Reviewed by Paul Hecht, California Expungement Attorney | Last Updated: July 2026
Yes. In Nevada, many criminal records may be sealed if eligibility requirements are met under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 179. Nevada uses record sealing — not expungement — for most adult criminal cases. When a record is sealed, it is removed from most public background checks but is not erased and may still be accessible to certain government agencies.
What Does It Mean to Seal a Record in Nevada?
Record sealing in Nevada under NRS Chapter 179 means the court restricts public access to your criminal record. Once sealed:
- The record is removed from most public background checks
- Most employers and landlords cannot see it
- The case is treated as confidential in most public contexts
- The record still legally exists — it is not erased or destroyed
- Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access
Nevada does not use the term “expungement” for adult criminal records. Record sealing is the legal process that provides this relief.
Who Qualifies to Seal a Criminal Record in Nevada?
You may qualify to seal your criminal record in Nevada if:
- You completed all sentencing requirements (probation, fines, restitution, community service)
- The required statutory waiting period has passed
- You have no pending criminal charges
- Your case is eligible under Nevada sealing laws (NRS 179.245 or related statutes)
Eligibility depends heavily on the type of offense and the applicable waiting period.
What Are the Waiting Periods to Seal a Record in Nevada?
- Misdemeanors: Typically 1–2 years
- Gross misdemeanors: Typically 2 years
- Category B, C, or D felonies: Typically 5 years
- Category A felony or crime of violence: Typically 10 years
- Arrest without conviction (dismissed, declined, or acquitted): Immediately eligible — no waiting period (NRS 179.255)
The waiting period begins from the date of release from custody or discharge from probation or parole — whichever is later.
What Types of Cases May Be Eligible for Sealing in Nevada?
- Misdemeanor convictions (after applicable waiting period)
- Many non-violent felony convictions (after applicable waiting period)
- Arrests without conviction — eligible immediately under NRS 179.255
- Dismissed cases — eligible immediately under NRS 179.255
What Cases Cannot Be Sealed in Nevada?
Certain convictions are permanently ineligible for record sealing under NRS 179.245, including:
- Certain violent offenses
- Most sexual offenses
- Crimes against children
- Felony DUI convictions
- Other specific offenses listed in NRS 179.245
Cases with pending criminal charges are also not eligible until the charges are resolved.
Why Do People Seal Their Nevada Criminal Records?
Record sealing is most commonly pursued for:
- Employment — most private employers cannot see a sealed record in a standard background check
- Housing — landlords conducting background checks generally cannot access sealed records
- Professional licensing — licensing boards treat sealed records more favorably than active convictions
- Background check improvement — the record is removed from most public searches
- Personal freedom — Nevada law allows you to legally answer “no” on most applications about sealed matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I seal my criminal record in Nevada?
Yes. Many Nevada criminal convictions are eligible for sealing under NRS 179.245 once all sentencing requirements are completed and the required waiting period has passed. Eligibility depends on offense type, sentence completion, and whether any new charges are pending.
How long do I have to wait to seal my record in Nevada?
Waiting periods depend on the offense. Most misdemeanors require 1 to 2 years; Category B, C, or D felonies generally require 5 years; and arrests without conviction are eligible immediately. A case review can confirm the exact waiting period for your offense.
Is Nevada record sealing the same as expungement?
Nevada does not use the term expungement for adult criminal records — the process is called record sealing. The practical effect is similar: when a record is sealed, it is removed from most public background checks and treated as confidential for most purposes.
Can a felony be sealed in Nevada?
Many felony convictions are eligible for sealing under NRS 179.245 after the applicable waiting period. Certain offenses — including most sexual offenses, crimes against children, and felony DUI — are permanently excluded from sealing.
Can an arrest without a conviction be sealed in Nevada?
Yes — and immediately. Under NRS 179.255, arrests that did not result in a conviction because charges were dismissed, prosecution was declined, or you were acquitted are eligible for sealing right away with no waiting period required.
Does Nevada record sealing erase my record?
No. Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not erase it. The record still exists and remains accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies, but is not visible in most public or employer background checks.
What records cannot be sealed in Nevada?
Permanently excluded records include certain violent offenses, most sexual offenses, crimes against children, felony DUI, and other specific offenses listed in NRS 179.245.
How do I find out if I qualify to seal my Nevada record?
Eligibility depends on your specific offense, sentence completion, and waiting period. The fastest way to confirm is a free case review by a Nevada record sealing attorney.
Find Out If Your Nevada Record Qualifies to Be Sealed — Free Case Review
Eligibility depends on your specific offense, sentence completion, and waiting period under Nevada law. Our Law Firm offers a free case review to determine whether your record qualifies for sealing under NRS Chapter 179.
← How the Nevada Record Sealing Process Works
← What Record Sealing Does to Your Nevada Record
← Nevada Record Sealing Cost & Timeline
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.
