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Sealed record on a background check

Access to the court record is restricted under a statute or court order. Sealing is not always identical to expungement.

Short answer

Does a sealed case show up on a background check?

Access to the court record is restricted under a statute or court order. Sealing is not always identical to expungement. Confirm the sealing order and applicable disclosure restrictions; do not infer that a sealed record may be reported because it once was public.

What sealed record means

Access to the court record is restricted under a statute or court order. Sealing is not always identical to expungement.

Can it appear on a background check?

Confirm the sealing order and applicable disclosure restrictions; do not infer that a sealed record may be reported because it once was public.

A court term is not a hiring recommendation. Review the underlying docket and any subsequent orders; confirm accuracy, permitted reporting, and the rules that apply in the work location before making a decision.

Sources and next steps

Explore all court outcomes · Check lookback rules