How long a DUI stays on a driving record depends on state law and the severity of the offense. Most states keep a DUI on a driving record for 5 to 10 years. A DUI conviction creates three main consequences: higher insurance premiums, license suspension, and SR-22 filing requirements. According to NHTSA, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2023. Alcohol-impaired crashes accounted for 30% of all U.S. traffic fatalities that year. Many states require drivers to file an SR-22 certificate for three years after a DUI. Insurance Navy helps high-risk drivers find affordable car insurance after a DUI. This guide explains how long a DUI stays on a driving record, license suspension, SR-22 rules, and rate increases.
Table of contents
- How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record in Each State
- Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record Forever?
- DUI Record vs. the Lookback Period: Two Different Clocks
- What is a DUI or DWI?
- When Is a DUI a Felony?
- Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Your Record
- Higher Car Insurance Rates
- Job and Housing Issues
- License Suspension and Driving Restrictions
- How to Remove a DUI from Your Driving Record
- Clearing Your Criminal Record with Expungement
- Clearing Your Driving Record
- Why Do I Need SR-22 Insurance After a DUI?
- How Much Do DUIs Increase Car Insurance Rates?
- How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
- How to Check Your Driving Record after a DUI
A DUI commonly stays on your driving record for 5 to 10 years, but many states keep it longer, and a growing number keep it for life. Beyond the legal penalties, that long-term record brings higher insurance rates, SR-22 filing requirements, and job difficulties.
The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record varies by state and the severity of the charge. Knowing the factors that affect this and ways to minimize the impact can help mitigate the long-term consequences of a DUI.
How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record in Each State
Each state sets its own DUI laws, so no single rule covers how long a DUI stays on your record.
Knowing how your state handles DUI charges can help you navigate the consequences.
Most states use a point system for driving behavior, where traffic violations add points to your drivers license.
If you get too many points, your license will be suspended. Auto insurance companies also review those points when setting rates, so more points mean higher insurance premiums.
Some states assign points for DUIs, and others impose stricter penalties like immediate license suspension or fines. The number of points and how long they stay on your driving record depends on state laws.
In some states, points are automatically removed after a certain period; in others, you can get points reduced if you don't get any more violations.
The table below lists the Amount of Time, Consequences, and other Information for a DUI conviction.
| State | DUI Record Duration | License Points & Duration | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Up to 5 years | 6 points for 2 years | |
| Alaska | Permanent | 10 points (duration not specified) | |
| Arizona | 5 years | 8 points (each lasts 3 years) | |
| Arkansas | 5 years | 14 points for 3 years | |
| California | 10 years (fixed by the DMV; expungement does not shorten it) | 2 points for 13 years | California SR22 Insurance |
| Colorado | 10 years | 8 points for 2 years | |
| Connecticut | 10 years | 3 points for 2 years | |
| Delaware | 5 years | N/A | Additional penalties: alcohol treatment, defensive driver courses |
| Florida | 75 years | License suspension for first-time offenders; no point system | |
| Georgia | 10 years | Points vary; typically remain for 2 years | Georgia SR22 Insurance |
| Hawaii | 5 years | No defined point system | |
| Idaho | Permanent | None; extra penalty: license suspension | |
| Illinois | Life (also appears on criminal record) | License may be revoked for at least 1 year; no points specified | Illinois SR22 insurance, fines, jail/probation |
| Indiana | Life | 8 points for 2 years | Indiana SR22 Insurance |
| Iowa | 12 years | No point system | |
| Kansas | Life | No point system | |
| Kentucky | 5 years | No point system | |
| Louisiana | 10 years | No point system | |
| Maine | Life | No point system; license typically suspended | |
| Maryland | 5 years | 12 points (duration not specified) | |
| Massachusetts | 10 years | 5 points for 6 years | |
| Michigan | 7 years | 6 points for 2 years | |
| Minnesota | 10 years | No point system | |
| Mississippi | 5 years | No point system | |
| Missouri | 10 years | 8 points (duration not specified) | |
| Montana | 5 years | 10 points for 3 years | |
| Nebraska | 12 years | 6 points for 5 years | |
| Nevada | Conviction remains on the driving record permanently; 7-year lookback for repeat offenses | No points for DUI (excluded from NV's demerit system; immediate revocation instead) | Nevada SR22 Insurance |
| New Hampshire | 10 years | 6 points for 3 years | |
| New Jersey | 10 years | No point system | |
| New Mexico | 55 years | No point system; penalties include fines & jail time | |
| New York | 15 years | No point system | |
| North Carolina | 7 years | No point system; license suspension applies | |
| North Dakota | 7 years | No point system | |
| Ohio | Permanent | 6 points for 3 years | |
| Oklahoma | 10 years | Point system applies (similar to New Mexico’s approach) | |
| Oregon | Permanent | No point system | |
| Pennsylvania | 10 years | Point system applies (specifics not provided) | |
| Rhode Island | 5 years | No point system | |
| South Carolina | 10 years | Point system determines penalties (not added to license) | |
| South Dakota | 10 years | 10 points for 3 years | |
| Tennessee | Life | Point system applies (similar to South Carolina’s) | |
| Texas | Life | No points (point system repealed 2019); DWI conviction stays on the record permanently | Texas SR22 Insurance |
| Utah | 10 years | Point system (assesses penalties, not added to license) | |
| Vermont | Permanent | Point system (assesses penalties) | |
| Virginia | 11 years | 6 points issued (duration not specified) | Additional penalties and consequences may apply |
| Washington | 15 years | No point system | |
| West Virginia | 10 years | Point system similar to Virginia’s | |
| Wisconsin | 10 years | 6 points for 5 years | |
| Wyoming | 10 years | No point system |
Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record Forever?
