Reviewed by Paul Hecht, California Expungement Attorney | Last Updated: July 2026
The Nevada record sealing process under NRS Chapter 179 involves confirming eligibility and waiting period, obtaining certified criminal history records, filing a formal petition with the court, serving the District Attorney and all relevant government agencies, and receiving a court order sealing the record. Sealing restricts public access but does not erase the record. Most straightforward cases do not require a personal court appearance.
What Is the Nevada Record Sealing Process?
Sealing a record in Nevada is a formal legal process — not an online form. A petition must be filed with the court that handled the original case. The court then orders all relevant government agencies holding records related to the case to seal those records.
Nevada’s process requires properly serving a wide range of agencies — courts, law enforcement, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections, and parole and probation offices, among others. Errors or omissions in this process are a common cause of delays and incomplete sealings.
Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility and Waiting Period
Before filing, eligibility must be confirmed under NRS 179.245 or NRS 179.255. This includes:
- Offense type is eligible for sealing under Nevada law
- All sentencing requirements are fully completed — probation, fines, restitution, and community service
- The required waiting period has passed since discharge from probation or parole, or release from custody — whichever is later
- No pending criminal charges at the time of filing
If your arrest did not result in a conviction, you may be eligible to file immediately under NRS 179.255 with no waiting period.
Step 2 — Obtain Your Criminal History Records
Nevada requires official, certified criminal history records before the petition can be filed. You must obtain:
- A certified criminal history from the Nevada Department of Public Safety or the relevant local law enforcement agency
- A copy of the Judgment of Conviction and Discharge for each case to be sealed, showing the case is closed
These records confirm eligibility, identify all agencies that must be served, and ensure the petition accurately reflects the full case history. Filing without verified records is a common cause of delay.
Step 3 — File the Petition to Seal Records
A formal petition is filed with the court that handled the original case. The petition includes:
- Case details and conviction information
- Proof of eligibility and sentence completion
- Supporting documentation
- Identification of every government agency that holds records related to the case
Every agency must be properly identified and served. Missing any required agency can result in incomplete sealing.
Step 4 — District Attorney Review
After the petition is filed, the District Attorney’s office reviews it. The DA may:
- Support (stipulate to) the petition — allowing it to proceed to the court without a hearing
- Object to the petition — requiring a hearing before a judge
A hearing is more likely when the case involves more serious offenses, a complex or contested case history, or multiple convictions are being addressed at once. If a hearing is required, an attorney can typically appear on your behalf.
Step 5 — Court Order and Distribution
If the petition is approved, the judge signs the Order to Seal Records. Certified copies of the signed order must then be distributed to every government agency named in the petition. Each agency is legally required to seal its records upon receipt.
Important: private background check companies are not automatically notified by the court. They may need to be separately notified with a copy of the order to update their databases. Without proactive notification, sealed records can continue to appear in private databases for months after the court order is issued.
Do You Have to Appear in Court for Nevada Record Sealing?
In most cases, no. When the DA stipulates to the petition, a personal court appearance is generally not required. An attorney can handle the filing and distribution on your behalf.
A hearing — and possibly a personal appearance — may be required if:
- The District Attorney objects to the petition
- The judge requests additional information
- The case involves complex or contested facts
How Long Does the Nevada Record Sealing Process Take?
- Simple cases (single conviction, no objection): approximately 1 to 3 months
- Moderate to complex cases (multiple convictions or counties): 3 to 6 months or longer
Delays are most often caused by court backlog, incomplete records, filing errors, or DA objections requiring a scheduled hearing.
What Can Delay a Nevada Record Sealing Petition?
Common causes of delays or denials:
- Waiting period not yet fully met at time of filing
- Missing or incomplete certified criminal history records
- Filing in the wrong court
- Failing to identify and serve all required government agencies
- Errors or omissions in the petition documents
- Outstanding fines or sentencing requirements not yet completed
- Active criminal charges at time of filing
- DA objection requiring a scheduled hearing
- Multi-county case history requiring separate filings in each jurisdiction
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the Nevada record sealing process?
The process begins with confirming eligibility — verifying offense type, sentence completion, and that the required waiting period under NRS 179.245 has passed. Once confirmed, you obtain certified criminal history records and file a petition with the appropriate court.
Is record sealing automatic in Nevada when I finish my sentence?
No. Completing your sentence makes you eligible after the waiting period, but sealing is not automatic. You must file a formal petition with the court, serve the DA and all relevant agencies, and receive a signed court order.
How long does Nevada record sealing take?
Most straightforward cases take 1 to 3 months from filing to a signed order. Cases involving multiple convictions, counties, or a DA objection typically take 3 to 6 months or longer.
Do I need an attorney to seal my Nevada record?
Nevada allows self-represented filings, but the process involves obtaining certified records, preparing required documents, identifying and serving all relevant agencies, and filing in the correct court. Errors are a common cause of delays and denials. Attorney representation significantly reduces that risk.
Can the District Attorney stop my Nevada record from being sealed?
The DA can object, which typically leads to a hearing. However, an objection does not automatically mean denial — the judge makes the final decision.
What happens after my Nevada record is sealed?
The court issues a signed Order to Seal Records, which is distributed to all named government agencies. Each agency is legally required to seal its records. Private background check companies should also be notified separately to ensure timely updates.
Can I seal my record if I was arrested but not convicted in Nevada?
Yes — and with no waiting period. Under NRS 179.255, arrests that did not result in conviction are eligible for sealing immediately. Once sealed, all related proceedings are deemed never to have occurred under Nevada law.
Ready to Start Your Nevada Record Sealing?
Our attorneys handle every step of the Nevada record sealing process — from obtaining certified records to distributing the court order to all required agencies. Most clients do not need to appear in court.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Paul Hecht or this law firm. Every case is different, and Nevada laws may change. Do not rely on this content as a substitute for individualized legal advice from a licensed Nevada attorney. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact our office for a free case review.
