How to file to clear a record in Nebraska

Where and how you file in Nebraska, the fee and the official forms.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

File a Petition to Set Aside Criminal Conviction (CC 6:11) in the court that sentenced you, with a proposed order. In county court the clerk usually schedules the hearing; in district court you get a date and file a Notice of Hearing (DC 1:15).

Main remedy
Set Aside of a Criminal Conviction
Forms
5

Filing step by step in Nebraska

Set Aside of a Criminal Conviction

File a Petition to Set Aside Criminal Conviction (CC 6:11) in the court that sentenced you, with a proposed order. In county court the clerk usually schedules the hearing; in district court you get a date and file a Notice of Hearing (DC 1:15). You testify at the hearing; the prosecutor may respond. The judge decides whether it is in your best interest and consistent with public welfare.

Law: CC 6:11.2

Law: CC 6:11.2

Motion to Seal an Adult Criminal Record

File a Motion to Seal an Adult Criminal Record (CC 6:12) in the court where the case was heard. The court notifies the county or city attorney and may hold a hearing. The order goes to the Nebraska State Patrol, the Crime Commission, police and prosecutors, who must seal their records.

Expungement for Arrest Due to Law Enforcement Error

File a petition in the district court of the county of arrest, naming and serving the county attorney. You must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the arrest was the agency's error.

Court self-help

Checklist: what to gather before you file

After your record is cleared

After a record is sealed, you cannot be asked about it on applications for jobs, bonding, licenses or education, or as a witness; if asked, you may answer as if the offense never occurred. A set-aside does not seal: it nullifies the conviction and removes civil disabilities, but the conviction can still be used for later sentencing, enhancement, sex-offender registration, child care, teacher and law enforcement licensing, and commercial driver's licenses.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523(8); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264(5)-(6)

Get your own record in Nebraska

Nebraska State Patrol, Criminal Identification Division · (402) 471-4545

Request a name-based Nebraska criminal history (RAP sheet) online, in person at a State Patrol troop office, or by mail with the request form; fee $45. Only fingerprinted Nebraska arrests appear.

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

Records that are not eligible in Nebraska

  • Set Aside of a Criminal Conviction: Sentences of imprisonment of more than one year. For convictions with a jail/prison sentence, also: pending criminal charges anywhere, a current duty to register as a sex offender, or a motor vehicle offense, including motor vehicle homicide.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264

In nearby states

  • South Dakota: A fee equal to the civil filing fee, paid to the clerk of courts.
  • Kansas: 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.
  • Iowa: You must attach an Iowa DCI criminal history record check, which costs $15.

Your next steps in Nebraska

  1. Collect what you need

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

  3. File and serve

    The clerk takes the petition; the court may set a hearing.

Free legal help in Nebraska

Questions about filing in Nebraska

When can I ask to clear my record in Nebraska?

Probation, fine only or community service: No waiting period, counted from completing probation (or early discharge), paying the fine and finishing community service; Jail or prison of 1 year or less: No waiting period, counted from completing the sentence; Re-filing after a denial (jail/prison sentence): 2 years, counted from the denial of your earlier petition; Dismissed or acquitted before Jan. 1, 2017: No waiting period, counted from no waiting period.

Where do I get my own record in Nebraska?

Request a name-based Nebraska criminal history (RAP sheet) online, in person at a State Patrol troop office, or by mail with the request form; fee $45. Only fingerprinted Nebraska arrests appear.

Who helps for free in Nebraska?

Legal Aid of Nebraska - AccessLine (record sealing, set-aside and pardon help and clinics).

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