Guides
Practical record-clearing guides.
Short, direct answers for the questions people ask before they start an expungement, sealing, restriction, vacation, or background-check cleanup workflow.
Best tools and comparison guides
Answer-first listicles and side-by-side comparisons for people choosing between software, lawyers, legal aid, DIY filing, dispute tools, and broker opt-outs.
Comparison guide
Expungement lawyer vs software
Software can be a strong fit for straightforward, user-driven record-clearing workflows. A lawyer is better for complex, contested, unusual, or high-risk cases.
Read guideBest dispute services
Best background-check dispute services and resources compared
The best dispute service depends on the error and stakes. Clean My Past helps draft and track documented disputes, CRA portals handle direct submission, CFPB complaints help escalate, and FCRA attorneys are best for serious harm or repeated errors.
Read guideCRA comparison
Checkr vs HireRight vs Sterling: how their dispute processes differ
Checkr, HireRight, and Sterling all must handle proper FCRA disputes, but their portals, report formats, candidate-support workflows, and employer contexts differ. Use the CRA named in your notice and dispute the exact item with evidence.
Read guideCFPB complaint examples
Best CFPB complaint examples for background-check disputes
A strong CFPB complaint for a background-check dispute is factual, evidence-backed, and specific about the correction requested. It should not be a general complaint about being denied a job or platform account.
Read guideGig app comparison
Gig app background checks compared: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, Flex and Spark
Gig app background checks differ by platform, role, state, and CRA, but the response workflow is similar: get the adverse-action notice, download the report, dispute inaccuracies with the CRA, and ask the platform about reconsideration.
Read guideGig app denial
Best next steps after a gig-app background-check denial
After a gig-app background-check denial, get the report, identify the exact problem, dispute inaccuracies with the CRA, ask the platform about reconsideration, and check record-clearing options if the record is accurate.
Read guideRideshare comparison
Uber vs Lyft background checks: what is different and what is the same
Uber and Lyft background checks are similar because both focus on rider safety, driving history, and criminal records, but their platform policies, timing, and support workflows can differ. Dispute report errors with the CRA, not just the app.
Read guideWarehouse and delivery checks
Warehouse and delivery employer background checks compared
Warehouse and delivery background checks usually focus on role-related risk: theft, violence, fraud, safety, and driving history. Package-handler or warehouse roles may be more accessible than driving or customer-facing roles, but every employer controls its own criteria.
Read guideMugshot removal comparison
Free vs paid mugshot removal: what actually works
Free mugshot cleanup can work when the issue is a broker profile, outdated Google result, or report error with clear evidence. Paid help may save time, but it cannot guarantee removal from courts, news sites, Google, or every data broker.
Read guideRecord-clearing terms
Set-aside vs vacate vs seal vs expunge: what the terms actually do
Expunge, seal, vacate, set aside, restrict, nondisclose, and limited access are not interchangeable. Each term comes from state law and controls who can see the record, what the court record says, and what proof you can use with background-check companies.
Read guideBest cleanup services
Best background check cleanup services compared
The best background-check cleanup option depends on the problem: use software for organized FCRA disputes and record-clearing workflows, a lawyer for complex legal risk, legal aid for free help if available, and broker opt-outs for people-search exposure.
Read guideBest expungement tools
Best expungement software and DIY record-clearing tools
The best expungement tool depends on case complexity. Clean My Past is built for guided software-fit workflows in supported states, court self-help forms work for confident DIY filers, legal aid helps when available, and lawyers are best for complex or contested cases.
Read guideBest broker opt-out services
Best data-broker opt-out services for criminal-record cleanup
The best data-broker cleanup method depends on whether the problem is a people-search profile, a mugshot page, or a regulated background-check report. Broker opt-outs help with profiles; FCRA disputes are needed for inaccurate consumer reports.
Read guideBest FCRA resources
Best FCRA dispute resources for background-check errors
The best FCRA dispute resource depends on severity. Use the CRA portal or mail process for simple disputes, Clean My Past for organized dispute letters and tracking, CFPB resources for escalation, and an attorney for serious damages or repeated violations.
