For many Arizonans, sealing a criminal record represents a fresh start, one that can make it easier to apply for jobs, find stable housing, or qualify for financial aid. But when it comes to federal employment or positions that require a security clearance, people often wonder: Will sealing my record actually help? And more importantly, will the federal government still be able to see it?
The truth is more nuanced than most expect. While sealing a record under Arizona law offers powerful Arizona-level protections, it doesn’t guarantee complete confidentiality, especially when federal agencies are involved.
What It Means to Seal a Record in Arizona
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-911, individuals who have completed all the terms of their sentence and waited the appropriate period may be eligible to petition the court to seal their criminal record. This legal action makes the record inaccessible to the general public. For many, that means employers, landlords, and most private background check companies can no longer see the case.
Once sealed, you are legally released from the penalties tied to the conviction, and in most everyday situations, you do not need to disclose it. However, sealing does not mean the record is erased. It’s more accurate to think of it as hidden from view, but still retrievable by certain government agencies when necessary.
Who Can Still Access a Sealed Record?
Although sealing a record blocks public access, Arizona law carves out exceptions. Law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, the Department of Child Safety, the Department of Corrections, and court clerk sueprvisors may still access sealed records for job-related duties.
Importantly, federal agencies are not limited by Arizona law. Even if your record is sealed by a state court, federal authorities including those conducting employment background checks retain access to your full criminal history in thier federal system. This is especially relevant when applying for federal jobs or roles that involve national security, sensitive data, or high-level trust.
Federal Background Checks and Security Clearance
Federal jobs often require a level of scrutiny far beyond what most private employers demand. Applicants may be required to undergo a federal background check conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department of Defense, or another federal agency. These investigations are thorough, and they include a full review of your criminal record, regardless of whether it has been sealed by a state court.
Applicants are typically required to disclose all past arrests, charges, and convictions even if those records have been sealed. In fact, failing to disclose sealed or expunged records during a federal investigation can be considered dishonesty and grounds for denial of employment or clearance. In some cases, the cover-up (or not disclosing the past case) is viewed more harshly than the underlying offense.
So while sealing your record can be a valuable step for rebuilding your life, it does not give you permission to omit the information on federal applications. Transparency remains critical when applying for positions involving government trust or access to sensitive information.
How Sealing Still Helps—Even for Federal Applicants
Despite its limits with federal agencies, sealing your record still provides substantial benefits. In most everyday scenarios like applying for jobs in the private sector, securing an apartment, or qualifying for school loans a sealed record is virtually invisible. You’re legally allowed to answer “no” when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime, except in certain regulated fields.
Even in situations where federal agencies can access sealed records, the act of sealing still sends a strong signal. It demonstrates rehabilitation, responsibility, and a legal acknowledgment that your conviction should no longer define you. This can be particularly helpful when paired with evidence of employment, education, community involvement, or character references during a federal review.
Sealing your record may also make you a more competitive candidate when applying for roles that don’t require a security clearance, or for federal contractors that aren’t subject to the same background investigation standards as government employees.
Should You Still Seal Your Record?
Yes—because sealing your record in Arizona provides meaningful protection and relief in almost every part of your life, from housing and employment to peace of mind. It’s true that federal agencies can still access sealed records and may ask you to disclose them during a clearance process. But sealing can still help in many indirect ways and reflects your commitment to moving forward.
The key is knowing what to expect. If you’re considering applying for a federal job, or a role requiring clearance, and you have a sealed or sealable record, be prepared to disclose your full criminal history. Honesty will serve you far better than omission. Still, sealing your record beforehand may strengthen your case when combined with a clean post-conviction history and personal growth.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Navigating the intersection of Arizona’s sealing laws and federal background check requirements can feel confusing and overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. We work with clients across the state, and even those who no longer live in Arizona, to assess their eligibility for record relief and help them understand what impact sealing may have on their future goals.
Whether you’re aiming for a new job, applying for a clearance, or simply ready to leave the past behind, we’re here to help you take the next step. Your record doesn’t have to define you, and sealing it is one powerful way to reclaim your future.
Zachary Divelbiss, Lawyer
Future First Criminal Law