Yes. In most states, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless a court expunges or seals the conviction. A DUI touches 2 separate records. The driving record, kept by your state's DMV, clears on a schedule set by state law. The table above lists each state's duration. The criminal record, kept by the courts, has no expiration date of its own. Employers running criminal background checks see the conviction until a court expunges or seals it. Insurers pricing your policy see the driving record.
A DUI arrest without a conviction is different. If charges are dropped or you are acquitted, most states let you expunge or seal the arrest record, often on a faster track than a conviction. The arrest may still appear on detailed background checks until you expunge or seal it.
DUI Record vs. the Lookback Period: Two Different Clocks
How long a DUI stays visible and how long a DUI counts against you are 2 different questions. The lookback period, also called a washout period, is the window during which a prior DUI upgrades a new offense. A first-offense charge becomes a second-offense charge with harsher penalties. Lookback windows commonly run 5 to 10 years. Some states use a lifetime lookback: Texas counts prior convictions with no time limit under Texas Penal Code § 49.09. Expungement clears the public record, not the lookback clock, so an expunged DUI can still count as a prior offense.
What is a DUI or DWI?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a crime when you operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.
States use different terms like DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence). Still, it's the same crime, impaired driving.
Most states consider you impaired if your BAC is 0.08% or higher.
Stricter limits apply to specific groups: commercial drivers have a 0.04% BAC limit, and drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance laws. In most states, any BAC above 0.00-0.02 triggers a charge for drivers under 21.
A DUI can be from drug impairment, including illegal substances and prescription medications that affect your ability to drive.
The consequences of a DUI are severe and long-term. Legal penalties can include fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse programs, and an ignition interlock device.
Beyond the legal consequences, a DUI can mean higher insurance rates, difficulty getting a job, and damage to your personal and professional reputation.
So, if you're a first-time offender facing DUI charges, get a lawyer. A reasonable attorney can help you navigate the system, protect your rights, and explore defenses to minimize the impact of the criminal charges.
When Is a DUI a Felony?
A first DUI is a misdemeanor in most states. A DUI becomes a felony when an aggravating factor applies: repeat offenses within the lookback period, a high BAC, a minor in the vehicle, a serious injury, or a death. A felony DUI carries longer record retention, longer license revocation, and consequences a misdemeanor does not carry, including the loss of certain professional licenses.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Your Record
DUIs can affect many areas of your life, from insurance costs and job opportunities to driving privileges and financial responsibilities.
Some of the DUI Penalties are listed below.
Higher Car Insurance Rates
Insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers and will often raise your rates.
Insurers typically look back 3 to 5 years for minor violations. For a DUI, many insurers look back further, up to 10 years in California, where the violation stays on the driving record that long. A DUI on your record can result in significant increases or policy cancellations.
Suppose your driver's license is suspended due to a DUI. In that case, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 to prove financial responsibility before reinstatement.
This requirement usually lasts 3 years and comes with additional filing fees and higher insurance costs.
Job and Housing Issues
Many employers do background checks for criminal convictions, and a DUI can make it harder to get a job, especially if the job involves driving or requires a clean record. Professional licensing boards in nursing, law, teaching, and commercial driving also run background checks that surface DUI convictions.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have strict requirements, and a DUI can disqualify you from driving-related jobs. Landlords may see a DUI as a liability and make it harder to rent an apartment.
