How to file for Texas expunction or non-disclosure without a lawyer
Last updated: May 2026
Texas expunction or non-disclosure is governed by Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 55 (expunction); Tex. Gov't Code § 411.072 et seq. (non-disclosure). 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
4/5
Difficult
FILING FEE
$280–$500 court filing fee depending on county; the court may also charge for serving agencies
Is DIY realistic in Texas?
Texas is among the harder states for DIY because the petition must name every agency that may hold a record and serve each one — typically 8 to 15 named respondents. Missing one means the record won't be destroyed by that agency. Petitioners with a single arrest and a clear acquittal or no-bill often manage pro se; convictions, deferred adjudications, or multi-county records benefit from an attorney.
Where the petition is filed
Filed in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred
Realistic timeline: 6–12 months including the agency-response period required by statute
Required forms
- Petition for Expunction or Petition for Non-Disclosure
- List of all agencies that may hold records (DPS, arresting agency, prosecutor, court clerk, etc.)
- Proposed Order
- Verification under oath
You can complete the forms yourself using the templates published by the Texas 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 disposition from the clerk
- DPS criminal history report
- Filing-fee payment (or affidavit of indigence)
Pull your own Texas 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 Texas background-check guide for the official self-check process.
Common reasons Texas petitions get denied
- Failing to name a holding agency (each missed agency keeps its copy of the record)
- Confusing expunction (record destruction) with non-disclosure (record sealing) — they have different eligibility rules
- Filing during a statutory waiting period (waiting periods vary by offense)
- Not paying the per-agency service fees on top of the filing fee
When you should hire a Texas attorney
Deferred adjudications, multi-county records, any pending charges, or any case that touches federal or military records.
See Texas expungement attorneys →Frequently asked questions
How long does a Texas expunction take?
A Texas Chapter 55 expunction typically takes 6 to 12 months from filing to final order. The statute requires the court to wait at least 30 days after service to allow each named agency to respond, and busy courts may not set a hearing until 60–90 days after that window closes. After the order is granted, agencies have 60 days to destroy their copies.
How long does a Texas expungement take?
A Texas expunction or non-disclosure petition typically takes 6–12 months including the agency-response period required by statute 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 Texas?
The Texas expunction or non-disclosure filing fee is $280–$500 court filing fee depending on county; the court may also charge for serving agencies. 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.