, conditional release or suspended sentence; Completed diversion agreement: 3 years, counted from fulfilling the terms of the diversion; Higher-level felony (Class A-C, off-grid, nondrug levels 1-5, high drug levels) and listed traffic-related crimes (vehicular homicide, driving while suspended, hit-and-run, no insurance, felony using a vehicle, etc.): 5 years, counted from satisfying the sentence or discharge from supervision.
How much does it cost to clear a record in Kansas?
Expungement of arrest records: Docket fee of $176 set by statute. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 the Kansas Supreme Court may add a charge of up to $19, so some courts collect $195. No fee or surcharge if you were found not guilty, the charges were dismissed, the court found no probable cause, or you were arrested because of identity theft. Expungement of convictions and diversions: Docket fee of $176 by statute. From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 the Kansas Supreme Court may add a charge of up to $19; Douglas County collects $195. For a completed specialty court program, the court may waive all or part of the fee.
Where do I get my own record in Kansas?
Request your Kansas criminal history record from the KBI; the court clerk sends expungement orders to the KBI, which notifies the FBI.