In Washington, the easiest way to get your juvenile court records sealed is for the Court to do it administratively once you turn 18, but that isn't always possible.
You also have the right to your own motion to seal your juvenile records. Under RCW 13.50.260, you can file this motion at any time after you turn 18 if the juvenile court has not already sealed your records.
You have to file a coy of your motion with the court and the prosecutor's office, and a copy with the victim (if applicable).
What are the requirements for sealing my juvenile court records?
This depends primarily on the underlying crime for which you were convicted.
What are the requirements for sealing a Class A felony?
You must meet the following five (5) requirements:
1. You paid all court-ordered restitution to the victim
This does not include restitution owed to any insurance companies.
2. There are no pending criminal charges against you
There cannot be any pending charges against you, either in Washington or in any other state.
Only criminal charges are disqualifying—civil judgments, administrative orders, or traffic tickets will not prevent you from filing a motion to restore your firearm rights.
3. You have gone five (5) consecutive years without being convicted of a crime since you were released from treatment or released or the detention facility
Example You pleaded guilty to a Class A felony assault in 2014. You were released from detention in September 2017 and you finished treatment in 2019. You are eligible to seal your records in 2024, assuming you meet the other requirements.
4. You are not required to register as a sex offender
If you are required to register as a sex offender, then you must first successfully remove your registration requirement before you can file a motion to seal.
5. You have not been convicted of rape in the first or second degree, or indecent liberties by forcible compulsion
What are the requirements for sealing other crimes?
You must meet the following four (4) requirements to seal a Class B or C felony, or any other misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor crimes.
1. You paid all court-ordered restitution to the victim
This does not include restitution owed to any insurance companies.
2. There are no pending criminal charges against you
There cannot be any pending charges against you, either in Washington or in any other state.
Only criminal charges are disqualifying—civil judgments, administrative orders, or traffic tickets will not prevent you from filing a motion to restore your firearm rights.
3. You have gone two (2) consecutive years without being convicted of a crime since you were released from treatment or released or the detention facility
See above analysis for calculating the time requirement.
4. You are not required to register as a sex offender
If you are required to register as a sex offender, then you must first successfully remove your registration requirement before you can file a motion to seal.
