How Long Does A DUI Stay On Your Record In Each State? (2025)

What Is a DUI and Why It Matters

A DUI is a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In some states, it’s referred to as driving while impaired (DWI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI). It’s easy to get caught up in the differences between OWI vs. DUI and DWI vs. DUI, but these offenses are essentially the same: operating a vehicle while impaired by a substance.

Each state sets its own blood alcohol concentration limit for impaired driving. In most states, the limit is 0.08%, but there are exceptions. For example, Utah lowered its legal limit to a 0.05% BAC in 2017. However, you can still be arrested for DUI even if you are below the legal limit.

Each state’s legal limit is a “per se” limit, meaning that the law treats the BAC alone as evidence of impairment. It’s still possible to be impaired with a lower amount of alcohol or other drug in your body, so if a police officer believes you are unable to safely operate your vehicle, you could be charged even with a fairly low BAC.

Records of Your DUI

A DUI can result in serious consequences such as jail time, fines and driver’s license suspension. After incarceration, the greatest concern of many people convicted of drunk driving is their DUI record.

This record represents an indirect cost of your DUI and could have these long-term effects:

• Preventing you from getting a job or working in certain careers
• Making landlords less likely to rent to you
• Interfering with the status of your professional license
• Increasing your insurance premiums
• Leading to deportation proceedings for undocumented immigrants

But the answer to “How long does a DUI stay on your record?” is deceptively complicated.

For example, the type of DUI conviction may affect the time it stays on your criminal record. Many states allow expungement or sealing of certain misdemeanor records, including DUI convictions, after a period with no criminal arrests. Expunging or sealing a felony DUI might be more difficult and require a longer waiting period.

Your DUI will also be reflected in your driving record. The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record is different from how long it stays on your criminal record.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record at the DMV?

The DMV or other state agency that issues your driver's license maintains your driving record. This record includes citations and criminal convictions that affect your license. Most states maintain records of the following violations:

• Non-moving violations, like illegal parking
• Moving violations, like minor speeding or tailgating
• Criminal violations, such as reckless driving, hit-and-runs and intoxicated driving

The length of time a criminal violation stays on your driving record will depend on your state. And if you're thinking about avoiding consequences by applying for a new license in another state while yours is suspended, don't count on it - states routinely share this information through national databases.

DUI Stay on Record Time by State

State Laws Updated in July 2024. Source: responsibility.org

Until this time period passes, anyone who requests your driving record will see the DUI. Insurers and employers might look at your driving record when you apply for insurance or employment.

Suppose that you live in Dallas and apply to drive for a rideshare company. When the company gets your driving record, it will see any DUI you received over your entire life. The company might not deny your application for an old DUI, but it will still see it on your record.

States usually do not remove convictions from a driving record early unless there was a mixup in the records. For example, if you share a name with someone who got a DUI, the state will remove it from your record after you prove you were not the offender. Otherwise, a DUI conviction will remain until the state’s time limit expires.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record?

Federal and state government agencies maintain criminal records. When someone runs a background check, they can see your criminal history. This history includes all convictions except those sealed or expunged.

Many states automatically seal juvenile convictions. However, any criminal convictions you received as an adult will usually appear on your record.

Along with convictions, some states include arrests. Even if you successfully defend yourself against a DUI charge, a background check might still reveal a record of your arrest, depending on where you live. However, it's important to note that a few states - like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia - don't participate in the DLC, which means they may not automatically record Along with convictions, some states include arrests. Even if you successfully defend yourself against a DUI charge, a background check might still reveal a record of your arrest, depending on where you live. However, it's important to note that a few states - like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia - don't participate in the DLC, which means they may not automatically record DUI convictions from other states. While this doesn't guarantee immunity, it can create inconsistencies in how DUI records are maintained or accessed across state lines.

Some states allow offenders to petition to have convictions sealed or expunged. This process removes your DUI conviction from your criminal history.

For example, Missouri allows offenders to expunge a misdemeanor, first-offense DUI conviction after 10 years. The court that originally handled the DUI case verifies that the petitioner had no convictions or charges in the previous 10 years, which would make them ineligible. If it finds nothing, the court orders the expungement.

In contrast, Illinois specifically excludes DUI convictions in its expungement statute. Thus, someone convicted of DUI in Illinois will forever have a criminal record regardless of the severity of the offense or a subsequent clean criminal record.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Insurance?

There is no standard time that every insurer sticks to when asking about DUI arrests or convictions. Some ask about DUIs within the past four years, while others cover longer periods.

Insurers rate your risk based on your answers. When you tell the truth about a DUI, the insurance company may refuse to issue an auto policy or raise the premium so high that you cannot afford it. But if someone lies about a DUI and the insurance company finds out, it could cancel the policy and deny any claims.

DUI’s Impact on Employment Opportunities

Having a DUI on your driving record, your criminal record, or both may limit your ability to secure employment. Most employers will conduct a background check before hiring you, although how far back the check goes depends on your state and the individual employer.

Additionally, a DUI conviction may matter more for some jobs than others. For example, a recent DUI first offense may not prevent you from being hired at a local grocery store. However, you likely wouldn’t be able to find employment as a delivery driver.

It’s also important to note that even if you already have a job, getting a DUI conviction may interfere with your career trajectory. Some licensed professionals may have their licenses suspended as a result of a DUI, and other jobs may dismiss you outright.

Learn More About DUI Records From ConsumerShield

ConsumerShield helps people dealing with the aftermath of a DUI conviction. We can help you understand your options and find a DUI lawyer to clean up your record. Contact us for a free case evaluation.