How much does expungement cost in Michigan?

The state filing fee is $50, payable by money order or cashier's check. Additional costs include fingerprinting ($10–$25) and certified copies of convictions (varies by court). If you hire an attorney, fees typically range from $500 to $3,500. Fee waivers are available through Form MC 20 for those with financial hardship. The Michigan Attorney General's office and legal aid organizations offer free assistance.

How long does the expungement process take in Michigan?

The application-based process typically takes 3–8 months from filing to final court decision. Courts usually schedule hearings 45–90 days after filing, though busy courts may take up to 160 days. Automatic expungement under the Clean Slate program requires no action — the Michigan State Police system checks for eligible convictions daily.

What is Michigan's Clean Slate automatic expungement?

Launched April 11, 2023, Michigan's Clean Slate program automatically sets aside eligible convictions without any application or fee. Eligible misdemeanors are cleared after 7 years and felonies after 10 years, provided there are no new convictions. You can check your record through Michigan ICHAT to see if your conviction was automatically expunged.

Can a felony be expunged in Michigan?

Yes. By application, up to 3 felony convictions can be set aside after a 5-year waiting period (for a single felony) or 7-year waiting period (for multiple felonies). Felonies punishable by life imprisonment, most criminal sexual conduct offenses, and certain other serious offenses are not eligible. Up to 2 felonies can also be automatically expunged after 10 years under Clean Slate.

Does expungement restore gun rights in Michigan?

It depends on the offense. Under Michigan law, a person whose felony conviction has been set aside may not be denied a concealed pistol license solely based on that conviction. Under federal law (27 CFR § 478.11), an expunged or set-aside conviction generally does not disqualify you from firearm ownership unless the expungement expressly maintains a firearm prohibition. However, certain offenses (such as domestic violence) may carry permanent federal firearm prohibitions regardless of state-level expungement.

Will an expunged record show up on a background check in Michigan?

For most standard employment and housing background checks, no — a set-aside conviction becomes a nonpublic record. However, law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and the governor can still access the record. Certain government positions and professional licenses (such as law enforcement) may also require disclosure of set-aside convictions.

What is the difference between application-based and automatic expungement in Michigan?

Application-based expungement requires filing Form MC 227, paying a $50 fee, getting fingerprinted, and attending a court hearing — but has shorter waiting periods (3–7 years) and higher conviction limits (up to 3 felonies, unlimited misdemeanors). Automatic set aside under Clean Slate requires no action but has longer waiting periods (7 years for misdemeanors, 10 for felonies) and lower limits (up to 2 felonies and 4 misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or more; misdemeanors punishable by 92 days or less are unlimited). Serious misdemeanors, assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, and offenses punishable by 10 or more years are never set aside automatically. Many people benefit from applying rather than waiting for automatic relief.

Michigan (MI) — Expungement & Record Clearing

Yes, you can clear your criminal record in Michigan through the set aside process under MCL 780.621. Michigan's Clean Slate laws allow you to petition to set aside up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors, with waiting periods of 3–7 years depending on the offense. The filing fee is $50, and the process takes 3–8 months. Since April 2023, Michigan also offers automatic expungement clearing eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and felonies after 10 years with no application needed. One first-offense DUI/OWI (by application only), marijuana offenses, and most traffic violations are also eligible. Life-maximum felonies, most sex offenses, and traffic offenses causing injury or death are not eligible, and offenses involving death or injury are never set aside automatically. Once set aside, your record becomes nonpublic and will not appear on most background checks. Below is the full guide with eligibility, step-by-step process, costs, automatic expungement details, and FAQ.

Prepare questions about a record-clearing process

Last updated: 2026-10-12

Overview

Michigan uses the term "set aside" rather than expungement. Under the Clean Slate laws (effective April 11, 2021, with automatic expungement beginning April 11, 2023), eligible convictions can be set aside either by petition or automatically.

Official term: Set Aside (MCL 780.621) — Michigan officially calls the process "setting aside" a conviction. The record is not destroyed — it becomes a nonpublic record accessible only to law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and the governor.

