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Criminal Record Expungement


Expungement of a criminal record is is a process by which a criminal record of a convicted offender is removed from the criminal record database of the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service. This allows you to enjoy real freedom, carry on with life without a criminal record being an obstruction to employment opportunities and you'll be able to travel abroad.

You can apply to have your criminal record expunged when:

  • A period of 10 years has lapsed after the date of the conviction for that offence.
  • When the person has not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years; and
  • Provided that the person was sentenced to any of the following sentences:
    • Corporal punishment.
    • Sentence was postponed or the person was cautioned and discharged.
    • Fine not exceeding R20 000.
    • Imprisonment with the option to pay a fine instead of serving the period of imprisonment.
    • Imprisonment was suspended wholly.

Convictions of crimes of a serious nature, such as murder, rape and other sexual offences are often not eligible for expungement.

Do you Qualify?
Take the Eligibility Test Now

Is your criminal record/records older than 10 years?
This is the date when you were found or pleaded guilty (Not when you were released from Jail)

Were you sentenced to direct imprisonment without the option of a fine?

According to (Section 271B(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), A criminal record can't be removed if it is not older than 10 Years.

We can help you get full details of your record by simply performing a criminal record check using your fingerprints and determine if you are eligible to remove your criminal record? Click here to make an appointment.

According to (Section 271B(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977) A person will not qualify if, he or she was sentenced to direct imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Were you fined more than R20 000?

According to (Section 271B(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977) A person will not qualify if a fine of more than R20 000.00 was imposed.

Have you ever been convicted of any sexual offence?

According to (Section 271B(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977 A person will not qualify if, his or her name is included in the National Register for Sex Offenders or the National Child Protection Register and his or her name has not been removed from the National Register for Sex Offenders or the National Child Protection Register.

"Congratulations" Given the answers you have provided, you do qualify to remove your criminal record!

Start the application now (Post/hand deliver your application to the Department of Justice). This service is rendered free of charge by the department of justice and constitutional development. Enquiries can be emailed to expungements@justice.gov.za

Download Application Form

Don't let your criminal past hold you back