Free Expungement Help in Texas

Last reviewed: May 27, 2026

Texas has two different relief options — Expunction (complete destruction of the record, Chapter 55) and Order of Nondisclosure (sealing, Gov. Code § 411). They have different eligibility rules and very different costs. Many people assume they need the full Expunction when Nondisclosure would solve their problem at a fraction of the cost. A free intake call with one of the legal aid organizations below will help you figure out which track applies to your case before you spend a dollar.

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing

No general automatic sealing program. Limited automatic nondisclosure available for some first-time DWI cases under HB 3016 (2017).

How to get a fee waiver in Texas

File the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (Sworn Statement) with your petition. This waives filing fees, which in Texas can range from $280 to $750 depending on county.

Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.

Verified free legal aid organizations in Texas

Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.

Free expungement help by city in Texas

Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.

Houston / Harris County

Harris County is the largest county in Texas by case volume. Lone Star Legal Aid specifically lists expungement and nondisclosure as a priority practice area and runs intake through their online portal. Houston Volunteer Lawyers matches private attorneys with low-income clients for free legal help including expungement.

Dallas / Fort Worth / Tarrant County

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas covers 114 counties in North and West Texas including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program runs expungement clinics through the Dallas Bar Association, typically on the second Saturday of the month at the Belo Mansion.

San Antonio / Bexar County

TRLA covers 68 counties across South and West Texas. The St. Mary's law school runs a criminal record clearing clinic — call their clinic line to inquire about the next session. These law-school clinics are supervised by licensed attorneys and produce the same quality work as private counsel.

Austin / Travis County

VLS of Central Texas serves Travis, Hays, Williamson, and Bastrop counties. TexasLawHelp.org has a free guided interview that generates your nondisclosure forms — useful for straightforward cases where you just need the paperwork filed correctly.

Texas free expungement — frequently asked questions

Is a Texas expungement or nondisclosure better?

Expunction completely destroys the record — the arrest never happened for legal purposes. Nondisclosure seals it from public view but law enforcement can still see it. Expunction is better but has stricter eligibility. For dismissed charges, acquittals, or cases that were deferred, expunction is usually available. For convictions that were successfully completed, nondisclosure may be the only option.

Can I afford Texas expungement with a fee waiver?

The Statement of Inability to Afford waives the court filing fee (typically $280–$750 depending on county). Attorney fees are separate — legal aid covers this for qualifying incomes. If you make too much for legal aid but the case is straightforward, Texas Law Help has free self-help forms for nondisclosure petitions.

What counties have free expungement clinics in Texas?

Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), and Travis (Austin) all have active free expungement programs through legal aid and law school clinics. Rural county residents typically work through TRLA or LANWT remotely.

More Texas expungement resources

Complete Texas expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
What shows up on a background check after expungement?
← All states: free expungement help directory