What can be cleared in Michigan, by record type

Checked against the statutes and official court or agency pages on 2026-10-12. Informational only, not legal advice — the exact offense, sentence, dates and later cases decide whether a particular record qualifies.

Michigan's legal term is "setting aside" a conviction (Setting Aside Convictions Act, 1965 PA 213, MCL 780.621 et seq.); the Michigan Attorney General treats "set aside," "expungement," and "Clean Slate" as the same thing. A set-aside conviction is removed from public view: by law the person is treated as not previously convicted (with exceptions), and the Michigan State Police keep a nonpublic record that only courts, judicial-branch agencies, the Department of Corrections, law enforcement, prosecutors, the Attorney General, and the Governor can see, and only for specific purposes. Relief can come by application to the convicting court, or automatically under the Clean Slate law (MCL 780.621g). Juvenile adjudications are "set aside" under the Probate (Juvenile) Code, MCL 712A.18e and 712A.18t. Arrests that do not lead to conviction are handled separately: under MCL 28.243 the biometric data (fingerprints) and arrest card are destroyed and the arrest is removed from ICHAT, Michigan's public criminal-history search.

Sources: Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Assistance (Helping You Understand Michigan’s Clean Slate Laws); MCL 780.622 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 2(1)); MCL 780.623 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 3(2))

Arrest or charge with no conviction

Generally availableAutomatic relief exists

Remedy: Destruction of biometric data and arrest card / removal from ICHAT and expungement of the arrest record (MCL 28.243); court motion on SCAO form MC 235 if agencies fail to destroy
Waiting period: None. For charges dismissed before trial, full expungement follows if the prosecutor agrees or if neither the prosecutor nor the judge objects within 60 days after the dismissal order.

If someone is released without being charged, or is found not guilty, the law requires the fingerprints (biometric data) and arrest card to be destroyed. If charges are dismissed before trial, the arrest is removed from ICHAT. The arrest record, fingerprints, and LEIN entry are then expunged if the prosecutor agrees, or if neither the prosecutor nor the judge objects within 60 days of the dismissal order. If an agency fails to do this, a person can file a motion with the court on form MC 235.

For people found not guilty, the destruction requirement does not apply to anyone arraigned for certain offenses, including crimes with or against a child under 16, rape, and criminal sexual conduct in any degree (dismissals before trial follow the separate dismissal rule)
It also does not apply to a person with a prior conviction (other than a misdemeanor traffic offense) unless a judge orders destruction
Fingerprints are not destroyed when a case is dismissed after a deferral, such as MCL 333.7411 (first-offense drug possession) or HYTA (MCL 762.14); those records stay as nonpublic records

Sources: MCL 28.243 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 3(7); § 3(8)(a); § 3(8)(b); § 3(8)(b)(i)-(ii); +3 more); Michigan State Police - Search, Expunge, Modify, or Update Criminal History Records (Destruction of fingerprints); SCAO Form MC 235, Motion for Destruction of Biometric Data and Arrest Record (Rev. 1/21) (Use note)

Misdemeanor conviction

Generally availableAutomatic relief exists

Remedy: Set aside by application (MCL 780.621, 780.621d; form MC 227) and automatic set aside under Clean Slate (MCL 780.621g)
Waiting period: By application: 3 years for most misdemeanors and 5 years for a serious misdemeanor, counted from sentencing or the end of probation or jail, whichever is later. The person must have no new convictions during that time. Automatic: 7 years after the sentence was imposed.

By application, a person may ask the convicting court to set aside any number of misdemeanors, as long as they have no more than 3 felonies in total and no more than 2 assaultive crimes are set aside in their lifetime. The court decides at its discretion. Automatic set aside happens without an application 7 years after sentencing. There is no limit on the number of misdemeanors punishable by 92 days or less. Misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or more are capped at 4 in a lifetime, and the person must have no pending charges and no new convictions during the 7 years.

