How to file for Georgia record restriction without a lawyer
Last updated: May 2026
Georgia record restriction is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 (record restriction) and O.C.G.A. § 17-1-1 (sealing of restricted records). 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.
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DIY DIFFICULTY
2/5
Easy
FILING FEE
$25 application fee to the arresting agency; no separate court filing fee for most restrictions
Is DIY realistic in Georgia?
Georgia is one of the most DIY-friendly states because record restriction is an administrative process at the arresting agency, not a court filing. Petitioners complete a one-page application and the agency reviews eligibility. Court sealing (which makes the record invisible to the courts and clerks, not just to the public) is a separate optional step that does require a petition but is procedurally straightforward.
Where the petition is filed
Application filed with the arresting agency; sealing petition (after restriction is granted) filed in the superior court of the county of arrest
Realistic timeline: 3–6 months for restriction; an additional 2–4 months for court sealing if pursued
Required forms
- GBI Record Restriction Application
- Petition to Seal (if pursuing the additional court-sealing step)
- Proposed Order
You can complete the forms yourself using the templates published by the Georgia 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
- Government-issued photo ID
- Certified disposition from the clerk
- Money order for the $25 application fee
Pull your own Georgia 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 Georgia background-check guide for the official self-check process.
Common reasons Georgia petitions get denied
- Filing the application with the wrong agency (must be the arresting agency, not the prosecutor)
- Missing the 4-year waiting period after a misdemeanor conviction
- Not realizing that pre-July 2013 cases have different restriction rules than post-2013 cases
- Skipping the optional court-sealing step and being surprised the case still appears in clerk of court searches
When you should hire a Georgia attorney
Cases predating the 2013 amendments, multiple convictions, denial by the arresting agency, or any case involving immigration consequences.
See Georgia expungement attorneys →Frequently asked questions
Can I restrict my Georgia record myself?
Yes, in most cases. Georgia record restriction is an administrative process — you complete an application with the arresting agency, pay a $25 fee, and the agency reviews eligibility under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Court sealing is a separate optional step that requires a superior-court petition but is procedurally simple. Most petitioners can handle both steps without an attorney.
How long does a Georgia expungement take?
A Georgia record restriction petition typically takes 3–6 months for restriction; an additional 2–4 months for court sealing if pursued 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 Georgia?
The Georgia record restriction filing fee is $25 application fee to the arresting agency; no separate court filing fee for most restrictions. 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.