DAF Form 235: Expungement Request for Current Service Members

DAF Form 235: Expungement Request for Current Service Members – If you are an active-duty Airman or Guardian in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force and were the subject of a criminal investigation that did not result in a qualifying conviction, you may be eligible to request the removal or correction of certain records from federal databases. The official tool for this is DAF Form 235, titled Expungement Request for Records of Current Service Members.

This form allows current Department of the Air Force (DAF) service members to request expungement or correction of records in systems such as the Interstate Identification Index (III), Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII), National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), and—importantly—the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

What Is DAF Form 235 Used For?

DAF Form 235 is the standardized template created by the Air Force Criminal Justice Information Center (AFCJIC) under AFOSI for current service members seeking to expunge or modify criminal history records following an investigation. It is particularly relevant when:

  • Charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or never preferred.
  • The case was resolved through non-judicial punishment, administrative separation, or a summary court-martial (which generally does not bar DNA expungement).
  • No conviction occurred at a general or special court-martial.

The form is governed by DAFMAN 71-102 (Air Force Criminal Indexing) and aligns with DoD Instruction 5505.14 on DNA collection and expungement.

Key benefit: Successful expungement can remove “titling” entries that appear on background checks, potentially affecting security clearances, assignments, civilian employment, firearm rights, and future opportunities.

Who Should Use DAF Form 235?

  • Current active-duty, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve members (including Space Force personnel assigned under DAF).
  • Individuals who want to remove or correct records in III, DCII, NICS, and/or CODIS/DNA profiles.
  • Service members who were fingerprinted or had DNA collected during an investigation that did not end in a disqualifying conviction.

Note: Former service members use DAF Form 236 instead. Civilians use a separate form. Always confirm your status before proceeding.

Why Request Expungement? Common Reasons for Current Service Members?

Unresolved or outdated investigative records can trigger issues during:

  • Security clearance renewals or upgrades
  • Reenlistment or promotion boards
  • Overseas assignments
  • Civilian job applications (especially law enforcement, government, or security-related roles)
  • Firearm purchases (NICS checks)

Many Airmen pursue expungement after an investigation is closed favorably or after administrative action only.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 235?

Here is the official process based on current AFOSI guidance:

  1. Download the Form Correctly
    Download DAF Form 235 directly from the official source:
    https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ig/form/daf235/daf235.pdf
    Important: Save the PDF to your computer first, then open it in Adobe Acrobat (not in a browser). This ensures fillable fields work properly.
  2. Complete Your Portion
    • Fill in personal information accurately.
    • Initial only the applicable sections for the records you want expunged (III, DCII, NICS).
    • The CODIS/DNA section must be addressed for all current service members. Explicitly check the appropriate box if you want your DNA record removed. Failure to select a box in the DNA section will prevent processing of DNA expungement.
    • Attach supporting documentation (e.g., dismissal of charges, commander’s decision, legal disposition).
  3. Obtain Required Coordination
    • Forward the form and supporting documents to your servicing Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) for legal review and indorsement.
    • The SJA will initial the appropriate blocks.
    • Then route to your first commander in the grade of O-4 (Major) or higher in your chain of command for review and signature. This step is mandatory for current service members.
  4. Verification of Identity
    Submit DAF Form 238 (Verification of Identity) along with your request. Signatures must be wet ink (pen-to-paper) or a CAC digital signature. Regular digital signatures are not accepted. A scanned wet signature is usually fine.
  5. Submit the Package
    Preferred method: Email to [email protected] (or the current address listed on the AFOSI website).
    Alternative: Mail to
    AFOSI Attn: AFCJIC Expungements
    27130 Telegraph Road
    Quantico, VA 22134

Always include:

  • Completed DAF Form 235
  • DAF Form 238 (Verification of Identity)
  • Supporting documentation
  • Commander and SJA indorsements

Tips for a Successful Submission

  • Be precise: Initial only the correct sections. Initialing incorrect ones can delay or derail your request.
  • Provide strong evidence: Include clear proof that charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or did not result in a general/special court-martial conviction.
  • DNA requests: Explicitly indicate your desire for CODIS removal. DoD policy allows expungement for current members when no qualifying conviction exists.
  • Timeline: Processing times vary; allow several weeks to months. Follow up through your chain of command or SJA if needed.
  • Seek legal assistance: Consult your servicing SJA or a military justice attorney for complex cases, especially if titling impacts a security clearance.
  • DAF Form 238: Required Verification of Identity
  • DAF Form 236: For former service members
  • Official AFOSI Expungement Page: https://www.osi.af.mil/About/Expungement-Request/
  • DAFMAN 71-102: Air Force Criminal Indexing
  • DoDI 5505.14: DNA Collection and Submission Requirements

Download DAF Form 235 here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ig/form/daf235/daf235.pdf

Final Advice

Expunging records can significantly improve your career prospects and clean up your federal background profile. However, the process requires proper coordination through your commander and SJA, so start by speaking with your legal office.

This information is based on official Department of the Air Force and AFOSI guidance as of 2026. Policies can be updated, so always verify the latest forms and instructions on the official e-Publishing site or the AFOSI expungement page before submitting.

If your situation involves a security clearance denial or more complex correction of military records, you may eventually need to escalate to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) using DD Form 149 after exhausting this process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult your chain of command, SJA, or a qualified military attorney for guidance specific to your case.