People use "expunge" and "seal" as if they mean the same thing. In everyday conversation, they are close enough. But under Washington law, they are different processes with different outcomes — and knowing the difference matters when you are trying to clear your record.

Expungement (Vacating a Conviction)

In Washington, what most people call "expungement" is formally called vacating a conviction. When a court vacates your conviction:

  • The court withdraws its finding of guilt
  • The conviction is removed from your record for most purposes
  • You can answer "no" on most job applications that ask about criminal convictions
  • Background checks run by employers and landlords typically will not show the conviction

Vacating applies to adult criminal convictions — both misdemeanors and certain felonies. It requires meeting specific eligibility requirements, including waiting periods and completion of all sentence conditions.

Sealing a Record

Record sealing in Washington primarily applies to two situations:

Juvenile Records

Washington allows juvenile records to be sealed once certain conditions are met. When a juvenile record is sealed:

  • The records are physically and electronically sealed from public access
  • The court proceeding is treated as if it never happened
  • The person can deny the existence of the record in most situations

Juvenile record sealing is available for most offenses, with limited exceptions for serious violent and sexual offenses. The waiting period depends on the type of offense and whether all conditions of the disposition were met.

Non-Conviction Records

If you were arrested but never convicted — charges were dropped, you were acquitted, or the case was dismissed — you may be able to have those records sealed. An arrest that did not lead to a conviction should not follow you around, and Washington law provides a path to remove it.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Vacating (expungement) applies to adult convictions. It withdraws the finding of guilt.
  • Sealing applies mainly to juvenile records and non-conviction records. It restricts access to the records.
  • Both processes result in a cleaner background check, but through different legal mechanisms.
  • Some records can be sealed but not vacated, and vice versa.

Which One Do You Need?

The right process depends on your specific situation:

  • Adult conviction you want removed? You are looking at vacating (expungement).
  • Juvenile record from when you were a minor? You need record sealing.
  • Arrested but never convicted? You may be eligible to seal the arrest record.
  • Not sure? That is the most common answer, and it is fine. A quick review of your record will clarify which path applies.

Why This Matters

Filing the wrong type of petition wastes time and money. Worse, it can delay the process by months. If you file to vacate when you should be filing to seal — or if you petition the wrong court — you start over.

Getting it right the first time is the fastest way to a clean record.

Let DeleteRecord Sort It Out

At DeleteRecord, we handle both expungement and record sealing for clients across Eastern Washington. Attorney Peter Hibbard will review your record, determine which process applies, and handle the paperwork and court appearances for you.

If you are not sure what you qualify for, that is exactly where we start.

Call 509-707-0251 or visit DeleteRecord.com to get a clear answer about your record.