Iowa

Adult Criminal Record Clearance Overview

If you were convicted of consumption of alcohol or intoxication in public, the record can be expunged two years after the conviction date, so long as you were not convicted of anything other than traffic violations or some low-level misdemeanors during that time. You must file a petition in court to start the process, and if you meet the criteria, the judge must grant your petition.

If you were convicted of an underage alcohol offense, the record can be expunged two years after the conviction date, so long as you were not convicted of anything other than traffic violations or some low-level misdemeanors during that time. You must file a petition in court to start the process, and if you meet the criteria, the judge must grant your petition.

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, the records can be expunged by the court after eight years, provided you received no more than one deferred judgment and never requested misdemeanor expungement before.

If you successfully complete probation after deferred judgment, the record should be expunged immediately.

Adult criminal records for arrests for which you were never convicted are eligible for expungement in some situations. You must file a petition with the court to start the process, and if you meet the criteria, the judge must grant your petition.

If your case was dismissed, unless it was dismissed after deferred judgment, the record can be expunged 180 days after your case ends.
If you were acquitted, the record can be expunged 180 days after your case ends.
If you were found incompetent to stand trial, the record can be expunged immediately.
If your case was dismissed because you were found not guilty by reason of insanity, the record can be expunged immediately.

If there was a traffic violation in your name because someone fraudulently used your name or identification, the conviction can be set aside, and the record expunged. You must file a petition with the court within one year of discovering the fraud, and if you meet the criteria, the judge must grant your petition.

Adult Criminal Record Clearance Policies

Convictions

Records relating to a conviction for underage alcohol offenses can be expunged by the court two years after the conviction if the petitioner has no other convictions, other than local traffic violations or simple misdemeanor motor vehicle violations, within the two-year period. Iowa Code § 123.47(8).
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Records of conviction for consumption of alcohol or intoxication in public places can be expunged by the court two years after the conviction, if the person has no other criminal convictions other than local traffic violations or simple misdemeanor motor vehicle violations during that time. Iowa Code § 123.46(6).
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Records relating to a misdemeanor conviction can be expunged by the court after eight years, provided the person: (1) has not previously requested expungement under this section; (2) has no pending criminal charges; (3) has received no more than two deferred judgments; (4) and has paid all restitution, court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court. Iowa Code § 901C.3.
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Diversion/Deferral Program

Records relating to a case that was dismissed after the petitioner's successful completion of a term of probation are expunged. Iowa Code §§§ 907.3(1), 907.4, 907.9(4)(b).
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Factual Innocence

A conviction for a vehicle and traffic violation that resulted from the fraudulent use of the petitioner's name or identification can be set aside by the court within one year of discovery. If the conviction is set aside, the court must expunge the record. Iowa Code § 321.200A(2).
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Non-Conviction Arrests

The record of a criminal case can be expunged by the court 180 days after acquittal or dismissal. Iowa Code § 901C.2(2)(a)(1).
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Juvenile Record Clearance Overview

Court Records

Below is a general overview of when juvenile records can be sealed in Iowa. Please note that the Clean Slate Clearinghouse does not provide legal advice.

Read the legal policies and statutes for detailed statutory information.

Juvenile Record Clearance Policies Overview

Most juvenile records can be sealed.

If charges were filed against you, but you were not adjudicated (not found guilty), the court should schedule a sealing hearing after you turn 18 or two years after your case is dismissed, whichever occurs last. At that hearing, the judge is required to seal your record if you meet the criteria.
If you were adjudicated (found guilty), except for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor, the court should schedule a sealing hearing after you turn 18 or two years after your case closes or you are released from probation or commitment, whichever occurs last. At that hearing, the judge is required to seal your record if you meet the criteria.
If you were adjudicated (found guilty) for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor, your record can be sealed after you turn 18 or two years after your case closes or you are released from probation or commitment, whichever occurs last. You must submit a request to the court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether to grant your request.

You may not be eligible for sealing if you have certain convictions or adjudications on your record or if you have a pending criminal or juvenile case.

Find a Lawyer

If you think you might be eligible to have your record sealed, find a lawyer who may be able to help you. Some lawyers might help you for free, although you may still need to pay a fee to file the paperwork in court.

Court Forms and Resources

If you cannot find a lawyer to help you, you may be able to file a petition on your own using these court forms and resources.

Juvenile Record Clearance Policies

Court Records and Law Enforcement Records

Records relating to an adjudication of delinquency, except felonies or aggravated misdemeanors if committed by an adult, can be sealed after two years have passed since the last official action or the person has turned 18 years old, whichever is later, so long as the person is not subject to a disqualifying event. Iowa Code § 232.150(1)(a).
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Records relating to an adjudication that, if committed by an adult, would be considered an aggravated misdemeanor or a felony can be sealed upon petition after two years have passed since the last official action or the person has turned 18 years old, whichever is later, so long as the person is not subject to a disqualifying event and that the sealing is in the best interest of the person and the public. Iowa Code § 232.150(1)(b).
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Records relating to a complaint or petition alleging delinquency that did not result in an adjudication will be sealed upon application. Iowa Code § 232.150(1)(a).
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Find A Lawyer

Legal service providers located in the state.

Contact information for legal aid organizations, bar associations, and other organizations that engage in record clearance work is provided for informational purposes only. The NRRC does not endorse or recommend any organization or individual referenced on the site. If you are a legal service provider who offers record clearance services, please contact us.

Iowa Legal Aid

Service area: Statewide