How much does it cost to file an expungement in California?
What it costs to file a petition for dismissal in every California county—and what other expenses may still apply
The short answer: the filing fee is $0 statewide
As of October 2026, California does not impose a statutory filing fee for a standard petition for dismissal—the procedure commonly called an “expungement”—under Penal Code sections 1203.4 and 1203.4a. That means the court filing fee is $0 in all 58 counties. The petition is generally made on Judicial Council form CR-180, and the court uses form CR-181 to grant or deny the request.
Older articles and some commercial websites still quote county filing fees of roughly $60 to $150. Those figures may reflect prior law, older local practice, attorney or document-preparation charges, or a different request filed alongside the dismissal petition. Before paying anyone, ask for a written breakdown separating the court’s filing fee from professional-service charges and other costs.
What California “expungement” actually means
California generally calls this relief a dismissal, not a true expungement. If a petition is granted, the court withdraws the guilty or no-contest plea—or sets aside the guilty verdict—enters a not-guilty plea, and dismisses the accusation. The record is updated, but it is not destroyed or hidden from every government agency. The current statute is available in California Penal Code section 1203.4.
A dismissal can reduce the impact of a conviction, especially in many private-employment settings, but it does not erase every consequence. It does not automatically restore firearm rights, end a registration requirement, seal the court file, or prevent the conviction from being used as a prior in a later prosecution. Certain applications—including some applications for public office or state or local licensing—may still require disclosure.
Costs that may still come up
· Attorney or legal-document-assistance fees: Hiring help is optional, and professional fees are separate from the court filing fee.
· Record retrieval and certified copies: A court, agency, or service provider may charge for copies, certification, or archived-record research.
· Fingerprinting and RAP-sheet costs: If you need your California criminal-history record to identify cases or confirm relief, fingerprinting and Department of Justice processing may involve separate charges.
· Service, mailing, or e-filing vendor charges: Local procedure may require notice to a prosecutor or allow filing through a third-party vendor. Any vendor or delivery charge is not an expungement filing fee.
· Related motions: A request for early termination of probation, felony reduction, sealing, or another form of relief may follow a different procedure. Ask the clerk or self-help center whether a separate charge applies.
· Outstanding obligations: Fines, restitution, and collection balances from the underlying case are not filing fees. Their effect depends on the type of relief and the facts of the case.
How to file without paying a filing fee
1. Check whether relief was already automatic. California now provides automatic record relief for many eligible convictions. The California Courts Clean Your Record guide can help identify the correct path.
2. Confirm the correct county and courthouse. File in the superior court that handled the conviction, not necessarily the county where you live today.
3. Use the correct forms. A standard dismissal request generally uses CR-180, with proposed order CR-181. Some counties also require a local cover sheet, proof of service, or additional copies.
4. Follow local submission rules. Review the court’s criminal or record-cleaning page for filing location, service, hearing, and copy requirements. For example, Orange County, Sacramento County, and San Diego County publish local guidance.
5. Keep proof of filing and the signed order. A file-stamped petition and final order may be useful if a background report is not updated correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fee-waiver form for a standard dismissal petition?
Ordinarily, no. When the filing fee is $0, there is no filing fee to waive. A fee-waiver request may still matter if you are filing another request that carries a fee, so confirm the complete filing package with the court.
Is the fee $0 for both misdemeanors and felonies?
For a standard petition for dismissal under the covered statutes, yes. Eligibility, waiting periods, and the correct statutory path can differ based on the offense and sentence. The California Courts publishes separate guidance for misdemeanor convictions and felony convictions.
Can a county add its own expungement filing fee?
A county should not treat a local service charge, vendor charge, or professional fee as the statutory filing fee for a standard petition. Still, local filing procedures differ, so verify whether the court requires copies, service, or a separate related motion.
Bottom line
For a standard California petition for dismissal under Penal Code section 1203.4 or 1203.4a, the filing fee is $0 in every county. What varies is the local process—and the cost of optional legal help, records, copies, service, or additional requests. Start with the California Courts self-help materials, then confirm the filing instructions with the superior court that handled the case.
Legal-information disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Court procedures and local practices can change. Confirm current requirements with the superior court in the county where the case was filed or consult a qualified California attorney.
