Reviewed by Paul Hecht, California Expungement Attorney | Last Updated: July 2026
The cost and timeline for sealing a criminal record in Nevada depend on the court, number of cases, and case complexity. Under NRS Chapter 179, each petition is reviewed individually and outcomes are not guaranteed. Most straightforward cases resolve in 1 to 3 months. Complex or contested cases can take 3 to 6 months or longer.
How Much Does Nevada Record Sealing Cost in 2026?
There is no single fixed statewide cost for record sealing in Nevada. Costs vary depending on the county, number of convictions, and whether you hire an attorney.
Typical costs may include:
- Court filing fees — vary by court and county
- Certified record retrieval fees — a certified criminal history from the Nevada Department of Public Safety is required before filing
- Attorney fees — vary based on case complexity, number of convictions, and whether a hearing is required
What increases the overall cost:
- Multiple convictions requiring separate petitions
- Cases spanning multiple Nevada counties or jurisdictions
- DA objections requiring a contested hearing
- Additional motions or documentation needed to support the petition
How Long Does Nevada Record Sealing Take in 2026?
- Simple case — single conviction, no objection: 1 – 3 months
- Moderate complexity — multiple cases or counties: 3 – 6 months
- Complex or contested — DA objection or hearing required: 6 months or longer
- Arrest without conviction (NRS 179.255): Often faster — no waiting period required
Factors that affect how long the process takes:
- Court backlog — Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have higher case volumes and often longer processing windows
- Number of agencies to notify — Nevada requires distribution to all agencies holding related records
- Completeness of the petition — errors or missing documents require correction and delay the process
- District Attorney response — if the DA objects, a hearing must be scheduled before the court can rule
- Multi-county cases — each court runs independently; cases spanning multiple counties require separate filings
What Happens at Each Stage of the Nevada Record Sealing Process?
Stage 1 — Eligibility review and record retrieval (1 to 2 weeks): Confirm the offense is eligible and the waiting period has been met. Obtain certified criminal history from the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Judgment of Conviction from the relevant court(s).
Stage 2 — Petition preparation (1 to 2 weeks): Prepare the required petition documents, identify all government agencies to be served, and confirm the correct court for filing.
Stage 3 — District Attorney review (2 to 6 weeks, varies by county): The petition is submitted to the DA’s office. If the DA stipulates, the petition proceeds to the court. If the DA objects, a hearing is scheduled.
Stage 4 — Court decision: If no hearing is required, the judge reviews and signs the Order to Seal Records.
Stage 5 — Distribution of the signed order: Certified copies are distributed to all government agencies named in the petition. Each agency is legally required to seal its records upon receipt. Private background check companies should also be notified separately.
What Happens After a Nevada Record Is Sealed?
If approved:
- The record is restricted from public access and removed from most background checks
- Most employers and landlords cannot see the record in a standard search
- Under Nevada law, the case is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes
- You may legally answer “no” on most applications asking about the sealed matter
- Certain government agencies — including law enforcement — may still have access
Private background check databases may not update immediately after the court order is issued. Proactively notifying major background check companies with a certified copy of the order can significantly speed up the update process.
What Are Common Causes of Delay in Nevada Record Sealing?
- Missing or incomplete certified criminal history records
- Filing errors or incomplete petition documents
- Outstanding fines or sentence requirements not yet completed
- Active or pending criminal charges at time of filing
- Petition filed in the wrong court
- Failure to identify and serve all required government agencies
- DA objection requiring a scheduled hearing
- Multiple convictions or jurisdictions requiring coordinated filings
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does record sealing cost in Nevada in 2026?
There is no fixed statewide price. Costs typically include a court filing fee that varies by county, a certified criminal history fee from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and attorney fees if represented.
How long does Nevada record sealing take?
Most simple cases take 1 to 3 months from filing to a signed court order. Moderate to complex cases typically take 3 to 6 months. Contested cases requiring a hearing can take 6 months or longer.
Can all records be sealed in Nevada?
No. Eligibility depends on offense type, waiting periods, and statutory restrictions under NRS 179.245. Certain convictions — including most sexual offenses, crimes against children, and felony DUI — are permanently excluded from sealing.
Does sealing remove my record completely in Nevada?
No. It restricts public access but does not erase the underlying record. Law enforcement retains access. However, the record is removed from most employer and landlord background checks, and under Nevada law the case is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes.
Do I need to pay off all fines before I can seal my Nevada record?
Yes. All sentence requirements — including fines, restitution, and other court-ordered obligations — must be fully completed before the waiting period begins and must be current at the time of filing.
Will sealing my record immediately update background check databases?
Not always immediately. After the court order is issued, private background check companies may take additional time to update. Proactively notifying major reporting companies with a certified copy of the court order can significantly speed up the process.
Can I file for Nevada record sealing without an attorney?
Yes. Nevada allows self-represented filings. However, the process requires obtaining certified records, preparing required forms, correctly identifying and serving all government agencies, and filing in the right court. Errors are a frequent cause of delays and denials.
Find Out Your Cost and Timeline — Free Case Review
The fastest way to understand what sealing your Nevada record will cost and how long it will take is a case review first. Attorney Paul Hecht offers a free case review to confirm eligibility and give you a clear picture of your options under Nevada law.
← Do You Qualify to Seal Your Nevada Record?
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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.
