How to Get Juvenile Court Records: Access, Sealing & Expungement
Juvenile court records are among the most protected categories of court records in the United States. Every state has laws restricting public access to juvenile proceedings and records, recognizing that minors should not be permanently defined by mistakes made before adulthood. But despite these protections, juvenile records can affect adult life in significant ways - and understanding who can access them, when they might be transferred to adult proceedings, and how to ensure they are properly sealed is essential.
By Anthony WillEst. 2013Published May 27, 2026Read time: 10 min
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Many states automatically seal juvenile records when the person reaches a certain age (18 or 21 in most states) or after a period following the case's conclusion. However, automatic sealing is not universal, and the distinction matters enormously for individuals trying to move forward. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) maintains state-by-state resources on juvenile record policies that can help you understand your state's specific rules.
Even when automatic sealing does occur, it applies only to official government records - it does not reach third-party websites, background check aggregators, or news archives that may have previously published information about a juvenile case before sealing took effect. This is a critical gap that many people discover only when they encounter the information years later during a job search or housing application. See also our guide on how to get your record expunged for the adult expungement process.
Serious felony adjudications may NOT be automatically sealed even after the person turns 18
Sex offenses requiring registration are typically NOT automatically sealed
Cases transferred to adult court are tried as adult cases and subject to adult record rules
Automatic sealing does not automatically remove records from third-party websites
Who Can Access Juvenile Records?
Even sealed juvenile records are accessible to certain parties. The US Courts provides guidance on court record access generally, but juvenile access rules are set at the state level and vary considerably.
Your record is probably showing in more places than you realize - and each one can be addressed.
Most people who reach out to us had no idea how many places their record had spread. Justia, Google Scholar, UniCourt, background check sites - each one a new place where employers, landlords, or dates might find you. A free scan shows you exactly where you stand, so you can do something about it.
Law enforcement - for ongoing criminal investigations and sentencing in subsequent adult cases
The juvenile (the person themselves) - generally has a right to access their own records
The juvenile's parents or guardians
Prosecutors in cases where the juvenile is charged as an adult
Courts presiding over subsequent adult criminal cases (for sentencing purposes)
Some licensing boards - particularly for professions involving children or public safety
How to Get Your Own Juvenile Court Records
To access your own juvenile court records:
Most people in your position reach out right here.
You've already done the hard part - finding out what's out there. We handle the rest: every platform removal, Google de-indexing, background check database, and AI search result. No upfront cost. Completely confidential. Learn more about expungement vs. record sealing on our blog.
Determine which court handled your juvenile case - typically the juvenile court in the county where you lived at the time. Learn more about court record removal on our blog.
2
Contact the court clerk
Call or visit the clerk's office. Explain that you are seeking your own juvenile records. You will need to provide identification and possibly notarized authorization. Learn more about background check reports on our blog.
3
Request certified copies
Ask for certified copies of your juvenile court file, including the petition, adjudication order, and disposition. Fees typically apply.
4
Request expungement if eligible
If your records were not automatically sealed or expunged, ask the clerk about the process for petitioning for expungement under your state's juvenile record law.
Why Juvenile Record Sealing Still Matters in the Internet Age
Court sealing and expungement address the official government record - but the internet has created a secondary layer of exposure that sealing alone cannot address. News coverage of juvenile cases, particularly serious offenses, may be indexed by Google and remain accessible even after the court record is sealed. Background check aggregators and people-search sites frequently compile records before sealing occurs and do not automatically update when a court order is issued.
This means that for many people with sealed juvenile records, the practical problem is not the official court database - it's what third-party websites are showing. Each platform requires its own removal request, often backed by documentation of the sealing order. Our court record expungement guide covers this internet cleanup process in detail. The CourtRecordRemoval removal guide explains platform-by-platform removal strategies.
When Juvenile Records Can Be Used Against You as an Adult
In sentencing for subsequent adult criminal convictions (prior history)
In applications for certain security clearances
In professional licensing applications that specifically ask about juvenile adjudications
In child custody proceedings where the parent's juvenile history may be relevant
For certain sex offense registrations that follow the person into adulthood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public see juvenile court records?
Generally no. Juvenile court records are sealed or restricted from public access in all US states. The degree of restriction varies by state - some states restrict access completely, others allow limited access to serious felony adjudications. Members of the general public cannot search for juvenile records in most states. Certain parties (law enforcement, the juvenile, parents, prosecutors) retain access.
Are juvenile records automatically sealed?
Many states have automatic sealing provisions that take effect when the juvenile reaches 18 or 21, or after a specified period following case closure. However, automatic sealing does not apply to all cases - serious felony adjudications, sex offenses requiring registration, and cases transferred to adult court may not be automatically sealed. Additionally, automatic sealing addresses official records, not third-party websites that may have previously indexed the information.
Can juvenile records affect adult employment?
Sealed juvenile records do not appear in standard criminal background checks and employers generally cannot ask about sealed juvenile records. However, for certain positions - law enforcement, positions involving children, military service, security clearances - juvenile records may be accessible and reviewable. Professional licensing boards for some regulated professions may also ask about juvenile adjudications.
How do I expunge my juvenile record?
Start by identifying whether your juvenile records were automatically sealed or expunged under your state's law (many states do this at age 18 or 21). If not, contact the juvenile court clerk in the county where your case was heard and request the expungement petition forms. File the petition with documentation of your case and current status. A hearing may be required. After expungement, official records are destroyed or sealed, but third-party websites must be addressed separately.
Can juvenile records be used in adult criminal sentencing?
Yes. Even sealed juvenile records can typically be used in adult criminal sentencing proceedings. Courts generally consider a person's complete history - including juvenile adjudications - when determining an appropriate sentence for adult criminal convictions. This is one of the most significant ways sealed juvenile records can follow a person into adulthood, even if they are not visible in public record searches.
What happens when a juvenile case is transferred to adult court?
When a juvenile case is transferred (waived) to adult court - typically for serious or violent offenses committed by older juveniles - the case is treated as an adult criminal proceeding. Adult court records are public, not sealed. A conviction in adult court following transfer appears on the person's adult criminal record and is accessible through standard public record searches. The juvenile court protection does not apply once the case is transferred. Transfer decisions vary significantly by state law and the nature of the offense.
Are there free legal resources to help with juvenile record expungement?
Yes. Many legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost assistance with juvenile record expungement for income-qualified individuals. The OJJDP (ojjdp.gov) provides state-level resources. Law school clinics frequently handle juvenile expungement cases. State public defender offices sometimes have post-conviction units that assist with record sealing. Additionally, many states now have online self-help resources for juvenile expungement petitions available through their court websites.
Can a sealed juvenile record still show up on a background check?
Sealed juvenile records should not appear on standard commercial background checks run through FCRA-compliant agencies. However, background check databases are not always updated promptly after sealing. Some companies that are not FCRA-regulated may still display information gathered before the sealing. If a sealed record appears on a background check, you can dispute it with the background check company, citing the sealing order. Federal background checks (for security clearances, federal employment, gun purchases) may access juvenile records sealed under state law in certain circumstances.