Getting charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a life-changing event. It’s not just about paying fines or dealing with a suspended license. The lasting question most people ask is: how long does a DUI stay on your record?
The answer isn’t simple because the impact of a DUI stretches across different areas of life—criminal records, DMV driving records, employment background checks, professional licenses, insurance costs, and even international travel.
This guide breaks down each of those areas, explains state-by-state variations, and gives you actionable steps to reduce the long-term effects of a DUI conviction.
What Is a DUI and How Does It Show on Your Record?
A DUI means operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. Some states call it DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), but they all refer to similar offenses.
When you’re convicted, your DUI can appear in three main places:
- Criminal Record: Courts record DUIs as misdemeanors or felonies. This stays with you unless expunged.
- Driving Record (DMV): Your state DMV records traffic and driving violations, including DUIs.
- Court Record: Even if expunged, courts often maintain internal records for reference.
Important to know: Just because a DUI “drops off” your DMV record doesn’t mean it disappears from your criminal record.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record?
Lifetime Impact in Most States
In most states, a DUI stays on your criminal record permanently unless you pursue legal options to remove it. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can often see it during background checks.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor
- Misdemeanor DUI: Usually first offenses with no injuries. May be eligible for expungement.
- Felony DUI: Caused by repeat offenses, high blood alcohol content (BAC), or accidents with injury/death. These rarely qualify for expungement.
State Examples
- California: Lifetime on your criminal record, though the DMV uses it to enhance penalties for 10 years.
- Nevada: DUI is permanent, but expungement is possible after 7 years.
- Texas: DUI stays for life, and expungement is almost impossible unless charges were dropped.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record?
Your DMV record is different from your criminal record. This record directly affects your license status, insurance, and penalties for future offenses.
DMV Timelines
- California: 10 years.
- Florida: 75 years (essentially for life).
- Texas: Lifetime.
- Nevada: 7 years.
- New York: 15 years.
Insurance Consequences
Insurance companies check your DMV record, not just your criminal history. A DUI can:
- Increase premiums for 3–10 years.
- Force you into high-risk insurance categories.
- Require you to file SR-22 or FR-44 forms to prove financial responsibility.
📌 Example: A driver in California may see their premium double for 7–10 years after a DUI, even if they maintain a clean record afterward.
How a DUI Affects Insurance in the Long Term
Insurance is one of the areas where a DUI hurts the most.
- Immediate Impact: Rates often jump by 50–200% after a DUI conviction.
- Duration: Most insurers penalize you for 3–5 years, but in some states, it can last a full decade.
- High-Risk Status: Some insurance companies may drop you altogether.
| State | Average Premium Increase After DUI | Duration |
| California | +165% | 10 years |
| Florida | +70% | 75 years |
| Texas | +44% | Lifetime |
| New York | +65% | 15 years |
| Nevada | +55% | 7 years |
Long-Term Consequences Beyond Driving
A DUI conviction ripples through multiple parts of your life:
- Employment: Employers in fields like transportation, healthcare, and finance may reject candidates with DUIs.
- Professional Licenses: Lawyers, doctors, pilots, and commercial drivers risk license suspension or denial.
- Housing & Loans: Landlords and lenders often check criminal history. A DUI can weaken your application.
- Travel Restrictions: Canada is especially strict, often denying entry for 5–10 years after a DUI. Other countries may also restrict entry.
Case Example: A U.S. nurse convicted of a DUI in Florida had to delay applying for a Canadian work visa for several years due to strict immigration policies.
Can a DUI Be Removed? Expungement and Record Sealing
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that allows you to erase or seal a DUI conviction from public records.
Who Qualifies?
- First-time offenders.
- Those who completed probation and paid fines.
- States where expungement laws exist.
State Examples:
- California: Allows DUI expungement after probation.
- Texas: Rarely allows it. Only possible if charges were dropped or you were acquitted.
- Nevada: Expungement possible after 7 years.
Note: Expungement doesn’t erase the DUI from law enforcement databases. Police and courts can still see it.
How to Minimize the Impact of a DUI
If you’re dealing with a DUI, you’re not powerless.
Steps You Can Take
- Hire an Attorney: A DUI lawyer can challenge your case, file appeals, or pursue expungement.
- Complete Court Requirements: Probation, classes, and community service must be fulfilled to qualify for relief.
- Maintain a Clean Record: Avoid new violations to show responsibility.
- Shop Around for Insurance: Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates.
- File SR-22/FR-44 if Required: This keeps your driving privileges active.
State-by-State DUI Record Timelines (Quick Reference)
| State | Criminal Record | Driving Record | Expungement? |
| California | Lifetime | 10 years | Yes |
| Texas | Lifetime | Lifetime | Rare |
| Nevada | Lifetime | 7 years | Yes |
| Florida | Lifetime | 75 years | Limited |
| New York | Lifetime | 15 years | Yes |
| Illinois | Lifetime | Lifetime | No |
| Pennsylvania | Lifetime | 10 years | Yes (in some cases) |
FAQs About DUI Records
Does a DUI ever go away completely?
No, unless expunged. In many states, it remains for life.
Will employers always see a DUI?
Yes, unless sealed or expunged. Background checks typically include criminal history.
Can I travel internationally with a DUI?
Some countries, like Canada, may deny entry for years. Others allow entry but may impose restrictions.
How much does DUI expungement cost?
Typically $500–$2,000, including attorney and filing fees.
Does a DUI count as a felony everywhere?
No. Most first-time DUIs are misdemeanors, but repeat offenses or those involving injuries can be felonies.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?
So, how long does a DUI stay on your record? The short answer: often for life on your criminal record, and between 7 years to lifetime on your driving record, depending on your state.
While the consequences are serious, you have options. From expungement to insurance strategies and legal assistance, you can take steps to reduce the long-term impact.
A DUI doesn’t have to define your future. With knowledge, the right legal guidance, and a commitment to change, you can move forward and rebuild without being weighed down by past mistakes.