Wyoming (WY) — Expungement & Record Clearing
Yes, you can expunge certain criminal records in Wyoming. Misdemeanor convictions may be expunged after a 1-to-5-year waiting period under W.S. 7-13-1501 ($100 filing fee), and nonviolent felony convictions after 10 years under W.S. 7-13-1502 ($300 filing fee). Arrest records with no conviction can be expunged after 180 days at no cost. Wyoming limits you to one misdemeanor and one felony expungement in your lifetime. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, felony DUI, and firearm offenses are not eligible. Felony expungement restores rights lost due to the conviction. Below is the full guide with eligibility, step-by-step process, costs, timeline, and FAQ.
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Overview
Wyoming allows true expungement of certain criminal records, meaning the record is sealed from public view and the court files are placed under seal. Three separate statutes govern expungement: W.S. 7-13-1401 covers arrest records where no conviction resulted, W.S. 7-13-1501 covers misdemeanor convictions, and W.S. 7-13-1502 covers certain nonviolent felony convictions. Wyoming limits each person to one misdemeanor expungement and one felony expungement. Felony expungement also restores rights lost as a result of the conviction.
Official term: Expungement — Wyoming uses the term "expungement" in its statutes. Once granted, the court files are placed under seal and are only available for inspection by order of the court. Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement for criminal justice purposes.
Who qualifies
- ✓Arrest records where no conviction resulted (acquittal, charges dismissed, or no charges filed) — at least 180 days after arrest or dismissal (W.S. 7-13-1401)
- ✓Misdemeanor conviction where at least 5 years have passed since sentence completion for non-status offenses (W.S. 7-13-1501)
- ✓Misdemeanor conviction where at least 1 year has passed since sentence completion for status offenses (W.S. 7-13-1501)
- ✓Nonviolent felony conviction where at least 10 years have passed since sentence completion, including probation (W.S. 7-13-1502)
- ✓Felony petitioner has no other prior felony convictions (first felony offender only)
- ✓Felony petitioner has paid all court-ordered restitution in full
Who does not qualify
- ✗Misdemeanor involving the use or attempted use of a firearm
- ✗Misdemeanor conviction of a health care provider for sexual battery against a patient
- ✗Violent felonies as defined in W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii) — murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, aggravated burglary
- ✗Felonies involving the use or attempted use of a firearm
- ✗Sexual assault offenses and crimes against children
- ✗Felony DUI convictions
- ✗Drug distribution or manufacturing felonies
- ✗Bribery or perjury convictions
- ✗Person who has already received a prior expungement under the same statute (limited to one per statute)
Waiting Periods
| Arrest with no conviction (acquittal/dismissal/no charges) | 180 days after arrest or dismissal |
| Misdemeanor — status offense | 1 year after sentence completion (including probation) |
| Misdemeanor — non-status offense | 5 years after sentence completion (including probation) |
| Nonviolent felony conviction | 10 years after sentence completion (including probation) |
Step-by-Step Process
Determine eligibility
Confirm your conviction type qualifies, the required waiting period has passed since your sentence (including probation) was completed, and you have not previously received an expungement under the same statute. For felonies, confirm you have no other felony convictions and have paid all restitution.
Obtain your criminal records
Request your criminal history from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and obtain your court case records. You will need the case number(s) and details of each conviction you wish to expunge.
Prepare and file the petition
Complete the verified Petition for Expungement and file it with the court where the conviction occurred. Pay the filing fee: $0 for arrest/non-conviction records, $100 for misdemeanors, or $300 for felonies. Forms and instructions are available on the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
Serve the prosecuting attorney and DCI
Serve a copy of the petition on the prosecuting attorney and the Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecutor has 20 days (arrest records) or 30 days (misdemeanor) or 90 days (felony) to file an objection.
Wait for response or attend hearing
If no objection is filed within the statutory period, the court may summarily grant the expungement. If the prosecutor objects, the court will schedule a hearing where you must demonstrate eligibility and that you do not pose a substantial danger to yourself, any identifiable victim, or society.
Receive the court order
If granted, the court issues an expungement order and places the court files under seal. All agencies holding records of the conviction are notified. For felony expungements, the order also restores any rights removed as a result of the conviction.
Visual Guide
Non-Conviction Arrest Record Expungement (W.S. 7-13-1401)
Wyoming does not have an automatic expungement or record-sealing program. All expungements must be initiated by the individual through a petition filed with the court. However, arrest records where no charges were filed, charges were dismissed, or the person was acquitted may be expunged with no filing fee under W.S. 7-13-1401.
| Scenario | Sealed When |
|---|---|
| Arrest with no charges filed | Eligible after 180 days — petition required (no filing fee) |
| Charges dismissed by prosecutor or court | Eligible after 180 days — petition required (no filing fee) |
| Acquittal on all charges | Eligible after 180 days — petition required (no filing fee) |
Costs
- Filing fee
- $0 for arrest/non-conviction records; $100 for misdemeanors; $300 for felonies
- Fee waiver
- No statutory fee waiver provision; however, Legal Aid of Wyoming may provide free assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- Attorney (optional)
- $500–$1,500 typical range; some firms advertise flat fees around $1,100
Legal Aid of Wyoming offers free expungement assistance to eligible low-income residents. The Wyoming State Bar Modest Means Program provides attorneys at reduced rates (up to $100/hour) for those who do not qualify for free legal aid.
