Clean Slate Process, Eligibility & Timeline FAQs
1Are all of my records sealed as of June 1, 2026?
No. Though Clean Slate rule changes take effect June 1, 2026, the automated sealing doesn’t begin until 2029.
2Does Clean slate change what can and cannot be sealed?
Clean Slate does not change sealing eligibility; it establishes a process to automatically seal records* after 2 or 3 years.
3I’ve already started or am about to start my petition to seal. Should I hold off?
Though Clean Slate takes effect June 1, 2026, eligible records won’t be sealed until 2029. Until then, we STRONGLY encourage Illinoisans to continue the petition process
4When Does Automated Sealing Start?
Automated Sealing Starts Jan 1, 2029
5Not all of my records are eligible. What happens then?
Clean Slate seals all eligible records, even if other records are ineligible. Previously ineligible records will be sealed when they become eligible.
6What can be done for records that are ineligible for Clean Slate?
Most conviction records (including Class Xs) are eligible for sealing via the current petition-based process.
7What does a sealed record do for my employment outlook?
A sealed record is hidden from most employers and landlords. Only law enforcement & employers who conduct fingerprint-based background checks (those who work with children, the elderly, healthcare, etc.) can view the sealed record, but it will be listed as “sealed”.
8Can employers hold sealed records against me?
No. Employers and landlords cannot hold sealed records against you. Additionally, after the passage of the 2021 Conviction Records Protection Act, employers may no longer deny employment solely on the basis of a conviction history (2021).
9Can landlords and other housing agencies hold sealed records against me?
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits private employers and landlords from using expunged or sealed records in employment & housing decisions.
Cook County Only: After the passage of the Cook County Just Housing Amendment, landlords in Cook County cannot deny housing based on conviction histories over 3 years old (unless the tenant is on the sex offense registry). Conviction histories under 3 years old can only be used to deny housing.
10If a case was dismissed or was found not guilty, can it still be used against me?
The Illinois Human Rights Act also prevents employers or landlords from using a “non-conviction” record to deny employment or housing.
FYI: Dismissals and acquittals ARE NOT automatically struck from your record. It is up to you to get it EXPUNGED from your record.
11When my record is sealed, can I obtain a FOID card?
No, Clean Slate does not impact FOID eligibility.
