If you’ve ever wondered how long a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) stays on your record, you’re not alone. This is an important question because a DUI can impact your life for years. Let’s break down what the video from CountyOffice.org explains in simple terms.
DUI Records Vary by State:
The length of time a DUI on your driving record depends on which state you live in. Some states remove a DUI from your record after a few years, while others keep it much longer.
- In states like Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, and Rhode Island, a DUI is dropped from your driving record after 5 years.
- In California, a DUI-stays on your record for up to 10 years.
- In states like Illinois, Texas, and Vermont, a DUI can stay on your record for life.
Different Types of DUI Convictions:
The length of time a DUI on your driving record depends on which state you live in. Some states remove a DUI from your record after a few years, while others keep it much longer.
- Misdemeanor DUI: These might be eligible for expungement or sealing after some time if you don’t have any new criminal arrests.
- Felony DUI: These are more serious and harder to remove from your record. They usually require a longer waiting period.
Driving Record vs. Criminal Record
Your driving record and criminal record are not the same:
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps your driving record, which shows citations and convictions affecting your license.
- A DUI will appear on your driving record for the time period set by your state.
- For example, in Alabama, a stays on your record for 10 years, while in Alaska, it can be up to 15 years.
Impact on Insurance and Other Consequences:
Even if a DUI is removed from your background check after expungement, it can still affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies usually look at the last 3 to 5 years of your driving record, so a recent DUI can make your insurance more expensive.
Also, because of agreements between states to share driver information, a DUI in one state will likely show up on your driving record if you move to another state. Other consequences of a DUI can include:
- Higher insurance premiums.
- Trouble finding or keeping jobs, especially those involving driving.
- License suspension (for example, Illinois varies suspension length based on the situation).
FAQS:
Will a misdemeanor DUI affect employment?
Yes, a misdemeanor DUI can affect your chances of getting a job, especially if the employer runs a background check.
Will a DUI from 30 years ago show up on a background check?
It depends on the state and the type of background check. In some cases, very old DUIs may still show up.
Will a DUI show up on a background check if not convicted yet?
Yes, a pending DUI charge can still appear on a background check until it is resolved.
Will a DUI show up on a background check after 10 years?
In many states, a DUI can still show up after 10 years unless it’s been expunged or sealed.
How long does a DUI show up on a background check?
A DUI can stay on your criminal record for life, but background checks usually go back 7–10 years, depending on the state.
Does a DUI go away after 7 years?
No, a DUI doesn’t automatically go away after 7 years, but some background checks may not show it after that time.
DUI did not show up on background check why?
This could be because the background check only went back a certain number of years or didn’t include criminal records.
