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JDF491

How to Seal Criminal Records (Non-Convictions)

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective December 1, 2025

This guide explains the steps for asking the court to seal records from a criminal case where there was no conviction. It lists several forms that need to be filed with the court.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This guide is used by someone who wants to know the process for having non-conviction criminal records sealed by the court.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This is a guide that explains the steps to ask the court to seal records from a criminal case that did not result in a conviction.
Do I need to file forms?
Yes, the guide says you need to file several forms, including JDF 477, JDF 492, JDF 493, and JDF 478.
Can I seal all my records?
No, the guide notes that not all records can be sealed, and you must review the Motion (JDF 477 § 3) for a list of when a case can be sealed.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect December 1, 2025.

Related forms

  • JDF477

    Motion to Seal Non-Conviction Records

    This form is a request to the court to keep certain criminal records private, meaning the court is asked to seal the records so they are not easily accessible. It requires the person filing it to provide details about the case and why the records should be sealed.

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  • JDF478

    Order to Seal Non-Conviction Records

    This form is used to ask the court to officially seal certain records related to a person's criminal case. It asks the court to make the records private so that they cannot be easily seen by the public.

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    Order Denying Motion to Seal Non-Conviction Records

    This form is an official court order that tells someone that the judge is refusing a request to keep certain criminal records private. The court states why the motion to seal the records is being denied.

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    Order and Notice of Hearing to Seal Criminal Justice Records

    This form is used to officially order and notify people about a hearing to seal records that are not convictions. It is filled out by the court to document the hearing details and the judge's decision.

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