Do Expunged Records Show Up on Fingerprinting?

March 24, 2025

If you’ve gone through the process of getting a criminal record expunged, you might feel a sense of relief knowing that your past no longer defines your future. But one question often lingers: Will an expunged record show up on a fingerprint background check? The short answer? It depends. Expungement can offer a clean slate in many situations, but how it affects fingerprint-based background checks can vary depending on several factors—including who’s running the check, what kind of access they have, and how your expungement was processed.

What Does "Expunged" Actually Mean?

An expungement is a legal process that essentially erases or seals a criminal record from public view. After a successful expungement, it’s as if the offense never happened—at least in the eyes of most employers, landlords, and the general public. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the record is gone everywhere.

What Is a Fingerprint Background Check?

A fingerprint background check is more thorough than a standard name-based check. It involves scanning your fingerprints and comparing them to databases maintained by agencies like:

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

State law enforcement agencies

National crime databases

These checks are commonly used for jobs in government, law enforcement, education, healthcare, and any position involving vulnerable populations.

So… Do Expunged Records Show Up?

Here’s where things get a little nuanced.

1. Public vs. Law Enforcement Access

Most expungements are designed to remove records from public access—so employers running standard background checks likely won’t see the record. But fingerprint checks often go deeper, especially if conducted by government agencies.

Law enforcement and government agencies may still have access to expunged records.

Private employers, in most cases, will not see expunged records during a fingerprint check.

2. Database Updates Aren’t Always Instant

Even after an expungement is granted, some databases may not be updated immediately—or at all—depending on the jurisdiction. This can lead to expunged records still appearing in certain systems unless the expungement is properly reported and processed across all databases.

3. State Laws Vary

Expungement laws and how they impact fingerprinting vary by state. In some states, once a record is expunged, it’s fully removed from both state and FBI databases. In others, the record may still exist but be flagged as expunged or sealed.

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about what shows up in a fingerprint background check:

Request your own background check through your state or the FBI. This lets you see what others might see.

Ensure your expungement was processed fully by checking with the court and any relevant state agencies.

Talk to a professional who specializes in record sealing or expungement if you believe your record is still showing improperly.

Stay Informed and Proactive

Expungement offers a valuable second chance, but it's important to understand its limitations—especially when fingerprint background checks are involved. While your record may be hidden from the public, certain government agencies or high-security positions might still have access under specific circumstances. The best approach is to stay informed, double-check that your expungement was fully processed, and be proactive if you suspect your record is still showing up where it shouldn't. For professional guidance and help navigating the pardon or expungement process, contact Pardon Me, LLC today—your second chance deserves to be done right.