How to file for Arizona sealing without a lawyer
Last updated: May 2026
Arizona sealing is governed by A.R.S. § 13-911 (sealing, effective January 2023). This page walks you through the petition, the forms you'll need, the realistic timeline, and the most common pitfalls — written for petitioners who want to handle the filing themselves.
Not legal advice
ExpungeReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is general educational content about state expungement and record-sealing procedures. Document-preparation services we link to are not a substitute for legal representation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances — small mistakes on a petition can cause the court to deny your request.
If your case involves felony convictions, multiple offenses, immigration consequences, professional licensing, federal records, or any uncertainty about eligibility, consult a licensed attorney in your state before filing.
ExpungeReady earns a commission on some links on this page. We only recommend providers we believe are useful for self-represented petitioners.
DIY DIFFICULTY
3/5
Moderate
FILING FEE
Varies by court; typically $0–$50 depending on county and case type
Is DIY realistic in Arizona?
Arizona sealing is new (effective January 2023) and the statewide bench is still developing standard practices. The Arizona Judicial Branch publishes a packet of forms specifically for pro se sealing petitions. Single-conviction filings are realistic for self-represented petitioners; multi-conviction filings or filings with prosecutor opposition are harder and benefit from attorney review.
Where the petition is filed
Filed in the same court that imposed the conviction
Realistic timeline: 3–6 months from petition to order
Required forms
- Petition to Seal Records under A.R.S. § 13-911
- Proposed Order to Seal
- Notice of Hearing
You can complete the forms yourself using the templates published by the Arizona courts, or use a legal-forms service that pre-fills them based on your case details (faster, fewer mistakes, but does not provide legal advice).
Documents to gather first
- Certified copy of the judgment
- AZDPS criminal history printout (optional but helpful)
- Proof of sentence completion and payment of all financial obligations
Pull your own Arizona criminal-history record before you file. The petition has to match the official record exactly; case numbers, arresting agency, and disposition language must all line up. See our Arizona background-check guide for the official self-check process.
Common reasons Arizona petitions get denied
- Filing before the waiting period (varies by offense level: 2–10 years from completion)
- Listing the wrong statute (A.R.S. § 13-911 sealing is different from A.R.S. § 13-905 set-aside; using the wrong form delays the case)
- Not paying off all restitution and fines before filing
- Including categorically ineligible offenses (most violent felonies, sex offenses, DUIs causing injury)
When you should hire a Arizona attorney
Multiple convictions, prior set-aside without sealing, or any case involving professional licensure.
See Arizona expungement attorneys →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to seal a record in Arizona?
Court filing fees for sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911 vary by county but typically range from $0 to $50. Indigent petitioners can request a fee waiver using AOC form GN11f. The state does not impose a separate fee to AZDPS for processing the seal once granted. Attorney representation, if you choose to retain one, typically costs $800–$2,500 for a single-case sealing.
How long does a Arizona expungement take?
A Arizona sealing petition typically takes 3–6 months from petition to order from filing to final order. After the order is granted, allow another 30–60 days for state and private databases to remove the entry.
How much does it cost to file an expungement in Arizona?
The Arizona sealing filing fee is Varies by court; typically $0–$50 depending on county and case type. Document-preparation services cost an additional $40–$200; full attorney representation typically runs $800–$3,500.
How do I know if I qualify?
Eligibility depends on the specific offense, the disposition, the waiting period, and your overall criminal history — facts only a licensed attorney in your state can evaluate. Our consultation prep worksheet organizes the same information an attorney will ask about at a consultation.