If you’re considering filing for expungement in New Jersey, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is:

“How long will this take?”

That’s a smart question—but many websites and even attorneys give outdated or misleading answers. In this post, we’ll give you the real, current timeline based on the most recent statewide data and the latest developments in expungement law as of March 2025.

📚 Why You May See Conflicting Information Online

Many online articles and attorney websites still say that expungements take 3 to 4 months total. That timeline is no longer accurate for most cases in New Jersey. Some attorneys also quote only the time it takes to get your expungement approved by a judge—but that’s just Step 1 of the process.

What really matters is when your criminal record is fully erased from all background check systems, including the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and private databases. That’s what employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards will see.

We believe in giving clients the full picture. So here it is.

🧭 Expungement in NJ Has Two Phases—And Both Matter

Understanding the expungement timeline means breaking it down into two distinct phases. You’re not truly “expunged” until both are complete.

✅ Phase 1: Filing to Court Approval

In this phase, your attorney files your expungement petition in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred. The judge reviews your application and either signs the order or schedules a hearing if there are objections.

This part is handled by the Superior Court, and the timeline depends heavily on how fast your county processes expungement petitions.

  • Average Time: Anywhere from 2 to 10 months

  • Fastest Counties: Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hudson, Monmouth, Sussex (often under 4 months)

  • Slower Counties: Essex (~12 months), Mercer (~12 months), Passaic (8–10 months), Salem (~12 months), Hunterdon (10 months)

Once the order is signed, you’re only halfway there.

✅ Phase 2: Court Approval to Record Removal by NJSP

This is the phase that many people (and even some attorneys) forget to mention—but it’s arguably the most important.

Once the court grants your expungement, the order must be served on all state agencies, including the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). NJSP is responsible for:

  • Removing your criminal history from its central database

  • Notifying other relevant agencies (like the FBI and private background check services)

  • Ensuring that your record no longer appears on any official background search

🕰️ The Problem: NJSP Backlogs (and Why They Mattered)

Historically, this second phase was plagued by massive delays. From 2020 to 2023, many people had to wait an additional 12 to 18 months just for the NJSP to complete their portion—even after their expungement was approved by the court.

This created enormous hardship. People were:

  • Being rejected from jobs, schools, or housing opportunities

  • Assuming their records were cleared when they weren’t

  • Left with no way to track whether the expungement was completed

🧑‍⚖️ The 2025 Settlement That Changed Everything

In response to a class action lawsuit filed by the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) against the New Jersey State Police, a settlement was reached in March 2025 to force systemwide improvements.

Under the settlement:

  • NJSP must process all expungement orders within 120 days of receiving them

  • They are encouraged to process them within 90 days, when possible

  • Full compliance with this timeline is required by June 1, 2025

  • NJSP is also developing a public-facing online portal to track the status of expungement orders

You can already view processed docket numbers and contact NJSP through their Expungement Update Portal:
🔗 https://www.nj.gov/njsp/eu/index.shtml

This portal is updated regularly and includes a phone number and email contact if you need more information.

⏳ Total Estimated Timeline (Start to Finish): 6 to 12 Months

Now that NJSP delays are being addressed, we can finally give clients a realistic overall estimate:

Phase Estimated Timeframe
Phase 1 – Filing to Court Approval 2 to 10 months, depending on county
Phase 2 – NJSP Record Removal Up to 4 months (120-day deadline)
TOTAL 6 to 12 months overall

⚡ NEW for 2025: You Can Now Request Faster NJSP Processing (But You Must Act Early)

As of April 30, 2025, a groundbreaking consent order now allows eligible petitioners to request expedited NJSP processing if they are facing exceptional circumstances—but there’s one key rule:

🛑 You must request expedited processing when your petition is first filed.

This means the court must include special language in your expungement order, and your attorney must notify NJSP according to the new procedures. This option cannot be added after your order is signed, so it’s critical to raise it up front.

At National Security Law Firm, we now offer a flat-fee Expedited NJSP Processing Service for clients who qualify. For $1,500, we handle:

  • A motion to the court requesting expedited NJSP language in your order

  • Formal notice to NJSP once the order is signed

  • Monitoring and follow-up with NJSP to ensure timely clearance

  • (Optional) A motion to expedite court review, where appropriate

🚀 This option is ideal for clients with urgent needs, including:

  • Job offers or professional licensing

  • Housing applications

  • Background checks for school or security clearances

Even without an expedited request, NJSP must now process all expungement orders within 120 days, and make best efforts to complete within 90 days.