Timeline
- With attorney
- 2–4 months
- Standard
- 3–6 months
Minimum processing time depends on the statutory waiting period for prosecutor objections: 20 days for arrest records, 30 days for misdemeanors, and 90 days for felonies. Contested petitions requiring a hearing will take longer.
What expungement does
- ✓Court files are placed under seal, accessible only by order of the court
- ✓Criminal record is removed from public background checks
- ✓You may legally state that you have not been convicted of the expunged offense
- ✓Felony expungement restores all rights lost as a result of the conviction, including voting rights
- ✓Felony expungement may restore state firearm rights (under Wyoming law)
- ✓Removes barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities
What expungement does NOT do
- ✗Does NOT destroy the record — law enforcement can still access expunged records for criminal justice purposes
- ✗Does NOT guarantee restoration of federal firearm rights (federal law may still prohibit possession)
- ✗Does NOT expunge records held by federal agencies
- ✗Does NOT remove sex offender registration requirements if applicable
- ✗Does NOT apply to convictions in other states or federal courts
- ✗Limited to one expungement per statute (one misdemeanor and one felony lifetime)
Other Relief Options in Wyoming
Governor's Pardon
Available 10 years after sentence completion. Applications are submitted directly to the governor's office. A pardon restores all civil rights, including firearm rights. The governor's policy generally excludes sexual offenses and crimes against children.
Restoration of Voting Rights
First-time nonviolent felony offenders have voting rights automatically restored upon completion of sentence. Others must apply to the governor for restoration.
Automatic Firearms Rights Restoration
As of 2025, Wyoming provides automatic restoration of state firearms rights to nonviolent first felony offenders 5 years after completion of sentence, if convicted under Wyoming law. All others need a pardon or gubernatorial certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felony be expunged in Wyoming?
- Yes, certain nonviolent felonies can be expunged under W.S. 7-13-1502. You must wait 10 years after completing your sentence (including probation), have no other felony convictions, have paid all restitution, and the offense must not involve firearms, violence, sexual assault, child endangerment, DUI, drug distribution, bribery, or perjury. The filing fee is $300.
- How much does expungement cost in Wyoming?
- Filing fees are $0 for arrest/non-conviction records, $100 for misdemeanor convictions, and $300 for felony convictions. If you hire an attorney, expect to pay $500–$1,500. Legal Aid of Wyoming offers free assistance to qualifying low-income individuals, and the Wyoming State Bar Modest Means Program provides attorneys at reduced rates.
- How long does the expungement process take in Wyoming?
- The process typically takes 2–6 months depending on whether you hire an attorney and whether the prosecutor objects. The court cannot issue an order until the statutory objection period expires: 20 days for arrest records, 30 days for misdemeanors, and 90 days for felonies. If an objection is filed, additional time is needed for a hearing.
- Can I expunge more than one conviction in Wyoming?
- Wyoming limits each person to one misdemeanor expungement under W.S. 7-13-1501 and one felony expungement under W.S. 7-13-1502. However, a felony petition can cover multiple felonies arising from the same occurrence or related course of events. There is no limit on the number of non-conviction arrest records you can expunge under W.S. 7-13-1401.
- Does expungement in Wyoming restore gun rights?
- Felony expungement under W.S. 7-13-1502 restores rights removed as a result of the conviction, which may include state firearm rights. However, federal firearms prohibitions may still apply, especially for domestic violence misdemeanors and certain felonies. Consult an attorney about your specific situation, as federal law does not always recognize state expungements.
- Can I expunge a DUI in Wyoming?
- A misdemeanor DUI may be eligible for expungement under W.S. 7-13-1501 if 5 years have passed since sentence completion and no firearm was involved. However, felony DUI convictions are specifically excluded from expungement under W.S. 7-13-1502. You are also limited to one misdemeanor expungement in your lifetime.
- What is the difference between arrest record expungement and conviction expungement in Wyoming?
- Arrest record expungement (W.S. 7-13-1401) applies when you were arrested but never convicted — charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, or no charges were filed. There is no filing fee, and you only need to wait 180 days. Conviction expungement (W.S. 7-13-1501 or 7-13-1502) applies to actual convictions, requires longer waiting periods (1–10 years), and has filing fees of $100–$300.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Court petition/form
Wyoming Judicial Branch — Expungements page. Provides downloadable petition forms for misdemeanor expungement (W.S. 7-13-1501) and felony expungement (W.S. 7-13-1502), plus an expungement handout with step-by-step instructions.
- Criminal record request
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) — Criminal Records Unit. Request your own criminal history via fingerprint-based search for $15. Submit fingerprint card by mail to DCI at 208 S. College Dr., Cheyenne, WY 82002, or call 307-777-7181 for an appointment.
- Free legal aid
Legal Aid of Wyoming — Criminal Records Expungement. Free expungement assistance for income-qualifying Wyoming residents. Call 1-877-432-9955, Monday–Friday 9 AM–4 PM.
- Court self-help center
Wyoming Judicial Branch — Legal Help. Self-help resources, Court Navigator assistance (Natrona and Uinta counties), links to legal services organizations, and the Find a Lawyer page.
- Statute full text
W.S. 7-13-1501 — Petition for Expungement of Misdemeanor Convictions (full text via Justia). See also W.S. 7-13-1502 (felony) and W.S. 7-13-1401 (arrest records) in the same article.