Tennessee Expungement Laws 2026
Tennessee expungement and record-sealing laws: eligibility, waiting periods, and how to clear a criminal record in Tennessee.
Tennessee allows certain criminal records to be cleared or sealed. The relief is called "Expungement", governed by Tenn. Code § 40-32-101.
At a glance
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Relief available | Expungement |
| Statute | Tenn. Code § 40-32-101 |
| Automatic clearing? | No — a court petition is required |
| Waiting period | 1-5 years by offense |
| Eligible records | Misdemeanors and some felonies after a wait |
| Process | File a petition for expungement with the court |
Who is eligible
Misdemeanors and some felonies after a wait.
How the process works
File a petition for expungement with the court.
Source and last verified
Statute: Tenn. Code § 40-32-101. Last verified: 2026-08-04. Laws change — confirm the current rule with the Tennessee records authority before acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is record clearing called in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the relief is called "Expungement", governed by Tenn. Code § 40-32-101.
How long do I wait before clearing a record in Tennessee?
1-5 years by offense.
Who can clear a record in Tennessee?
Misdemeanors and some felonies after a wait.
Does Tennessee clear records automatically?
No — in Tennessee you generally must file a petition and obtain a court order before a record is cleared.