Automatic set aside does not apply to assaultive crimes, serious misdemeanors, or offenses whose elements involve a minor, vulnerable adult, injury or serious impairment, or death (these may still be eligible by application)
Automatic set aside of 93-day-or-more misdemeanors does not apply to anyone with more than 1 assaultive-crime conviction
OWI convictions (except one first-offense OWI by application), traffic offenses causing injury or death, and CDL-related traffic offenses
Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (MCL 750.520e) if convicted on or after January 12, 2015
No more than 2 assaultive-crime convictions can be set aside in a lifetime

Sources: MCL 780.621 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1(1)(a); § 1(1)(b)); MCL 780.621d (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1d(3); § 1d(2); § 1d(4)(b)-(c); § 1d(13)-(14)); MCL 780.621g (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1g(1); § 1g(4); § 1g(5); § 1g(6); +3 more); MCL 780.621c (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1c(1)(d)(ii)-(iii); § 1c(1)(d)(i); § 1c(1)(c); § 1c(2)); Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Assistance (Waiting Periods)

Felony conviction

Generally availableSome automatic relief

Remedy: Set aside by application (MCL 780.621, 780.621d; form MC 227) and automatic set aside under Clean Slate (MCL 780.621g)
Waiting period: By application: 5 years for one felony and 7 years for more than one, counted from the latest of sentencing, end of probation, discharge from parole, or end of imprisonment. Automatic: 10 years after sentencing or after release from Department of Corrections imprisonment, whichever is later.

A person with no more than 3 felony convictions in total may apply to the convicting court to set aside their convictions. Only one felony for the same offense punishable by more than 10 years can be set aside, and no more than 2 assaultive crimes in a lifetime. The court decides at its discretion. Up to 2 felonies in a lifetime can be set aside automatically 10 years after sentencing or release from state prison, whichever is later. This applies only to felonies outside the excluded categories, and only if the person has no pending charges and no new convictions during the waiting period.

Felonies with a maximum of life imprisonment, and attempts
Certain criminal sexual conduct and child abuse offenses (e.g., MCL 750.520c, 750.520d, 750.520g, 750.136b(3)), and 4th-degree CSC if convicted on or after January 12, 2015
Felony domestic violence when the person has a prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction
Human trafficking offenses and offenses under MCL 750.543a to 750.543z
Traffic offenses causing injury or death, CDL-related traffic offenses, and OWI (except one first-offense OWI by application)
Automatic set aside does not cover assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, offenses punishable by 10 or more years, offenses whose elements involve a minor, vulnerable adult, injury or serious impairment, or death, or anyone with more than 1 assaultive-crime conviction

Sources: MCL 780.621 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1(1)(a); § 1(1)(b); § 1(1)(c)); MCL 780.621d (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1d(1); § 1d(2); § 1d(2)(a)-(d); § 1d(4)(b)-(c)); MCL 780.621c (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1c(1)(a); § 1c(1)(b); § 1c(1)(c); § 1c(1)(e); +2 more); MCL 780.621g (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1g(2)(a); § 1g(5); § 1g(6); § 1g(7); +3 more); Michigan State Police - Michigan Clean Slate (FAQ 2)

DUI / DWI conviction

Limited

Remedy: Set aside by application of one "first violation operating while intoxicated offense" (MCL 780.621c(3), 780.621d(2); added by 2021 PA 78 and 79, effective February 19, 2022)
Waiting period: 5 years after sentencing, completion of probation, discharge from parole, or completion of imprisonment, whichever is latest. No new convictions are allowed during that time.

OWI convictions generally cannot be set aside. The one exception: a person may apply once in a lifetime to set aside one first-offense OWI, meaning one committed when they had no prior OWI convictions. The court may deny the application if it is not convinced the person took part in or benefited from rehabilitative or educational programming. An OWI is never set aside automatically under Clean Slate. A set aside also does not remove the conviction from the Secretary of State driving record.

