Missouri Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Missouri?

Missouri significantly expanded expungement eligibility in 2018 (SB 588). Most misdemeanor and many felony convictions are now eligible after waiting periods.

Who Qualifies

• Misdemeanor or felony conviction on the eligible offense list
• Waiting period has passed (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies)
• No new criminal convictions during the waiting period
• No pending criminal charges
• All fines, restitution, and court costs paid
• No prior expungements that exceed the lifetime limits

Lifetime Limits

• Maximum: 1 felony expungement OR 2 misdemeanor expungements per lifetime
• You may expunge 1 felony and still have 2 misdemeanor slots remaining

Not Eligible

• Dangerous felonies (Class A and B violent felonies)
• Any offense requiring sex offender registration
• Felony assault, domestic assault, or stalking
• DWI/DUI convictions (these have a separate, more limited expungement track under § 577.054)
• Any offense involving a victim under age 18

DWI Expungement (Separate Track)

First-time DWI convictions may be expunged under § 577.054 after 10 years with no subsequent alcohol-related offenses and completion of all sentence requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in Missouri

1. Obtain your criminal record — Request from Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Criminal Records Unit (fee: ~$14).
2. Verify the offense is eligible — Missouri publishes a list of eligible and ineligible offenses. Confirm your offense type and class.
3. File in the circuit court — File in the county of conviction. Filing fee: $250. The petition must include the case number, offense, conviction date, and a statement that all conditions are met.
4. Serve notice — Serve the prosecuting attorney, arresting agency, and MSHP within 10 days of filing.
5. Objection period — 30 days for agencies to object. If no objection, the court may grant without a hearing.
6. Hearing (if objected) — Judge weighs the petition on its merits.
7. Order issued — All agencies must expunge records. The case is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes.

Waiting Periods

• Misdemeanor convictions: 3 years from conviction or sentence completion (whichever is later)
• Felony convictions: 7 years from conviction or sentence completion
• DWI (first offense): 10 years
• Dismissed/acquitted: No waiting period

Costs

• Filing fee: $250
• MSHP criminal history: ~$14
• Attorney fees: $500–$2,500

Missouri Legal Services and local bar associations hold free expungement clinics. Visit lsmo.org for free assistance.

What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in Missouri

After a successful expungement or sealing in Missouri, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most private employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)

However, it typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement and immigration records
• Military background checks
• Applications for law enforcement positions
• Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in Missouri for advice specific to your situation.