Virginia Launched Automatic Criminal Record Sealing
The Clean Slate Act now allows for the automatic removal of certain criminal records from public view.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Virginia has officially begun its automatic record sealing process under the Clean Slate Act, which was passed in 2021. The program aims to streamline relief for individuals by removing specific criminal records from public view without the need for manual petitions.
Why it matters
Traditional petition-based systems are often too complex for individuals to navigate, creating barriers to essential resources. Sealing records helps improve access to housing and employment, which research indicates is strongly associated with lower recidivism rates.
The state-wide rollout of automated record removal began on October 1, 2026, and may take a couple of weeks to become fully visible. Eligible individuals must have remained conviction-free for seven years for misdemeanors to qualify for automatic sealing.
The players
Clean Slate Virginia
This organization advocates for criminal justice reform and provides guidance to residents navigating the state's record-clearing process.
The details
The new system covers all marijuana possession records and removes them from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. Beyond automatic processes, residents can still file petitions to seal specific felony convictions, deferred dismissals, and other misdemeanor offenses.
Timeline
Virginia passed the Clean Slate Act in 2021.
Petition-based record sealing launched on July 1, 2026.
Automatic record sealing began on October 1, 2026.
The rollout of record updates may take a couple of weeks to complete.
Additional expungement law updates take effect on December 1, 2026.
Legal Context
The implementation of the Clean Slate Act aligns with a broader national trend of automating the expungement and sealing of low-level criminal records. This shift moves away from court-heavy, petition-based systems that historically limited the number of people who could successfully clear their records.
Individuals with qualifying records may see an increase in average wages, which historical data suggests can rise by approximately 23% within one year of sealing. The automated process reduces the bureaucratic burden on residents by removing the requirement to file individual paperwork or petitions.
The takeaway
Record sealing serves as a critical mechanism for personal economic mobility by removing long-standing barriers to employment. Residents should monitor their status in the coming weeks as the state system completes the initial wave of record updates.
What happens next
Additional changes to Virginia's expungement law are scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's ongoing reforms in our Criminal Justice section.
More information
For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit the Clean Slate Virginia help and resources.
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Should states automatically seal criminal records to help individuals gain better access to employment and housing?