Second or subsequent OWI convictions
Any traffic offense that causes injury or death
Traffic offenses committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle with a CDL endorsement, or that are otherwise commercial motor vehicle violations
Only one first-offense OWI can be set aside in a lifetime
Never set aside automatically under MCL 780.621g
The conviction stays on the Secretary of State driving record

Sources: MCL 780.621c (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1c(1)(d)(i); § 1c(3); § 1c(4); § 1c(5); +1 more); MCL 780.621 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1(4)(d)); MCL 780.621d (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1d(2); § 1d(2)(a)-(d)); SCAO Form MC 227, Application to Set Aside Conviction(s) (Rev. 3/25), with instructions (Item 2.c); Michigan State Police - Michigan Clean Slate (Criteria for Automatic Set Aside (exclusions)); Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Assistance (First-Time Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)); 2021 Public Act 78 (Enrolled HB 4219) (Header); 2021 Public Act 79 (Enrolled HB 4220) (Header)

Drug possession conviction

Generally availableSome automatic relief

Remedy: Set aside by application (MCL 780.621) or automatically (MCL 780.621g); misdemeanor marijuana set aside by application (MCL 780.621e, form MC 227a); first-offense deferral and dismissal (MCL 333.7411)
Waiting period: Same as for other misdemeanors and felonies. No waiting period for a misdemeanor marijuana set aside under MCL 780.621e.

Simple possession is set aside under the general rules. Possessing less than 25 grams of a schedule 1 or 2 narcotic is a 4-year felony, and possessing marijuana is a 1-year misdemeanor, so both follow the felony or misdemeanor rules above. Misdemeanor marijuana convictions for conduct that would not be a crime after December 6, 2018 have their own application process. The law presumes the conduct is now legal, and if the prosecutor does not answer within 60 days, the court must set the conviction aside within 21 days. There is no waiting period and no fingerprints or State Police fee are needed, but this route is not automatic. First-time possession defendants may also receive a deferral under MCL 333.7411. If they complete it, the case is dismissed without a conviction and the State Police keep only a nonpublic record.

Possession of 1,000 grams or more of a schedule 1 or 2 narcotic (life maximum) cannot be set aside
Possession offenses punishable by 10 or more years (e.g., 50 grams or more of a schedule 1 or 2 narcotic) are not eligible for automatic set aside. By application, only one felony for the same offense punishable by more than 10 years can be set aside
A 7411 deferral can be used only once, and a deferred-and-dismissed case counts as a misdemeanor conviction when deciding set-aside eligibility

Sources: MCL 333.7403 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 7403(2)(a)(v); § 7403(2)(d); § 7403(2)(a)(i); § 7403(2)(a)(iii)); MCL 780.621e (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1e(1); § 1e(4); § 1e(5); § 1e(7)); SCAO Form MC 227, Application to Set Aside Conviction(s) (Rev. 3/25), with instructions (Use note); Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Frequently Asked Questions (Do I have to wait before I can ask to clear my minor marijuana crime?; Will I need to submit my fingerprints or a fee to the Michigan State Police?; Can other crimes on my record stop me from clearing my minor marijuana crime?); MCL 333.7411 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 7411(1); § 7411(3)); MCL 780.621 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1(2); § 1(1)(c)); MCL 780.621c (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1c(1)(a)); MCL 780.621g (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1g(10)(d)-(f))

Juvenile record

Generally availableAutomatic relief exists

Remedy: Automatic set aside of juvenile adjudications (MCL 712A.18t, in effect since December 30, 2023) and set aside by application (MCL 712A.18e)
Waiting period: Automatic: 2 years after court supervision ends or at age 18, whichever is later. By application: 1 year after the court's jurisdiction ends.

Most juvenile adjudications are set aside automatically 2 years after court supervision ends or when the person turns 18, whichever is later. There is no limit on how many can be cleared this way, and prosecutors cannot contest an automatic set aside. For adjudications that are not set aside automatically, a person with no adult felony convictions may apply. By application they can clear up to 1 felony-level and 2 misdemeanor-level adjudications, or up to 3 misdemeanor-level adjudications if none is felony-level. Since January 1, 2021, juvenile court records are not open to the general public.