📌 Learn more: Expedited Expungements in New Jersey

📍 Current County Timelines (Phase 1 Only)

We continuously monitor timelines by checking the NJSP portal and talking to courts. Here’s where things stand now:

🟢 Counties Signing Expungement Orders in < 4 Months:

  • Burlington

  • Camden

  • Cape May

  • Cumberland

  • Gloucester

  • Hudson

  • Monmouth

  • Sussex

🟡 Counties Around the 4-Month Mark:

  • Middlesex

  • Ocean

  • Union

  • Atlantic

  • Morris

🔴 Counties Taking Longer Than 4 Months:

  • Bergen

  • Essex (close to 1 year)

  • Hunterdon (~10 months)

  • Mercer (close to 1 year)

  • Passaic (8–10 months)

  • Salem (1 year)

  • Warren

🚨 Watch Out for Misleading Attorney Promises

Some attorneys may quote just the time it takes to get the expungement order signed (Phase 1)—not the full time until your record is removed by NJSP (Phase 2). This can make timelines look faster than they really are, which is misleading and unfair to clients.

At National Security Law Firm, we tell you the truth up front:
👉 Expect 6 to 12 months from filing to full record clearance.

⚡ Want to Speed Things Up?

Check out these resources:

Don’t Let Your Record Define You

Your criminal record shouldn’t dictate your future. Whether it’s employment, housing, or licensing, even an old arrest or dismissed charge can create barriers. Expungement is meant to solve this — but most people don’t realize that simply getting an order from a judge doesn’t guarantee your record disappears.

Our audits reveal that 25–30% of New Jersey agencies don’t update their databases after receiving an expungement order. Private background check companies like TruthFinder, Checkr, and Sterling? They’re never notified at all.

That’s why so many clients come to us saying:

“I thought I was expunged, but my record is still out there.”

How NSLF Ensures Your Record Is Truly Gone

At National Security Law Firm, led by Karen Howell, Esq., we take the extra steps most firms ignore:

  • Government Database Verification — We confirm compliance with NJSP, FBI, courts, police, and probation.

  • Private Background Check Cleanup — Our proprietary system notifies major private reporting companies.

  • Lifetime Record Protection — If your record resurfaces years later, we remove it at no cost.

  • Refund Guarantee — If your expungement is denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your fee.

👉 Read more: Why records still show up — and how we fix it.

Expedited Expungements

Most expungements take close to a year. But since April 2025, clients can request expedited NJSP processing if filed correctly. For those needing a clean record quickly for work, housing, or school, this is the fastest legal path.

👉 Learn about expedited expungement.

Flat, Transparent Pricing

We believe in clear, predictable fees:

  • $1,500 for your primary offense

  • +$200 for each additional offense

  • +$1,800 (in addition to the standard fee) for early expungements or drug distribution cases

  • +$2,500 (in addition to the standard fee) for expedited filings

👉 View our pricing guide.

Flexible Payment Options

With Affirm financing, you can:

  • Pay over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months

  • Start now with little down

  • Check eligibility with no credit impact

  • Example: $1,500 = about $65/month

👉 See financing options.

Our Refund Guarantee

We stand behind our work. If your expungement is denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your legal fee in full. ⚠️ Denials due to nondisclosure of your full criminal history are not covered.

Why Clients Choose NSLF

  • More expungements statewide than any other NJ law firm

  • Proprietary system for government + private record cleanup

  • Lifetime record removal support

  • Flat-rate pricing and affordable financing

  • Refund guarantee = risk-free choice

  • Every case handled personally by Karen Howell, Esq.

👉 Visit our Expungement Resource Hub for guides, FAQs, and eligibility charts.

We’re Trusted With More Expungements in New Jersey Than Any Other Law Firm.

Take Control of Your Future

Every day your record lingers, it costs you opportunities. Don’t let it hold you back another day. Clear it now — and start fresh.

👉 Book your free consultation today.

✔ Quick.
✔ Easy.
✔ Risk-Free.

What Clients Say

We’re proud to be one of the highest-rated expungement law firms in New Jersey.

👉 Read our 5-star Google Reviews.

⚡ At NSLF, we don’t just file expungements. We erase your record everywhere it matters — for life.