Can I expunge my driving record in California?
Asked by: Joy Cummerata | Last update: August 15, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)
How do you clear your driving record in California?
Traffic school is the best way to have your points taken away and assure that the violation won't be on your record. You are only eligible to take a traffic school course once every 18 months.
How can you expunge your driving record?
Cleaning Points and Convictions from Your Driving Record
Complete a request form at your DMV to expunge convictions. You can also take a driver's safety course to remove points from your record or have tickets dismissed. Contact an attorney and contest your tickets in court before they go on your record.
How long do things stay on your driving record in California?
Traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction. As an adult, your license may be suspended if your driver's record shows one of the following point totals: 4 points in 12 months. 6 points in 24 months.
What records Cannot be expunged in California?
- Child pornography crimes.
- Certain sexual assault crimes.
- Committing lewd acts with a minor.
- Failure to submit to a police inspection of vehicle.
What Will An Expungement Do For My DMV Record In California?
How much does it cost to have your record expunged in California?
Misdemeanor Expungements $900* Misdemeanor DUI Expungement $1,075. Felony Expungement $1,200* (includes a reduction to a misdemeanor when eligible) Sealing of Juvenile or Diversion Records: $3,500.
What is the new California expungement law in 2024?
Starting in July 2024, non-serious, non-violent, and non-sexual felony convictions will be automatically sealed from public view for those who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free for four years. This eliminates the need for legal representation and streamlines the process for many Californians.
How far back do insurance companies look at your driving record in California?
You typically won't be charged for anything that happened beyond three years ago, however, insurance companies will still pull five years of driving history from your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
Will a DUI show up on a background check after 10 years in California?
After 10 years generally the charge will no longer appear on your record. Because a DUI will result in an offender having a criminal record the information will appear in every background check. While it will never go away on its own, you may be able to get your DUI conviction expunged from your criminal record.
What is considered a clean driving record in California?
If you are a violation-free driver with no tickets, accidents, or convictions, then you will have a clean driving record in your state.
How to remove violations from driving record California reddit?
You must wait until the violations are purgeable. You may call the Mandatory Actions Unit at (916) 657-6525 and ask them when the points will drop off. Citations are 3yrs and accidents 4 or 5yrs.
How to expunge a DUI in California yourself?
As soon as you complete probation for a California DUI, you may petition the court to expunge your record of conviction. A judge will then review the petition to determine whether you are eligible for an expungement.
What states do not transfer a driving record?
- Alaska.
- California.
- Georgia.
- Michigan.
- Montana.
- Tennessee.
- Wisconsin.
Is there a way to wipe your driving record?
Expunge your record
In states that offer it, you can delete certain infractions from your MVR. In California, for example, an infraction will be automatically expunged after three years if you have no other violations during that time and you've never been convicted of a DUI.
What is the clean slate program in California?
The Clean Slate Program is a reentry program that provides free legal services to persons convicted of criminal offenses in Fresno County who are eligible for record clearance. Clearing your criminal history may make finding employment, obtaining housing, and getting educational financial aid easier.
How do you expunge a traffic ticket in California?
Under California law, traffic infractions may be eligible for expungement. This means that if you have completed all the terms of your sentence, including paying any fines and completing any required traffic school courses, you may be able to petition the court to have your conviction set aside and your case dismissed.
How much does it cost to get a DUI expunged in California?
Our fee for a misdemeanor DUI expungement is $1,075. This includes all legal work, Court appearances, and includes all court fees. Payment arrangements can be made. Felony DUI fee is $1,200.00, all-inclusive, including a motion to reduce to a misdemeanor as required.
How long does DUI stay on DMV record California?
Once you are convicted of DUI in California, a record of that conviction will remain on your state driving record for ten years. This clock starts on the date of the arrest, not your conviction. There is no way to have this record removed in less than ten years.
How far back does the DMV record go?
However, driving records checks have lookback periods ranging from three to seven years. In most states, information on a motor vehicle record will only go back three years.
How do insurance companies know your driving record?
Insurance companies obtain Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant authorities. These reports provide a detailed account of your driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status.
How long does your driving record last in California?
Points can stay on your record for a significant period of time. The most common moving violations that give you 1 point stay on your license for 3 years. However, if you receive points for a more serious violation like a DUI or a hit and run, the points last for 10 years.
What is the best insurance for a DUI in California?
In California, Mile Auto has the cheapest rates for drivers with a DUI. Its liability-only coverage starts at $92 per month. By comparison, State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, has average monthly liability rates of $288 for drivers with DUIs.
Can I expunge my record myself in California?
Eligible persons may be able to expunge their criminal records by petitioning the Superior Court of the county where the conviction occurred. To do this, petitioners begin by printing and completing the Petition for Dismissal Form for each conviction. Note that some counties have separate forms for this purpose.
Is expungement worth it California?
There are many benefits to expunged convictions. First and foremost, it will give you peace of mind. As expressed in the California Penal Code 1203.4, expungement absolves a person of all discrimination and penalties that can result from a conviction.
Can I own a gun after expungement in California?
Thus, even if you have had a conviction expunged in California, you will still have the ban if that conviction was for a felony or for a qualifying misdemeanor that triggered either a ten-year or lifetime ban on owning or possessing a firearm. Unlawfully owning or possessing a firearm is a crime.