Offenses that would carry a life maximum if committed by an adult
Automatic set aside does not apply to "specified juvenile violations" (MCL 712A.2(a)(1)(A)-(I)) or to violations of MCL 750.81a, 750.82, 750.90, 750.136b, 750.321, 750.322, 750.397, 750.411h, 750.411i, 750.520d, 750.520g, or 750.543k
Application route: no adult felony convictions, and limits on the number of adjudications
Traffic adjudications stay on the Secretary of State driving record

Sources: MCL 712A.18t (Michigan Legislature) (§ 18t(1); § 18t(2); § 18t(3); § 18t(10)); SCAO memorandum, Juvenile Automatic Set Asides (May 16, 2023, rev. Nov. 7, 2023) (Automatic Set Asides); SCAO memorandum, Juvenile Automatic Set Aside Updates (Nov. 16, 2023) (Update #1); MCL 712A.18e (Michigan Legislature) (§ 18e(1); § 18e(2)(a); § 18e(3)); MCL 712A.28 (Michigan Legislature) (§ 28(3))

Filing and processing fees

Application set aside (adult): a $50.00 fee payable to the State of Michigan goes to the Michigan State Police with the copy of the application, by money order or check. The Attorney General describes it as the $50 processing fee. Certified conviction records and fingerprinting may cost extra, and those amounts vary locally. Misdemeanor marijuana applications under MCL 780.621e do not go to the State Police and need no fingerprints or MSP fee. Juvenile set-aside applications have no MSP processing fee. Automatic set aside requires no application. Optional record checks: ICHAT name search $10 per search, and a fingerprint-based personal record check (which shows public and nonpublic information) $30.

Sources: MCL 780.621d (Michigan Legislature) (§ 1d(9)); SCAO Form MC 227, Application to Set Aside Conviction(s) (Rev. 3/25), with instructions (Instructions, item 9; Instructions, item 4; Instructions, item 8); Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Frequently Asked Questions (Is there a fee to file an Expungement?; Will I need to submit my fingerprints or a fee to the Michigan State Police?); Michigan State Police - Conviction Set Aside Public Information (Procedure to Set Aside a Conviction); Michigan Department of Attorney General - Expungement Assistance (Automatic Expungements: Michigan Clean Slate); Michigan State Police - Find out what remains on your record (Options)

How Michigan's automatic Clean Slate relief works and how to check its status →

Routes and conditions to check

✓Up to 3 felony convictions (application-based)
✓Unlimited misdemeanor convictions (application-based)
✓Up to 2 assaultive crime convictions (lifetime limit)
✓One first-offense OWI/DUI by application only (5-year waiting period; never automatic)
✓Misdemeanor marijuana convictions for conduct now legal under recreational marijuana law (no waiting period)
✓Most traffic offenses (except those causing injury/death or CDL violations)
✓Multiple offenses within 24 hours of the same incident may count as one conviction
✓Human trafficking victims may petition to set aside prostitution-related convictions

Exclusions and limits to check

✗Felonies punishable by life imprisonment (e.g., first-degree murder)
✗Most criminal sexual conduct offenses (CSC 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
✗Child abuse in the first or second degree
✗Felony domestic violence with a prior misdemeanor DV conviction
✗Traffic offenses causing injury or death
✗Commercial driver's license (CDL) violations
✗Human trafficking offenses
✗Multiple OWI/DUI convictions (only first offense eligible)
✗More than 3 felony convictions total
✗More than 2 assaultive crime convictions (lifetime)

Waiting Periods

Non-serious misdemeanors (application)	3 years after sentencing, imprisonment, or probation completion
Serious misdemeanors or 1 felony (application)	5 years after sentencing, probation, parole, or imprisonment completion
First-offense OWI/DUI (application)	5 years after sentencing or completion of probation, parole, or imprisonment, whichever is latest (no new convictions during that time)
Multiple felonies (up to 3) (application)	7 years after sentencing, probation, parole, or imprisonment completion
Misdemeanor marijuana convictions (application)	No waiting period if conduct is now legal
Misdemeanors 93+ days max sentence (automatic)	7 years after sentencing with no new convictions
Felonies (automatic)	10 years after sentencing or release from prison, whichever is later

Step-by-Step Process

Determine eligibility

Verify your conviction qualifies under MCL 780.621, check your criminal history through Michigan ICHAT, and confirm you have met the required waiting period. You must have no pending criminal charges.

Obtain certified records

Get a certified copy of each conviction from the clerk of the court where you were convicted. Note the exact charge, case number, conviction date, and sentence completion date.

