Step-by-Step Guide To Expunction And Nondisclosure Filing Locations And Fees in Texas

April 4, 2026

A past arrest shouldn’t control where you can live, work, or apply. Here’s exactly where to go and what it costs to clear your record in Texas.

Many people assume clearing a criminal record in Texas is complicated because of eligibility rules, but in reality, the hardest part for most individuals is knowing where to file and what happens after filing.

Every expunction or nondisclosure is a formal civil case.

That means filing in the wrong court, listing the wrong agency, or missing a notice requirement can cause delays or dismissal and filing fees are not refunded.

Below is a practical, location-based guide so you know exactly what to expect before starting.

Understanding the Two Types of Record Clearing
Expunction (Full Deletion)
An expunction permanently destroys the record. Afterward, you may legally deny the arrest occurred (except in rare situations like applying for law enforcement).

Typical eligibility:
 • Case dismissed
 • No charges filed
 • Acquittal
 • Certain Class C deferred dispositions
 • Identity theft arrests
 • Pardon or actual innocence

Order of Nondisclosure (Sealing)
A nondisclosure hides the record from the public but allows government agencies to still see it.

Typical eligibility:
 • Deferred adjudication completed successfully
 • Certain waiting periods passed
 • No disqualifying offenses

Where to File in Dallas County
Most petitions are filed with the civil district courts through the district clerk.

Dallas County District Clerk
 George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
 600 Commerce Street
 Dallas, Texas 75202
 Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri)

Nearby Court Locations
• Criminal records originate from Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N Riverfront Blvd)
• Old Red Courthouse and Dealey Plaza are nearby landmarks when navigating downtown courts

Typical Filing Costs – Dallas County
Estimated (subject to change):

Fee Type                                                                                           Approximate Cost
Expunction filing fee                                                                       ~$350
Certified mail notices                                                                     ~$10–$15 per agency
Typical total                                                                                     ~$400–$500

You must notify every agency involved, often including:
 • Police department
 • Sheriff’s office
 • DPS
 • Prosecutor
 • Jail records
 • Occasionally federal databases
Are You Eligible? Find Out Free!

Where to File in Harris County

All expunction and nondisclosure petitions are filed with the district clerk’s office.


Harris County District Clerk
 201 Caroline St, Suite 420
Houston, Texas 77002


Nearby government buildings:

 • Harris County Civil Courthouse
• Criminal Justice Center
• County Administration Building


Typical Filing Costs – Harris County


Fee Type                                              Approximate Cost

Filing fee                                               ~$350

Electronic notice                                 ~$3 per agency

Paper notice                                        ~$14 per agency



Why Filing Errors Commonly Delay Cases

The most common rejected petitions involve:

 • Missing arrest agencies
• Wrong statute cited
• Filing too early before waiting period ends
• Incorrect court selected
• Incomplete identifiers (SID, FBI, SPN)


Because expunction orders must match every database entry exactly, even a small mismatch can prevent agencies from deleting the record.


What Happens After Filing

  1. Clerk assigns a court
  2. Agencies receive notice
  3. Waiting period for objections (usually 30–45 days)
  4. Hearing scheduled (sometimes waived)
  5. Judge signs order
  6. Agencies destroy or seal records

Typical timeline: 6 to 12 weeks depending on the court backlog.


Final Thoughts

Clearing a record in Texas is less about paperwork volume and more about precision. The law allows relief but only when the petition matches the original arrest record perfectly.


Knowing where to file and what it costs is the first step. Filing correctly is what actually clears your name.


Your record shouldn’t decide your next job, apartment, or opportunity.

Expungement.Legal, operated by Wyde & Associates, PLLC, helps Texans statewide file accurate expunctions and nondisclosures from start to finish, so agencies actually remove the record the first time.


Reach out today with us and find out if your case qualifies to be cleared for good!