Read guideComparison guide
Clean My Past vs expungement lawyer vs legal aid vs DIY
Clean My Past is best for structured, software-fit workflows in supported states. Lawyers are best for advice and complex cases. Legal aid is best when available and you qualify. DIY is best for simple cases where you can confidently use official forms.
Read guideBest removal methods
Best ways to remove a criminal record from a background check
The best way to remove a criminal record from a background check is to match the method to the problem: state record clearing for accurate eligible records, FCRA disputes for inaccurate or stale reports, broker opt-outs for people-search exposure, and attorney help for complex legal risk.
Read guideFailed background checks and FCRA disputes
What to do after an employment, tenant, platform, or licensing background check flags a record or reports the wrong information.
Sealed records
What to do when a sealed record still shows on a background check
If a sealed, expunged, restricted, or vacated record still appears on a private background check, start by saving the report, gathering the court evidence, and submitting a documented FCRA dispute.
Read guideBackground-check denial
Background check failed? What to do next
If a background check failed, do not guess at the reason. Get the adverse-action notice, download the exact consumer report, identify whether the report is inaccurate or the record is accurate but disqualifying, then either dispute the report under the FCRA or start the state-specific record-clearing path.
Read guideCheckr dispute
How to dispute a Checkr background check
To dispute a Checkr report, log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal, open the completed report, select the disputed item, submit a clear explanation with evidence, save proof of submission, and track the reinvestigation deadline.
Read guideHireRight dispute
How to dispute a HireRight background check
To dispute HireRight, use the applicant center or the dispute instructions in the report, identify each inaccurate item, attach evidence, save the case number, and ask the employer to keep your file open while HireRight reinvestigates.
Read guideSterling dispute
How to dispute a Sterling background check
To dispute Sterling, use the dispute instructions in your report or Sterling's candidate support process, identify the exact inaccurate item, attach official evidence, save the submission proof, and notify the employer that a formal dispute is pending.
Read guideAdverse action
Adverse-action notice explained
An adverse-action notice means an employer, landlord, or platform may take negative action based at least partly on a consumer report. The notice should identify the CRA, provide access to the report, explain dispute rights, and give you a chance to correct inaccurate information before final action when required.
Read guideMixed-file errors
Mixed-file background check error: what it means
A mixed-file error happens when a background-check company matches someone else's record to your report. Dispute it immediately with identity evidence, address history, court records showing the other person, and a clear demand that the CRA delete the mismatched item.
Read guideDispute template
FCRA dispute letter template for background-check errors
A strong FCRA dispute letter identifies the consumer, the CRA report, the exact disputed item, why it is inaccurate or incomplete, the evidence attached, and the correction requested. Keep it factual and specific.
Read guideCFPB escalation
How to file a CFPB complaint about a background-check company
File a CFPB complaint after you have a documented dispute and the background-check company misses the deadline, ignores evidence, verifies an obviously wrong item, or will not provide required report information. The complaint should be factual, timeline-based, and attachment-backed.
Read guideDasher background check
DoorDash background check failed: what Dashers should do
If your DoorDash background check failed, get the Checkr report, confirm whether the problem is criminal history, driving history, identity, or stale cleared-record reporting, dispute errors through Checkr, and ask DoorDash to review the corrected report.
Read guideBackground-check errors
Most common background-check errors and how to fix each one
The most common background-check errors include mixed files, wrong disposition, duplicate records, stale sealed or expunged records, outdated non-convictions, wrong dates, and records that belong to another person. Each fix needs a precise FCRA dispute with evidence.
Read guideRecord clearing by remedy and record type
State-specific record-clearing explainers for expungement, sealing, set-aside, restriction, vacation, dismissed cases, DUI/DWI, marijuana records, misdemeanors, and juvenile records.
Cost guide
How much does expungement cost?
With Clean My Past, supported petition packages cost $49-$349, plus any separate court, fingerprinting, agency, or mailing fees. Lawyers commonly cost much more, especially for complex cases.
Read guideTimeline guide
How long does expungement take?
A software-guided record-clearing workflow can take minutes to screen, days to prepare, weeks to file, and months for court or agency processing. Background-check cleanup can add another 30-60 days.