Get fingerprinted

Go to your local law enforcement agency and get fingerprinted on an applicant fingerprint card (RI-008). Most agencies charge $10–$25 per card.

Complete Form MC 227

Fill out the Application to Set Aside Conviction(s) (Form MC 227). You must swear to the truth of the statements and sign the form before a court clerk or notary public.

File application and pay fee

Make five copies of the completed Form MC 227 and all attachments (including the certified conviction record) and take all copies to the court clerk. Pay the $50 application fee (money order or cashier's check payable to the State of Michigan).

Send copies to Michigan State Police

Mail a copy of the application, the $50 fee, and the fingerprint card to Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, PO Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909.

Attend the court hearing

The court schedules a hearing typically 45–90 days after filing (up to 160 days in busy courts). The judge considers the nature of the offense, your criminal history, post-conviction conduct, and reasons for seeking relief. The prosecutor may object.

Receive the court order

If granted, the court issues an Order Setting Aside Conviction (Form MC 228). Michigan State Police updates your record to nonpublic status. If denied, you generally must wait 3 years from the denial before filing again for the same conviction(s), unless the judge's order sets an earlier date.

Automatic Expungement (Clean Slate Act)

Michigan's Clean Slate automatic expungement, launched April 11, 2023, sets aside eligible convictions automatically. The Michigan State Police system runs daily, checking the Criminal Historical Record database for newly eligible convictions. No petition, application, or fee is required.

Scenario	Timing and conditions
Misdemeanors with max sentence of 92 days or less	7 years after sentencing (unlimited number eligible)
Misdemeanors with max sentence of 93+ days	7 years after sentencing (up to 4 convictions)
Felony convictions	10 years after sentencing or release from prison, whichever is later (up to 2 convictions)

Costs

Filing fee: $50 application fee (money order or cashier's check to State of Michigan)
Fee waiver: Fee waiver available through Michigan courts Form MC 20 for those who qualify based on financial hardship
Attorney (optional): $500–$3,500 typical range (optional but recommended for complex cases)

Additional costs include fingerprinting ($10–$25) and certified copies of convictions (varies by court). The Michigan Attorney General's office provides free expungement assistance. Legal aid organizations such as Michigan Legal Help and Lakeshore Legal Aid also offer free services.

Timeline

With attorney: 3–6 months
Standard: Up to 8 months

After filing, courts typically schedule a hearing within 45–90 days (up to 160 days in busy jurisdictions). The Michigan State Police may take up to 2 months to process the Criminal History Report. Automatic expungements require no action and happen on a rolling basis.

Effects of the relief

✓Makes the conviction record nonpublic — no longer visible on standard background checks
✓Allows you to legally deny the conviction on job, housing, and school applications
✓Improves employment prospects (studies show a 23% average wage increase within one year)
✓Removes barriers to housing and educational opportunities
✓May restore firearm rights under both state and federal law (depending on the offense)

Limits of the relief

✗Does NOT destroy the record — it remains on a nonpublic file accessible to law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and the governor
✗Does NOT release you from paying fines, costs, fees, or restitution still owed
✗Does NOT prevent the conviction from being used to charge a crime as a second or subsequent offense
✗Does NOT prevent prosecutors from using it in plea bargaining or sentencing for future offenses
✗Does NOT prevent its use in future set-aside applications or pardon decisions
✗Does NOT protect against civil lawsuits by crime victims
✗Does NOT end sex offender registration: a set-aside listed offense still counts as a conviction under the Sex Offenders Registration Act
✗Does NOT automatically restore all gun rights — federal prohibitions may still apply depending on the offense

Other Relief Options in Michigan

Governor's Pardon

Filed through the Michigan Parole Board. The governor has constitutional power to grant pardons, which erase the conviction entirely. The Parole Board will not process a pardon application if expungement is available as a remedy. Typically reserved for cases where set aside is not an option.

Governor's Commutation

Replaces the original sentence with a less severe one. Also filed through the Michigan Parole Board. Does not erase the conviction but can reduce or end imprisonment.

