If you’ve recently been arrested or convicted, you’re probably asking yourself a very important question: does a DWI stay on your record? It’s a question packed with anxiety, uncertainty, and—most of all—consequences. The short answer? Yes, a DWI can stay on your record for years, sometimes permanently. But the full answer depends on where you live, how the case was resolved, and what legal steps you take after the conviction.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll unpack the legal reality behind DWIs and criminal records. You’ll find out what’s public, what’s permanent, and what options might exist to clean things up. Along the way, we’ll share real-life stories that reveal just how much a single DWI can impact everything from job prospects to personal relationships.

Understanding the long-term impact of a DWI can change the way you approach your defense, your future planning, and your next steps. So let’s break it down.

What Is a DWI?

Before diving into how long it sticks around, it helps to clarify what a DWI actually is. In most states, DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired. It refers to operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of drugs—whether legal, prescribed, or illicit.

While some states use DUI (Driving Under the Influence), others use DWI for more serious offenses or base it on BAC levels. In Texas, for example, DWI is the official term and applies to any driver caught operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

So, when asking does a DWI stay on your record, you’re really asking whether this particular type of criminal or traffic offense follows you long after the court dates and fines are over.

Real-Life Example: The DWI That Changed Everything

Jason, a 30-year-old from San Antonio, made a terrible choice one night after a friend’s birthday dinner. He believed he was okay to drive, but after running a red light and being pulled over, his BAC registered at 0.11%. It was his first offense. He pleaded guilty, paid the fines, attended DWI education classes, and thought it was behind him.

Three years later, Jason applied for a promotion at work—only to find out during a background check that his DWI conviction disqualified him from the leadership position. That record hadn’t gone anywhere.

The moral? The question “does a DWI stay on your record?” has real-life implications far beyond your court date.

Does a DWI Stay on Your Record Permanently?

The answer depends on several factors, including the state where the offense occurred, whether it was your first or a repeat offense, and how the case was resolved.

In Most States: Yes, It Stays on Your Criminal Record

In many states, a DWI is treated as a criminal offense—and criminal convictions typically stay on your record permanently, unless you successfully get them sealed or expunged.

Driving Record vs. Criminal Record

There’s a big difference between your criminal record and your driving record, and both matter.

• Criminal Record: This is what background checks will reveal when you apply for jobs, housing, or security clearances. A DWI here can be a long-term obstacle.
• Driving Record: Maintained by the DMV, this record affects your insurance premiums and ability to maintain or reinstate your license.

In Texas, for example, a first-time DWI conviction stays on your criminal record forever unless you meet very specific criteria for sealing it.

So, if you’re still wondering does a DWI stay on your record, the answer is likely yes—unless you act to change it.

Can You Get a DWI Off Your Record?

Now we’re getting into legal relief territory. While most DWI convictions don’t just disappear, some individuals may qualify for:

1. Expungement

Expungement means the DWI is completely removed from your criminal history. However, this is extremely limited. In Texas and many other states, expungement is usually only available if:

• You were found not guilty
• The DWI was dismissed
• You were never formally charged

If you were convicted—even for a first-time offense—you probably don’t qualify.

2. Order of Nondisclosure (Record Sealing)

This option allows eligible individuals to have theirDWI records sealed, meaning they’re hidden from public view, including most employers and landlords. In Texas, you may qualify if:

• It’s your first and only DWI
• Your BAC was below 0.15%
• You completed probation successfully
• You waited the required two- to five-year period

An order of nondisclosure doesn’t erase the DWI, but it makes it significantly less visible in everyday background checks.

Real-Life Example: From Conviction to Sealed Record

Monica, a school nurse in Austin, was arrested for DWI after an early evening holiday gathering. It was her first offense, and her BAC came in at 0.09%. She completed probation, took all required classes, and stayed out of trouble.

Five years later, her attorney filed for an order of nondisclosure, and the court granted it. Today, her DWI doesn’t appear on standard background checks—a game-changer for her career and peace of mind.

How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Driving Record?

If you’re only looking at your driving record, a DWI can stay there for several years, depending on your state.

• Texas: Indefinitely, though insurance companies typically look at the past 3–10 years
• California: 10 years
• Florida: 75 years (yes, really)
• New York: 10 years, with additional implications for multiple offenses

Insurance companies, employers, and even car rental companies can view your driving record—so the consequences of a DWI go well beyond legal fines.

Employment and Background Checks: How a DWI Affects Your Future

One of the most serious long-term consequences of a DWI conviction is how it shows up in employment background checks.

Jobs That Might Be Off-Limits

• Commercial driving jobs (CDL)
• Government jobs
• Military or law enforcement roles
• Jobs requiring professional licenses (nursing, law, finance)
• Positions that require security clearance

Even if the DWI happened years ago, it can still raise red flags in competitive hiring environments.

What Can You Do?

If you’re asked about prior convictions, honesty is essential—but so is preparation. Be ready to explain what happened, how you’ve changed, and what you’ve done to stay on the right path.

In some cases, a sealed record or successful completion of court-ordered DWI programs can help offset the stigma.

Housing, Loans, and Education

Another area where people ask does a DWI stay on your record is when it comes to housing and student aid. Here’s what you need to know:

Housing Applications

Landlords often run background checks. A DWI may cause them to deny your application—especially in high-demand markets.

Loans and Financial Aid

While a single DWI won’t usually block federal student loans, drug-related convictions can, and some private lenders consider criminal history as part of their evaluation process.

College Admissions

Selective colleges and grad schools may view a DWI as a character concern. Being upfront in your application and sharing how you’ve grown from the experience can help.

Insurance Rates After a DWI

If you thought the fines were expensive, wait until you see your car insurance premiums after a DWI.

A DWI will classify you as a high-risk driver, and that means:

• Your rates can double or triple
• Some insurers may cancel your policy altogether
• You might be required to obtain SR-22 insurance (a high-risk certificate)

This impact lasts 3 to 10 years depending on your provider and driving history.

Travel Restrictions After a DWI

Here’s a lesser-known fact: your ability to travel internationally can be limited by a DWI.

Countries That May Deny Entry

• Canada: One of the strictest. A single DWI conviction can bar you from entering unless you apply for criminal rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit.
• Japan and Australia: May ask about criminal records and deny entry.
• United Arab Emirates: Offenses related to alcohol can raise red flags.

If international travel is important to you, understanding how long a DWI stays on your record is critical before planning trips.

Can a DWI Be Used Against You in the Future?

Yes—and this is a major concern. A prior DWI on your record can enhance the penalties for future offenses.

• A second DWI can lead to jail time, higher fines, and license revocation
• A third DWI is often treated as a felony in many states
• Prior DWIs can influence sentencing in unrelated criminal cases

Your record builds over time, and courts do take prior offenses seriously when making decisions.

Final Thoughts: Does a DWI Stay on Your Record?

So, does a DWI stay on your record? In most cases, the answer is yes. A DWI can linger on your criminal record, driving record, and in your personal and professional life for years—even decades. But depending on your situation, legal tools like expungement or record sealing may offer relief.

The best approach? Don’t ignore it. Understand what’s on your record, consult with a qualified attorney, and take proactive steps to minimize the long-term damage. Because while a mistake behind the wheel can have lasting consequences, your future doesn’t have to be defined by it.