Expungement Cost and Fee Waivers

Filing for an expungement in Louisiana usually costs up to $550 per case. Many people pay less, and some pay nothing at all. Here is where the money goes and how to ask for a waiver.

What You Pay

The standard fee is split between four offices:

Louisiana State Police (Bureau of Criminal Identification): $250
Clerk of court: up to $200
Sheriff: $50
District attorney: $50

A DWI conviction adds a $50 fee to the Office of Motor Vehicles. If you have more than one case, the fees add up, so check what you qualify for before you file.

When You May Not Have to Pay

If you have no felony convictions and no pending charges, the district attorney can certify that you owe no fees when:

You were found not guilty of all charges
The DA dismissed your case, and you did not go through pretrial diversion
You were never charged within the time the law allows
You were found factually innocent, or you were the victim of identity theft

Use the Certification for Fee Waiver for District Attorney form. The DA must sign it, and you file it with your expungement paperwork. In Orleans Parish, use the Orleans Parish Certification for Fee Waiver instead.

In Forma Pauperis (IFP): Waivers Based on Income

If you cannot afford the fees, you can ask the court to let you file in forma pauperis, which means without paying court costs. If your income is under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, or you receive public benefits, the court should lean toward approving it.

File your IFP request before your expungement motion, so you do not end up owing court costs. Our 2023 In Forma Pauperis Expungement Guide walks you through it.

Get Help

Not sure you qualify? Read Am I Eligible for Expungement.
Check your eligibility for free with the Expungement App.
Bring your paperwork to a free JAC expungement clinic.
Learn more about the JAC Expungement Program.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Talk to an attorney about your situation.