Michigan Attorney General Expungement Assistance

The Michigan AG's office provides free assistance with the expungement process, including eligibility review and help preparing applications. Available at michigan.gov/ag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does expungement cost in Michigan?: The state filing fee is $50, payable by money order or cashier's check. Additional costs include fingerprinting ($10–$25) and certified copies of convictions (varies by court). If you hire an attorney, fees typically range from $500 to $3,500. Fee waivers are available through Form MC 20 for those with financial hardship. The Michigan Attorney General's office and legal aid organizations offer free assistance.
How long does the expungement process take in Michigan?: The application-based process typically takes 3–8 months from filing to final court decision. Courts usually schedule hearings 45–90 days after filing, though busy courts may take up to 160 days. Automatic expungement under the Clean Slate program requires no action — the Michigan State Police system checks for eligible convictions daily.
What is Michigan's Clean Slate automatic expungement?: Launched April 11, 2023, Michigan's Clean Slate program automatically sets aside eligible convictions without any application or fee. Eligible misdemeanors are cleared after 7 years and felonies after 10 years, provided there are no new convictions. You can check your record through Michigan ICHAT to see if your conviction was automatically expunged.
Can a felony be expunged in Michigan?: Yes. By application, up to 3 felony convictions can be set aside after a 5-year waiting period (for a single felony) or 7-year waiting period (for multiple felonies). Felonies punishable by life imprisonment, most criminal sexual conduct offenses, and certain other serious offenses are not eligible. Up to 2 felonies can also be automatically expunged after 10 years under Clean Slate.
Can a DUI or OWI be expunged in Michigan?: Yes, but only one first-offense OWI in your lifetime, and only by application. You must wait 5 years after sentencing or completion of probation, parole, or jail, whichever is latest, with no new convictions. The court may deny the application if it is not convinced you took part in or benefited from rehabilitative or educational programming. OWIs causing injury or death, CDL violations, and second or later OWIs are not eligible. OWI convictions are never set aside automatically under Clean Slate, and a set aside does not remove the OWI from your Secretary of State driving record.
Does expungement restore gun rights in Michigan?: It depends on the offense. Under Michigan law, a person whose felony conviction has been set aside may not be denied a concealed pistol license solely based on that conviction. Under federal law (27 CFR § 478.11), an expunged or set-aside conviction generally does not disqualify you from firearm ownership unless the expungement expressly maintains a firearm prohibition. However, certain offenses (such as domestic violence) may carry permanent federal firearm prohibitions regardless of state-level expungement.
Will an expunged record show up on a background check in Michigan?: For most standard employment and housing background checks, no — a set-aside conviction becomes a nonpublic record. However, law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and the governor can still access the record. Certain government positions and professional licenses (such as law enforcement) may also require disclosure of set-aside convictions.
What is the difference between application-based and automatic expungement in Michigan?: Application-based expungement requires filing Form MC 227, paying a $50 fee, getting fingerprinted, and attending a court hearing — but has shorter waiting periods (3–7 years) and higher conviction limits (up to 3 felonies, unlimited misdemeanors). Automatic set aside under Clean Slate requires no action but has longer waiting periods (7 years for misdemeanors, 10 for felonies) and lower limits (up to 2 felonies and 4 misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or more; misdemeanors punishable by 92 days or less are unlimited). Serious misdemeanors, assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, and offenses punishable by 10 or more years are never set aside automatically. Many people benefit from applying rather than waiting for automatic relief.

Take Action — Direct Links

Download Form MC 227 (Application to Set Aside Conviction)
Official Michigan SCAO form to petition the court to set aside (expunge) an adult criminal conviction.
Request Your Criminal Record (Michigan ICHAT)
Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) — search public criminal history records online ($10 per search).
Find Free Legal Help (Michigan Legal Help)
Michigan Legal Help self-help guide and do-it-yourself tools for setting aside adult criminal convictions, plus links to free legal aid organizations.
Michigan Courts Self-Help: Expungement
Step-by-step guide from Michigan Legal Help covering eligibility, forms, filing instructions, and the court hearing process for expungement.
MCL § 780.621 — Full Statute Text
Official full text of Michigan Compiled Laws Section 780.621 (setting aside convictions) on the Michigan Legislature website.