How Much Does an Expungement Cost in California? Court Fees and Other Costs

How much does an expungement cost in California? Filing the petition is free. Courts stopped charging for these petitions on July 10, 2023. However, you may still pay for a copy of your criminal record or court papers. To talk about your record, call me at (408) 417-0477 for a free consultation.

Reviewed by Allison Cole, Attorney | Last updated: October 29, 2026

How much does an expungement cost at the courthouse?

There is no filing fee for a California expungement petition. A 2023 law, AB 134, took effect on July 10, 2023. As a result, courts, counties, and cities lost the power to make petitioners reimburse their “actual costs.”

That change covers dismissals under PC 1203.4, 1203.41, and 1203.42. It also covers sealing under PC 1203.45 for misdemeanors committed before age 18. Before AB 134, the court, the city, and the county could each charge for their services. In fact, the current text of PC 1203.4 has no reimbursement provision.

Misdemeanors without probation follow PC 1203.4a. However, its old cost provision ended even earlier. Under PC 1465.9(b), those costs became uncollectible on January 1, 2022.

Felony reduction requests under PC 17(b) and Prop 47 generally carry no filing fee either. However, local practice can vary, so it’s worth confirming with the court first.

What else can add to the expungement cost?

The petition itself is free. Still, a few related costs may come up, depending on your case.

Getting your record from the DOJ (Live Scan)

Many people start by getting a copy of their own criminal record. That way, you can see every case and how each one ended. The California DOJ charges a $25 processing fee for this record review. The Live Scan site also charges its own fingerprinting fee. Also, that fee varies by provider.

You may qualify for a DOJ fee waiver. It covers the $25 DOJ fee if you receive public assistance, have low income, or have no income. However, the waiver doesn’t cover the Live Scan provider’s fee.

Court records and certified copies

In particular, older cases sometimes need copies of court records. For example, you may need the complaint or the sentencing minutes. Under the court fee statutes, clerks generally charge $0.50 per page for copies under Gov. Code 70627. In addition, a certified copy costs $40 under Gov. Code 70626. Finally, a records search over 10 minutes costs $15.

Also, courts may destroy some misdemeanor files after about five years. So an older case can take more work to rebuild.

Unpaid fines and restitution: do they add to the expungement cost?

Many people assume they must pay everything off first. However, that isn’t what the law says. Under PC 1203.4(c)(3), a petition “shall not be denied due to an unfulfilled order of restitution or restitution fine.” Also, unpaid restitution can’t be the reason a court finds that you failed probation.

The same rule appears in PC 1203.4a(e) and PC 1203.41(d). PC 1203.42(c) says it too. Still, a dismissal doesn’t simply erase what you owe a victim.

Good news may help here, too. Under PC 1465.9, many old court-imposed administrative costs are now uncollectible. Also, a restitution fine generally becomes uncollectible 10 years after the court imposed it. That rule doesn’t cover restitution owed to a victim. So you may owe less than you think.

Your time adds to the expungement cost

Your time matters too. First, the prosecutor gets 15 days’ notice of your petition. Then, if the prosecutor objects, the court may set a hearing. As a result, you may need time off work or travel to the county of your conviction.

When doing it yourself usually works

The court charges no filing fee whether you file on your own or with a lawyer. In fact, you can file the Judicial Council’s Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) yourself. Keep in mind that each case number generally needs its own petition.

A do-it-yourself petition often works well when:

• you have one misdemeanor;
• you completed probation with no violations;
• the case is in one county;
• your records are easy to get; and
• you have no licensing or immigration concerns.

Does that sound like you? My page on the petition to dismiss a conviction under PC 1203.4 explains the process.

When a lawyer may help with your expungement

A lawyer may help when your case is less simple. For example:

• Probation violations. The judge decides “in the interest of justice,” so the petition needs a strong showing.
• Jail or prison sentences. Relief under PC 1203.41 or 1203.42 has waiting periods of one or two years. It is also always discretionary.
• Several cases or counties. Each one generally needs its own filing.
• A prosecutor objection or hearing. In that case, you may want someone to argue for you.
• Combined relief. You might add reducing a felony to a misdemeanor under PC 17(b), Prop 47, or sealing an arrest record.
• Professional licensing. You must still disclose a dismissed conviction if a state or local license application asks about it directly.
• Immigration. A dismissal may not help in immigration matters, so talk with an immigration attorney.
• Firearms. A 1203.4 dismissal doesn’t restore gun rights.

Job seekers may also want to read about what a dismissed conviction shows on a background check.

Still not sure which path fits? Contact the office at (408) 417-0477.

Serving clients across California

Based on the Central Coast in Santa Cruz County, Allison Cole Law provides services statewide. From San Diego to Eureka, we are ready to assist you. Give us a call today at (408) 417-0477.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an expungement cost in California?

Filing an expungement petition in California is free. Since July 10, 2023, courts can’t charge for petitions under Penal Code 1203.4 and related sections. You may still pay for optional costs. These include a $25 DOJ record check, Live Scan fingerprinting, and court copies. A complex case may also call for a lawyer.

Is there a court filing fee to expunge a conviction?

No. A 2023 law, AB 134, repealed the costs that courts, counties, and cities could charge. It covers dismissal petitions under Penal Code 1203.4, 1203.41, and 1203.42. Before that, each could charge for its services. Some related services, such as certified copies of old court records, still have standard clerk fees.

Do I have to pay off fines and restitution before I apply?

Not to file. Under California law, unpaid restitution or a restitution fine can’t by itself justify denying your petition. However, a dismissal doesn’t cancel what you still owe. Many old administrative fees, such as certain probation costs, are no longer collectible. So you may owe less than you think.

Talk with me about your record

Clearing your record is a big step. Even so, cost shouldn’t stop you from learning your options. So how much does an expungement cost for your case? The answer depends on your record. For example, older cases may need extra copies.

Not sure whether you can do this yourself? Call the Law Office of Allison Cole at (408) 417-0477 for a free consultation. You can ask about your options, including dismissal, sealing, and felony reduction.

Disclaimer: This article is attorney advertising. It is general information, not legal advice, and reading it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and fees change; check with the court or an attorney about your case.