You’re Ready to Join the Military—But What About That Old Record?

You’ve made the decision to serve. You’re ready to wear the uniform, commit to something greater than yourself, and build a better future. But there’s something hanging over your head:

  • An old arrest or conviction
  • A juvenile record you thought was sealed
  • A misdemeanor or even a felony from years ago

Now you’re wondering:
 “Should I get this expunged before I apply?”
 “Will an expungement erase the need for a Moral Conduct Waiver?”
 “Does the military even care about expunged records?”

At the National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we help clients across the country navigate the complex intersection of military enlistment and past criminal conduct—including expungements. Here’s what you need to know before taking your next step.

Does Expungement Eliminate the Need for a Waiver?

No. In most cases, an expungement does not remove the need for a Moral Conduct Waiver.

Why?

Because the military operates under its own rules—and expunged or sealed records must still be disclosed. According to DoD Instruction 1304.26, all applicants must report:

  • All arrests, charges, convictions, and adverse juvenile adjudications
  • Even if those incidents were dismissed, sealed, expunged, or diverted

You are required to report these incidents on DD Form 1966, which explicitly asks for records regardless of expungement or sealing.

🔍 Bottom line: Expunging your record doesn’t exempt you from needing a waiver. The military wants to know what happened—regardless of whether the court says it’s “erased.”

So Is Expungement Useless for Military Applicants? Not at All.

While it doesn’t eliminate the need for a waiver, expungement can help your waiver case by:

✅ Showing that the court considered you rehabilitated
 ✅ Demonstrating that you completed probation or diversion successfully
 ✅ Reducing the stigma of your record for civilian employment and background checks
 ✅ Supporting your narrative of growth and responsibility
 ✅ Preventing future issues with security clearances (if done correctly)

In other words, expungement can be a positive factor—but it’s not a substitute for a strong waiver application.

When Should You Expunge Your Record—Before or After Applying?

It depends on your case. Here’s our general advice:

✅ Expunge before applying if:

  • The offense is recent (within the last 5 years)
  • You are eligible under your state’s laws and can expunge quickly
  • You have a single offense and no pattern of misconduct
  • Your recruiter is hesitant to process you with an active conviction on record

⚠️ Wait or skip expungement if:

  • Your expungement process will delay your enlistment by months
  • You are applying for a waiver regardless, and the offense was minor
  • You have multiple offenses that won’t qualify for expungement
  • You already have documentation showing case dismissal, probation completion, or time served

Important: Always consult a military waiver attorney before beginning the expungement process. Certain expungements can alter records in ways that make it harder—not easier—to get the documents the military needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Handle a Moral Conduct Waiver?

We offer flat-fee representation:
 👉 $5,000 total for comprehensive Moral Conduct Waiver support.

That includes:

  • Strategic consultation and record review
  • Legal memo preparation (including analysis of expungement)
  • Coordination with your recruiter and MEPS
  • Rehabilitation evidence compilation
  • Letters of recommendation guidance
  • Follow-through with command-level decision-makers

Need help paying? We offer legal financing through Affirm, so you can get started now and pay over time.

👉 Learn more about financing here

Why Choose NSLF for Your Waiver Case?

We are the nation’s leading law firm for Moral Conduct Waivers. If you’ve got an expunged, dismissed, or sealed record, we know how to present it in the best possible light.

  • ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating from hundreds of satisfied clients
  • Attorneys with experience as military prosecutors, judges, and adjudicators
  • Founded by disabled veterans who understand the value of redemption
  • Experts in juvenile records, expungements, DUIs, drug charges, and felony waivers
  • Representing clients in every service branch, nationwide
  • Trusted by recruiters, veterans, and applicants coast to coast

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about navigating your waiver case? Check out our other articles:

For a full list of resources and insights, visit our Moral Conduct Waivers Practice Page.

Want the Best Shot at Approval? We’ll Help You Get There.

Expungement might be part of your journey—but it’s not the whole story. Whether you’ve already cleared your record or are just starting the process, we can help you build the strongest possible waiver case.

📅 Time is critical. Waivers take weeks to prepare and even longer to approve. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can put this behind you and move forward with your enlistment.

👉 Schedule your free consultation now

We’ll review your case, your record, and your goals—and lay out a clear path forward. No guessing. No confusion. Just real legal answers, and real results.

Let’s make your military future possible—together.