Request Sealing of Records

What is the process?

Obtaining a Record Sealing Application

In order to request that a youth's records be sealed, you will print a copy of the Record Sealing Application found online, which includes the Sealing Record Agency Contact List. You may also retrieve a hard copy of an application at the Juvenile Services Center. Before submitting your application, ensure that you have no pending Court matters that would cause the application to be denied. 

Completing a Records Sealing Application

Please ensure you are filling out the Request for Sealing of Records application completely and properly. 

The application must include the following:

  • Your name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Driver's License Number

You must also sign the completed application. You must include all traffic and law violations in the space provided, specifically including the names of police agencies that have arrested or cited you. Note: Upon approval, only agency offenses that you have listed on your application will be sealed.

Application Fee for Request of Sealing Records

If you are over the age of twenty-six (26), you will be charged an application fee. Please contact (805) 781-5352 for the application fee amount. There is no fee charged if you are under the age of 26. 

Submitting Your Application

Returning Application by Mail: Send the signed and completed application to 

San Luis Obispo County Probation Department
1730 Bishop Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact the Juvenile Services Center at (805) 781-5352, which is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Submit your application along with any applicable non-refundable fee (cash, check, or money order). Note: DO NOT MAIL CASH. Make checks or money orders payable to: Chief Probation Officer. 

Petition to Seal Records Prepared by Probation

After submitting your application, the Probation Department will prepare a petition to seal your records. The Court will send you a notice of the hearing date on the Petition. Your appearing at the hearing is not mandatory. Generally, the process takes two (2) to three (3) months because of the investigation process that must be done on your request for record sealing. You will receive a copy of the sealing order signed by the Judge if your Petition is granted or a copy of the Order for Denial if the Judge denies your petition. 

After Your Records Are Sealed

Once your record is officially sealed, the arresting or citing agencies as listed in your application will be directed to seal their records. 
 

According to WIC 781: "Once the Court has ordered the person's records sealed, the proceedings in the case shall be deemed never to have occurred, and the person may properly reply accordingly to any inquiry about the events, the records of which are ordered sealed."

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

 There is no fee charged for sealing if you are under the age of 26. 
 

When and where is this service offered?

You may turn in your completed application at the Juvenile Services Center located at 1065 Kansas Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA (Off of Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College), which is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  

Frequently Asked Questions