Expungement Cost Calculator
Sealing or expunging a criminal record runs $500-$3,500 depending on state, charge type, and whether you hire an attorney. Filing fees, fingerprinting, and court appearances add up. Calculate your total before filing.
State-By-State Cost Variation
Filing fees range from $50 (Colorado pro se) to $400+ (Washington, New York with attorney). California Prop 47 expungements are free for eligible felony reductions. Texas Form 17-3 (non-disclosure) filing is $300+. Always check current state-specific fee schedules — they change frequently.
When To Hire An Attorney
For misdemeanors with clear eligibility (DUI in CA after probation, simple drug possession in TX), self-filing works. For felonies, multiple offenses, immigration concerns, or denied prior applications, hire an attorney. Attorney fees of $1,500-$5,000 typically save 6-12 months and dramatically improve approval odds.
Hidden Costs To Plan For
Background check services may continue to show expunged records for 1-2 years after court order — you may need to send the order to commercial databases (Lexis, ChoicePoint, Equifax). Some states require certified copies for each agency ($30-$50 each). Budget an extra $300-$500 for cleanup beyond the formal expungement.
Source: NACDL (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) expungement guides, state court fee schedules, Brennan Center criminal record sealing research. Last updated: May 2026.