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Clean Slate

NYS Clean Slate Act (automatic record sealing)

Agency: NYS Unified Court System / DCJS

Free2026

In short

Automatic sealing of eligible convictions: misdemeanors after 3 years, felonies after 8 years from release/sentence. People with NY convictions (not sex offenses, most Class A felonies) who have no new convictions.

What you get
Automatic sealing of eligible convictions: misdemeanors after 3 years, felonies after 8 years from release/sentence.
Who qualifies
People with NY convictions (not sex offenses, most Class A felonies) who have no new convictions.
Income limit (2026)
none
Papers to gather
None for automatic; rap sheet (DCJS) for petition.
Renewal
N/A
2026 update
changed: law effective Nov 16, 2024; automatic sealing being built, deadline Nov 16, 2027.

Official page: nycourts.gov