Who qualifies to have a criminal record expunged with the J744?

You qualify under Form A if your conviction is older than 10 years, the fine imposed was R20 000 or less, and you were never sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine. You must also not have been convicted of another offence with imprisonment and no fine option in that 10-year period. Qualifying sentences include a postponed sentence, caution and discharge, corporal punishment, correctional supervision, and periodical imprisonment.

How long after a conviction can I apply to expunge it?

You can apply once 10 years have passed since the date of your conviction. Your SAPS Criminal Record Centre clearance certificate confirms this period has lapsed. Applying before the 10 years are up is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected.

What is the R20 000 fine limit for Form A?

Form A only covers convictions where the fine imposed was R20 000 or less, including sentences of imprisonment with the option of paying a fine of R20 000 or less instead. If your fine was higher, or you were sentenced to imprisonment without a fine option, this form does not apply to your conviction.

Do I need a police clearance certificate to apply?

Yes. You must attach a SAPS Criminal Record Centre clearance certificate showing that 10 years have lapsed since your conviction. The J744 asks for the certificate's enquiry number and the date it was issued. The application cannot be processed without this certificate.

How long does expungement take once I apply?

Once the department approves your application, it submits the certificate of expungement to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre within 14 working days. SAPS then confirms the expungement in writing within 21 working days. If your application is refused, you are informed by post with the reasons.

Where do I send the completed J744 form?

Post the signed J744, your SAPS clearance certificate, and a certified copy of your ID or passport to the Directorate: Legal Process, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001.

Can I expunge a record if I was sentenced to imprisonment?

Only in limited cases. Form A covers imprisonment with the option of a fine of R20 000 or less, wholly suspended imprisonment, correctional supervision, and periodical imprisonment. If you were imprisoned without the option of a fine, Form A does not apply and you should get legal advice on other expungement routes.

What if I was on the Sex Offenders Register or Child Protection Register?

The J744 asks you to declare whether your name was ever included in the National Register for Sex Offenders or the National Child Protection Register. If it was, give the dates you were added and removed. This does not automatically disqualify your application, but you must answer truthfully.

What happens if my expungement application is refused?

The department informs you by post and gives the reasons for the refusal. Common reasons are an incomplete form, missing documents, less than 10 years having lapsed, or a fine or sentence that falls outside what Form A covers. You can reapply once the issue is resolved, for example once the full 10 years have lapsed.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for expungement?

No. The J744 is designed for you to complete and submit yourself, together with your SAPS clearance certificate and certified ID copy. There is no application fee mentioned on the form. You only need legal advice if your case falls outside what Form A covers, such as imprisonment without a fine option.

Can I expunge more than one conviction with the same J744?

Yes. The form has space to list up to three offences and their conviction dates in one application, provided each meets the same requirements: older than 10 years, a fine of R20 000 or less, and no disqualifying imprisonment.

Is my information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the J744?

Yes. FillMeIn processes everything on your device. Your ID number, conviction details, and address never leave your phone or computer, and nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. You fill the form, download the PDF, and post it yourself, so your information stays under your control.

J744 — Application for Expungement of a Criminal Record

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development · Verified 12 August 2026

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