How to file to clear a record in Maine

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

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

File a Motion to Seal Criminal History (CR-218) with the clerk of the court where you were convicted, in the original criminal case. The court holds a hearing; the prosecutor's office that handled the case represents the State. If you prove each requirement by a preponderance of the evidence, the court must seal the conviction and notifies the State Bureau of Identification, which mails you a notice.

Main remedy: Post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record (15 M.R.S. ch. 310-A)
Cost: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk.
Forms: 2

Where and how to file in Maine

Post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record (15 M.R.S. ch. 310-A)

Cost: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk.
Forms: Motion to Seal Criminal History (CR-218)

Sealing of former Class E engaging in prostitution convictions (15 M.R.S. § 2262-A)

File a motion to seal in the original criminal case; the court holds a hearing and must seal if the requirements are met.

Cost: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk.
Forms: Motion to Seal Criminal History (CR-218)

Sealing for victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation (15 M.R.S. § 2262-B)

File a motion to seal in the original case. Official documentation is not required, but if provided it creates a presumption in your favor. You and witnesses may take part remotely, and the court can grant it without a hearing if the prosecutor agrees.

Cost: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk.

Court self-help

Checklist: what to gather before you file

After your record is cleared

Once sealed, the conviction is confidential and criminal justice agencies may not give it to the public. You may decline to disclose the sealed conviction to anyone except criminal justice agencies and the entities allowed to see it, without penalty under Maine law. Those entities include the court, prosecutors (for new cases), victims, the Secretary of State, financial and professional licensing regulators, financial institutions required to run checks, and employers required by law to run fingerprint-based checks.

Law: 15 M.R.S. §§ 2265-2266

Records that are not eligible in Maine

Post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record (15 M.R.S. ch. 310-A): Class A, B, C and D crimes (other than the listed pre-2017 marijuana offenses); Class E sex offenses. You are not eligible if you have any new conviction in Maine or elsewhere, or a case dismissed after a deferred disposition, since finishing the sentence, or any pending charges.
Sealing of former Class E engaging in prostitution convictions (15 M.R.S. § 2262-A): Not available if you have been convicted under 17-A M.R.S. § 852, 853, 853-B or 855, or for substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction.

Law: 15 M.R.S. §§ 2261-2264; 15 M.R.S. § 2262-A

Get your own record in Maine

Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) · (207) 624-7240

Use SBI's online public Criminal History Record search ($31 by credit card, or by check/money order by mail; $41 notarized). The public search shows only adult convictions and juvenile felony adjudications. You can challenge inaccurate records with SBI in person, by phone or by mail.

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

In nearby states

Vermont: No filing fee (Vermont Judiciary; 32 V.S.A. § 1431(e)).
Massachusetts: No fee (Mass.gov, Request to seal your criminal record).
Connecticut: No court fee for any petition under this section.

Your next steps in Maine

Collect what you need
Gather the papers for each case before you start. Checklist: what to gather before you file.
Use the court's forms
The court's self-help pages explain each form: Maine Judicial Branch: Sealing Your Criminal Record and Maine Judicial Branch: Juvenile Court Confidentiality & Court Records.
File with the clerk
After you file, the prosecutor may respond and the court decides.
Ask for free help
Free help: Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

Free help in Maine

Questions about filing in Maine

How long do I have to wait in Maine?

Class E crime or eligible pre-2017 marijuana conviction: 4 years, counted from the date you fully satisfied every part of the sentence (jail, probation, fines, restitution, license suspension, community service); Engaging in prostitution: 1 year, counted from fully satisfying the sentence; Any conviction linked to trafficking or exploitation: No waiting period, counted from entry of the conviction.

What is the filing fee in Maine?

Post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk. Sealing of former Class E engaging in prostitution convictions: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk. Sealing for victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation: The Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026) lists no fee for a motion to seal criminal history; ask the clerk.

Where do I get my own record in Maine?

Who helps for free in Maine?

Pine Tree Legal Assistance.