If your court record is sealed, the public cannot inspect or access your court records. This includes both the paper court files and all electronic and digital records.
Once your records are sealed, they will not show up on state or federal background checks.
You must file a written motion with the Court to seal your records. Sealing is at the judge's discretion. In deciding whether to seal your court record, a judge will weigh your privacy interests against the public's interest in keeping the files open.
FAQ: Sealing Your Washington Court Records
What court records can be sealed?
How do I file a motion to seal my court record?
Do sealed court records show up on a background check?
How does a court decide whether to seal my court records?
Juvenile Court Records
Do my juvenile records automatically get sealed when I turn 18?
How do I file a motion to seal my juvenile court records?
NOTE: The law is changing in January 2021. Governor Inslee signed House Bill 2794 into law on March 27, 2020, which should make it easier to seal your juvenile convictions in Washington.
