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How Long Does a DUI Stay On a Driving Record?

Once you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may dread having to show your DUI record to anyone who requests your driving record. It can make life difficult when you’re applying for a job that requires a driving record check or when you’re trying to get a new car insurance policy.

A DUI Can Stay on Your Record Indefinitely

While many people believe that a DUI record will automatically fall off of a driving record after a specific amount of time, that’s simply not true. Many states have laws that will keep a DUI record on your driving record for a specific number of years. However, you may have a DUI record remain on your driving record indefinitely. If you were convicted of a DUI a few years ago it is important to check your driving record to see if your DUI record is still showing up on your driving record.

Getting Your DUI Record Expunged

You may be able to have a DUI record expunged from your driving record depending on the state laws where you live. In order to do remove a DUI record, you’ll need to speak with the Department of Motor Vehicles where you live to find out how to remove the DUI record. If you’re having trouble navigating the system, you may want to hire an attorney to help clean up your DUI record. An experienced DUI attorney will know how best to help you achieve your goal of a clean driving record free from DUI records.

Playing the Waiting Game

In some cases, your DUI record will be less harmful for you as years go by. For example, many employers will request a 3-year driving record. If your DUI record falls before the three-year period, your potential employer won’t see it. However, some employers will ask for longer windows of time that will cause your DUI record to be revealed. 

Checking Your Driving Record

If you’re not sure what your driving record says about your DUI record, you should order a copy of your driving record and find out. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to order your driving record or you can order a copy of your driving record here. It will list any traffic violations, including your DUI record.

In most cases you can go to the DMV, fill out a short form, show proof of your identification, and receive your driving record on the same day. Ordering your driving record will also usually cost a small fee – but it’s worth being able to see your DUI record information.

When you’ve actually seen your DUI record, you can make a more informed decision about how to proceed. You may find that you only need to do a small amount of paperwork to have your DUI record cleared. In other cases you may have to seek legal advice to get the DUI record off of your driving record.