Arizona Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Arizona?

Arizona has two distinct processes: Set Aside (available for most convictions) and Expungement (more limited, available for arrests and certain drug offenses).

Set Aside (A.R.S. § 13-907)

A set aside is Arizona's primary record relief. It does not erase the conviction but sets it aside — the record shows "conviction set aside" and the charge dismissed. Most employment and housing background checks will reflect the set aside. You may be eligible if:

• You have fulfilled all conditions of sentence (probation, fines, restitution, community service)
• The offense is not on the ineligible list
• You are no longer under supervision

Ineligible for set aside:

• Dangerous offenses (those involving deadly weapons or dangerous instruments)
• Sexual offenses requiring registration
• Offenses against children
• DUI offenses resulting in bodily harm or death
• Offenses with victims under age 15

Expungement (A.R.S. § 13-911 — effective January 2023)

Arizona passed a true expungement law effective January 2023, but it is limited to:

• Arrest records that did not result in conviction
• Convictions for marijuana possession (personal use amounts) — including older convictions for conduct now legal under Proposition 207
• Certain other drug possession offenses — after completing all sentence terms

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

Set Aside Application

1. File an application (petition) with the court that entered the conviction. Use Form available from the court clerk or Arizona Courts website.
2. Pay the filing fee ($50–$150 depending on the court and offense level).
3. The court reviews the petition — no hearing is always required for set asides; many are granted administratively.
4. If granted, the court issues an order setting aside the conviction. The Arizona Department of Public Safety updates the criminal history database.

Expungement (§ 13-911)

1. File a petition with the court in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred.
2. Attach documentation of the arrest/charge outcome or sentence completion for drug offenses.
3. Court reviews and issues order if eligible.
4. All relevant agencies must expunge their records within 30 days of the order.

Waiting Periods

Arizona does not impose mandatory post-sentence waiting periods for set asides — you may apply as soon as all sentence conditions are completed. However, courts have discretion and consider the nature of the offense, criminal history, and rehabilitation evidence.

• Set aside: Immediately upon sentence completion
• Expungement (arrest, no conviction): Immediately after case resolution
• Expungement (marijuana/drug): Upon sentence completion

Costs

• Filing fee: $50–$150 (varies by court and offense level)
• Attorney fees: $500–$2,000 for set asides; $1,000–$2,500 for expungements

Arizona courts provide self-help forms at azcourts.gov. DNA evidence fee waivers and fee deferral programs are available in some counties.

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

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