Vermont Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Vermont?

Vermont allows expungement for non-convictions and sealing for many conviction types, with significant expansions made in recent years.

Expungement (Non-Convictions)

• Charges dismissed, acquitted, or not prosecuted — eligible immediately
• Deferred sentence completions — eligible upon completion

Sealing (Convictions)

• Misdemeanor conviction: 5 years after sentence discharge
• Nonviolent felony conviction: 10 years after sentence discharge
• No new convictions during the waiting period
• All fines and conditions completed

Not Eligible

• Violent felonies (murder, sexual assault, robbery with weapon, etc.)
• Sex offenses requiring registration
• DUI convictions (generally excluded)
• Crimes involving children

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

1. Obtain Vermont criminal record — From Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC).
2. File petition — In the criminal division of the superior court. Fee: $87.50.
3. Serve the state's attorney — Has 30 days to object.
4. Hearing — A hearing is scheduled. The court considers the public benefit of sealing vs. retaining the record.
5. Order issued — VCIC and all agencies seal records.

Waiting Periods

• Non-conviction / deferred dismissal: Immediate
• Misdemeanor: 5 years from discharge
• Nonviolent felony: 10 years from discharge

Costs

• Filing fee: $87.50
• Attorney fees: $750–$2,500

Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Volunteer Lawyers Project offer free help at vtlegalaid.org.

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

After a successful expungement or sealing in Vermont, 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 Vermont for advice specific to your situation.