Read guideDismissed cases
Why a dismissed case can still show on a background check
Dismissed cases can still appear because court records, state repositories, and private background-check databases update differently. A clearing order and FCRA dispute may both be needed.
Read guideDUI and DWI record clearing
How to clear a DUI or DWI from your record in supported states
DUI and DWI clearing depends heavily on state law, disposition, waiting period, and whether the record is a conviction. Some supported states offer limited relief for certain DUI/DWI records, while others leave the record visible or restrict only public access.
Read guideMarijuana record clearing
Marijuana expungement after legalization: what your state allows
Legalization does not automatically clear every marijuana record. Some states created specific marijuana expungement or sealing paths, while others require ordinary record-clearing eligibility or exclude certain conduct.
Read guideDismissed case cleanup
How to clear a dismissed case that still shows on a background check
A dismissed case may still show until the court record is sealed, expunged, restricted, or corrected and the background-check company updates its data. Start with the disposition, check state relief, then dispute inaccurate or outdated CRA reporting.
Read guideMisdemeanor cleanup
How to clear a misdemeanor: eligibility by state
Misdemeanor clearing depends on state law, offense type, disposition, waiting period, sentence completion, pending charges, and prior history. Many misdemeanors are more eligible than felonies, but domestic violence, DUI, sex offenses, and recent cases often need extra review.
Read guideJuvenile record sealing
Sealing a juvenile record as an adult
Juvenile records are not automatically invisible in every situation. Adults should confirm whether the juvenile case was sealed, expunged, or still accessible, then use the correct state process and dispute stale private reporting if needed.
Read guideFirearms and record clearing
Buying a firearm with a sealed or expunged record
A sealed or expunged record does not automatically restore firearm rights. Firearm eligibility depends on federal law, state law, conviction type, rights restoration, and the exact effect of the court order.
Read guideBackground-check timelines
How long does a misdemeanor stay on a background check?
A misdemeanor can stay on a background check for years and sometimes indefinitely if it remains public and legally reportable. The practical answer depends on the type of check, state reporting limits, disposition, and whether the record has been sealed, expunged, restricted, or vacated.
Read guidePennsylvania Clean Slate
Pennsylvania Clean Slate: how to check whether your record got sealed
Pennsylvania Clean Slate can seal certain eligible records automatically, but you should verify the court and PATCH status and then check private background reports. If a CRA still reports a sealed record inaccurately, dispute it with evidence.
Read guideUtah Clean Slate
Utah Clean Slate and automatic expungement: is your record included?
Utah Clean Slate can automatically expunge some eligible records, but many cases still require a BCI Certificate of Eligibility and court petition. Verify the record before assuming automation applied.
Read guideOnline reputation, mugshots, and data brokers
Cleanup workflows for Google results, people-search profiles, mugshot pages, arrest-result pages, and recurring data broker rechecks.
Mugshot cleanup
How to remove a mugshot from Google
Google usually does not delete a mugshot from the website hosting it. The strongest path is to remove or suppress the source page first, then ask Google to refresh or remove outdated search results. If the mugshot is tied to a sealed, expunged, restricted, or dismissed case, use the court evidence in broker opt-outs and FCRA disputes.
Read guidePeople-search removal
How to remove an arrest from Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages and people-search sites
People-search sites usually require their own opt-out or suppression process. Start with the exact profile URL, submit the broker's opt-out form, verify removal, then recheck later because profiles can reappear after database refreshes.
Read guideGoogle name search cleanup
My arrest is the first result when I Google my name: full cleanup playbook
If an arrest result is first for your name, treat it as a multi-track cleanup problem: remove or suppress source pages where possible, pursue record clearing if eligible, dispute inaccurate background-check reports, and build cleaner public profiles that search engines can understand.
Read guideData broker cleanup
The data brokers that publish arrest records and how to opt out
Many broker sites republish arrest or public-record data from court, jail, commercial, and scraped sources. The best workflow is to identify the broker profile, submit the broker's opt-out, verify suppression, then recheck because records can reappear.
Read guideJobs, housing, gig apps, and life consequences
Guides for renters, gig workers, warehouse and delivery applicants, licensing candidates, volunteers, travelers, immigrants, voters, and firearm-risk questions.
