How to file to clear a record in Washington

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

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

File a petition in the court that sentenced you (district, municipal or superior court) and give notice to the prosecutor. The prosecutor may agree to an order; otherwise there may be a hearing.

Main remedy
Vacating a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction (RCW 9.96.060)
Cost
No fee (WSP Expungement Checklist).
Forms
10

How to file in Washington

Vacating a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction (RCW 9.96.060)

File a petition in the court that sentenced you (district, municipal or superior court) and give notice to the prosecutor. The prosecutor may agree to an order; otherwise there may be a hearing. The judge may grant it if you meet the requirements (for cannabis and some drug-treatment cases, the judge must). Victims of sex trafficking, sexual assault or domestic violence, or the prosecutor on their behalf, can use a separate process.

Law: RCW 9.96.080

Law: RCW 9.96.080

Vacating a felony conviction (RCW 9.94A.640)

Get a Certificate of Discharge first (in most cases). Then file a motion in the superior court that sentenced you, serve the prosecutor, and go to a hearing if needed. The judge may grant it if you meet the tests. Victims of sex trafficking, sexual assault or domestic violence may use a separate process and may not need a discharge first.

Law: RCW 9.94A.648

Law: RCW 9.94A.648

Vacating drug possession convictions after treatment (RCW 9.96.060(6))

File proof of completion (or the written status update) with the sentencing court; on verification the court must vacate.

Deletion of non-conviction data (RCW 10.97.060)

Check WSP's Expungement Checklist, then mail WSP's Request for Expungement/Deletion of Non-Conviction Records to the Criminal History Records Section, PO Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-2633. This does not remove court records; ask the court about those. A court can also order deletion.

Cost
No fee (WSP Expungement Checklist).

Court self-help

Checklist: what to gather before you file

Who cannot use these remedies in Washington

  • Vacating a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction (RCW 9.96.060): Violent offenses (and attempts); DUI and physical control and offenses that count as a 'prior offense' for DUI unless 10 years have passed since the arrest with no later alcohol or drug violation; obscenity, sexual exploitation of children and sex offenses (except failure to register). You must have finished all terms of the sentence, including fines and other legal financial obligations, and have no pending charges. Not available if you are currently under a protection, no-contact or anti-harassment order, or violated one in the last 5 years.
  • Vacating a felony conviction (RCW 9.94A.640): Class A felonies (the law sets waiting periods only for Class B and C); violent offenses and crimes against persons, except second degree assault, third degree assault (not against an officer) and second degree robbery when there was no firearm, deadly weapon or sexual motivation enhancement; felony DUI or physical control. Not available while any criminal charge is pending, or if you had a new conviction during the waiting period (10 years for Class B, 5 years for Class C) before you apply.
  • Deletion of non-conviction data (RCW 10.97.060): WSP may refuse if the case ended in a deferred prosecution or diversion, you have a prior felony or gross misdemeanor conviction, or you were arrested or charged again in the meantime. WSP's checklist says dismissals after a diversion or deferral, vacated or pardoned convictions, bail forfeitures and not guilty by reason of insanity do not qualify.

Law: RCW 9.96.060; RCW 9.94A.640; RCW 10.97.060

After your record is cleared

After a vacation, you may state that you have never been convicted of that crime, including on job and housing applications, and you are released from penalties and disabilities from the offense. The State Patrol and local police may share it only with other criminal justice agencies. Exceptions: it can still be used in a later prosecution and counts as a prior conviction for recidivist charges for vacations on or after July 28, 2019; it does not restore firearm rights; and the court file remains public.

Law: RCW 9.96.060(8), 9.94A.640(4)

Get your own record in Washington

Washington State Patrol, Identification and Criminal History Section · 360-534-2000

Check your conviction record online through WATCH for $11 (instant). A name-based Request for Conviction Criminal History form costs $32; a fingerprint-based check costs $58 (a notarized letter is $15 extra). To get a copy of your full record including non-conviction data, send a fingerprint card and $12; or review it in person for free (up to 30 minutes) at the WSP Criminal History Records Section in Olympia.

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

In nearby states

  • Oregon: No court filing fee. No OSP fee for non-conviction records.
  • Idaho: No filing fee for the petition.
  • Montana: The expungement law sets no special fee; the district court clerk charges a filing fee (ask the clerk for the amount).

Steps to file in Washington

  1. Get your papers ready

    Gather the papers for each case before you start. Checklist: what to gather before you file.

  2. Use the court's forms

    Use the official forms and instructions: WashingtonLawHelp: Vacate criminal records - the basics and WashingtonLawHelp: Vacate a felony conviction.

  3. File and serve

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

Where to get free help in Washington

Questions about filing in Washington

What is the waiting period in Washington?

Misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor (non-domestic violence): 3 years, counted from the later of release from supervision or probation, release from confinement, or the sentencing date; Domestic violence misdemeanor: 5 years, counted from completing the original conditions of the sentence, including any ordered treatment (not counting payment of fines); Misdemeanor cannabis possession, age 21 or older at the time: No waiting period, counted from any time; Class C felony: 5 years, counted from the later of release from community custody, release from confinement, or the sentencing date.

Is there a fee to clear a record in Washington?

Deletion of non-conviction data: No fee (WSP Expungement Checklist).

How can I see my Washington record?

Check your conviction record online through WATCH for $11 (instant). A name-based Request for Conviction Criminal History form costs $32; a fingerprint-based check costs $58 (a notarized letter is $15 extra). To get a copy of your full record including non-conviction data, send a fingerprint card and $12; or review it in person for free (up to 30 minutes) at the WSP Criminal History Records Section in Olympia.

Is there free help to clear a record in Washington?

Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR legal aid hotline and WashingtonLawHelp.org (Northwest Justice Project).

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