Maryland Driving Record Expungement: Clean Slate Act vs. MVA Expungement

Two Separate Systems That People Constantly Confuse

Maryland has two completely different record-clearing mechanisms, and confusing them is one of the most common mistakes drivers make:

The Clean Slate Act of 2026 automatically seals eligible misdemeanor and non-conviction criminal records from public view after specified waiting periods (three to seven years depending on the offense). It applies to court records — criminal charges, arrests, and certain misdemeanor convictions.

MVA Driving Record Expungement is a separate administrative process governed by Transportation Article § 16-117.1. It removes specific entries from your MVA driving record — the record the MVA maintains internally and that insurers, employers, and law enforcement access.

These two systems do not talk to each other. Getting a criminal record sealed under the Clean Slate Act does not remove anything from your MVA driving record. And getting an MVA driving record entry expunged does not affect your court records.

What the Clean Slate Act Does NOT Do

The Clean Slate Act is valuable for employment background checks and housing applications, but it has significant limitations for drivers:

• It does not clear active MVA licensing flags, suspensions, or revocations
• It does not restore driving privileges that have been administratively suspended or revoked
• It does not eliminate points on your MVA driving record
• It does not clear child support enforcement holds
• It does not affect active insurance lapse penalties

If your license is currently suspended or revoked, the Clean Slate Act cannot help you get it back. You still need to go through the standard reinstatement process with the MVA.

How MVA Driving Record Expungement Works

Under Transportation Article § 16-117.1, you can petition the MVA to remove certain entries from your driving record. This is primarily useful for old convictions that are affecting your insurance rates or employment prospects.

Eligibility is entry-specific. The MVA reviews a request under the statutory criteria for the particular entry; do not assume an old conviction, suspension, revocation, or DUI/DWI entry qualifies.

The process involves submitting a request through the MVA. The MVA reviews the request against the statutory eligibility criteria and either approves or denies the expungement. If denied, ask the MVA what review or appeal options apply to that request.

The Immigration Warning

If you are a non-citizen navigating the immigration process, think carefully before expunging any records. USCIS requires applicants to provide certified, physical copies of court dispositions for all arrests, citations, and charges to demonstrate good moral character.

If you expunge your Maryland court or MVA records before obtaining these physical certified copies, the records may be permanently destroyed. This can make it impossible to satisfy USCIS documentation requirements. Get the certified copies first, then consider expungement.

What Clean Slate Does Not Clear Automatically

The Clean Slate Act does not clear active MVA licensing flags, restore driving privileges, or resolve an underlying court matter. A separate MVA expungement request remains subject to Transportation Article § 16-117.1 and the eligibility rules for the particular entry.

Your certified driving record ($15 through myMVA) shows everything currently on your MVA record. Review it to identify which entries might be eligible for expungement and which require a separate reinstatement or court process.

When Expungement Actually Matters

Driving record expungement is a post-reinstatement tool — it cleans up your record after you have already gotten your license back. It does not help you get reinstated.

Where it provides value:

• Insurance rates: Insurers check your MVA driving record when setting premiums. Removing old violations can reduce your rates.
• Employment screening: Employers in transportation, delivery, and driving-dependent roles check MVA records. A cleaner record improves your options.
• CDL qualifications: Commercial license holders benefit from a clean record when applying for positions with strict safety requirements.

If you are currently working through reinstatement, focus on clearing your active holds first. The Maryland License Reinstatement Guide covers the full restoration process, and expungement is a step you can pursue once you are legally driving again.

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