Gig platform denial
Uber background check denied: what to do next
If Uber denied you after a background check, get the Checkr report, identify whether the issue is inaccurate or accurate but disqualifying, dispute any report error through Checkr, and notify Uber that a dispute is pending. If the record is accurate, check state record-clearing options before reapplying.
Read guideGig platform appeal
Lyft background check appeal: dispute and reconsideration steps
A Lyft background-check appeal starts with the report. Download the Checkr report, dispute any inaccurate criminal or driving-record item with Checkr, then notify Lyft that the report is under formal dispute and request reconsideration after correction.
Read guideDelivery platforms
Gig delivery background check denied: Instacart, Flex, Spark and more
For gig delivery denials, first identify the CRA and report item. Many platforms use Checkr or another CRA, so a single documented dispute can help across multiple apps. Dispute inaccurate reporting, notify each platform, and use record-clearing for accurate eligible records.
Read guideMajor employers
Amazon, Walmart, Target and FedEx background checks
Amazon, Walmart, Target, and FedEx generally screen criminal history after a conditional stage and weigh the record against role duties, recency, and safety risk. Warehouse and non-driving roles are often more accessible than customer-facing, cash-handling, or driving roles. If the report is wrong, dispute the CRA report; if it is accurate, use record-clearing and a factual reconsideration package.
Read guideLicensing background checks
Background checks for nursing, teaching, real estate and CDL licenses
Professional licensing boards usually run deeper checks than ordinary employers. Many use fingerprint-based state and FBI checks, require self-disclosure, and apply fitness or moral-character standards. Record clearing can help with consumer reports and some board reviews, but it may not hide a sealed or expunged record from a licensing board.
Read guideHousing background checks
Renting an apartment with a criminal record: rights and strategy
A criminal record can affect rental screening, but landlords and tenant-screening companies still have legal limits. Get the tenant-screening report, dispute inaccurate or outdated records, prepare mitigation documents, and use record-clearing evidence when available.
Read guideImmigration and records
Criminal record and immigration: green card, citizenship and disclosure risk
Immigration is a high-risk area: sealing, expungement, set-aside, or dismissal may not erase immigration consequences or disclosure duties. Anyone applying for a green card, naturalization, visa, or immigration benefit should consult immigration counsel before relying on record clearing.
Read guideVoting rights
Voting after a felony: state-by-state restoration basics
Voting rights after a felony depend on state law and sentence status. Some states restore rights after release, some after completion of sentence, and some have additional requirements. Record clearing and voting-rights restoration are related but separate issues.
Read guideTravel and criminal records
Traveling internationally with a criminal record: Canada, EU and Mexico basics
International travel with a criminal record depends on destination rules, offense type, sentence, time passed, and disclosure requirements. Canada can treat some offenses as criminal inadmissibility issues even when the U.S. case is old or cleared.
Read guideSensitive background checks
Volunteer, hospital, school and caregiver background checks with a record
Volunteer, school, hospital, and caregiver checks can be broader than ordinary employment checks. They may include fingerprint checks, abuse registries, licensing rules, and child-safety criteria, so record clearing may help but does not guarantee approval.
Read guideClean Slate, timelines, costs, and reporting limits
Evergreen explainers for how long records show, how long filings take, what expungement costs, and why automatic Clean Slate laws may not finish private-report cleanup.
FCRA reporting limits
The FCRA 7-year rule explained and the states that limit reporting
The FCRA 7-year rule is not a universal rule that deletes all criminal records after 7 years. It mainly limits certain adverse non-conviction information in consumer reports, while convictions can be reported longer under federal law unless state law or another rule limits them.
Read guideClean Slate laws
Clean Slate laws by state: what gets cleared automatically and what does not
Clean Slate laws can automate some record clearing, but they do not cover every record and they do not guarantee private background-check databases update correctly. Many people still need eligibility verification, petition-based relief, or FCRA cleanup.
Read guideClean Slate gaps
Why Clean Slate does not always fix your background check
Clean Slate can change official court or repository access, but private background-check companies may keep stale data, miss updates, or report duplicates. A separate FCRA dispute may be needed after you confirm official relief.
Read guide