License Suspension and Driving Restrictions
A DUI can also result in your driver's license being suspended or revoked, and the length of time varies by state and severity of the drunk driving offense. In some states, a DUI is an automatic suspension.
Reinstating your license can cost you big bucks, but it fulfills court-ordered requirements and allows you to keep proof of insurance.
Some states require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prevents a car from starting when alcohol is detected in the driver's breath.
The financial, professional, and legal consequences of a DUI can be significant and have a long-term impact.
Knowing these potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can help you take steps to minimize the risks and understand the consequences of having a DUI on your record.
How to Remove a DUI from Your Driving Record
You can sometimes expunge a DUI from your criminal record, but almost never from your driving record. Your driving record clears only on your state's schedule.
Clearing Your Criminal Record with Expungement
In some states, you can have a DUI expunged, meaning it will be removed from your criminal record and will not show up on most background checks. Some states seal records instead of expunging them: a sealed record still exists but is hidden from public view. Several states do not allow DUI expungement at all.
Expungement eligibility requires:
Completion of court-ordered requirements, such as probation or community service
There is a waiting period before you can apply
Meeting state-specific criteria
Even if expunged, certain entities, such as law enforcement and government agencies that require security clearance, may still have access to the record.
An expunged DUI conviction will still count as a prior offense if you get charged with a future DUI, which can result in severe penalties.
Clearing Your Driving Record
Unlike your criminal history, DUIs cannot be removed from your driving record before the state's time frame expires.
Insurance companies and state DMVs use driving records to assess risk. A DUI stays on your public record for the full period your state sets. The state table above lists each duration.
If you're facing a DUI charge, get legal help as soon as possible.
A reasonable attorney can guide you through the process, explore defenses, and help minimize the impact on your record and future.
If you're considering expungement, consult a lawyer experienced in DUI cases to get the best outcome.
Why Do I Need SR-22 Insurance After a DUI?
After a DUI, many states require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility to show that you have the minimum auto insurance coverage needed. Insurance companies and state authorities consider DUIs as high-risk drivers.
Therefore, you are more likely to have another incident.
An SR-22 is required to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges or get a limited driving permit after a DUI-related license suspension.
Your auto insurance company files this form with the DMV or SOS as proof that you meet the state's insurance requirements. Without it, your license will remain suspended, and you can't renew your vehicle registration.
Not all insurance companies cover high-risk drivers; a DUI can mean higher premiums or policy cancellation. Suppose your current company won't issue an SR-22. In that case, you may need to find a new company specializing in high-risk auto coverage.
Most states require an SR-22 for 3 years, but this can vary by state. If you don't maintain continuous coverage, your insurer will notify the DMV, and you could face fines, an extended SR-22 requirement, or another license suspension.
Not all states require an SR-22, but it is a common legal requirement for DUIs. Failing to comply with SR-22 requirements will prevent you from regaining your full driving privileges and eventually returning to standard insurance rates.
How Much Do DUIs Increase Car Insurance Rates?
A Drunk driving conviction will increase your insurance rates big time as insurers consider it a high-risk behavior. We found that premiums can go up by as much as 80% after a DUI.
Insurance companies base their rates on the likelihood of a driver filing a claim. A bad driving record, especially a DUI, means higher risk. Hence, they either increase premiums, decline coverage or decline to renew their insurance policy.
Some carriers won't insure drivers with DUIs, while others specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.
If you get into an accident or get another ticket while the DUI still affects your rates, premiums can go up even more.
While a DUI will impact your insurance rates, other factors will also come into play, including vehicle type, location, and, in most states, age, gender, and credit history.
So, while a DUI will increase your rates, other things will also contribute to your final insurance cost.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
Depending on the state and insurance company, a DUI will impact your rates for 3-5 years.
A DUI will be on your record longer, but insurers look at recent stuff (accidents, tickets, DUIs) when calculating rates. The more violations in that timeframe, the higher your rates will be.
A clean driving record is key to lowering your rates after a DUI. If you avoid further infractions for a few years, you can ask your insurer to re-rate you.
Many will gradually reduce your rates once the high-risk period is over, and your rates will go back to normal over time.
How to Check Your Driving Record after a DUI
Request a copy of your driving record from your state's DMV to confirm whether the DUI still appears. The steps vary by state:
Go to Your State's Official DMV or Licensing Website - Ensure the website ends in .gov.
Find the Driving Record Section - Use the search function or go to a "records" or "documents" tab.
Pay a Small Fee - Most states are around $10 to $20 for a copy of your record (e.g., Illinois is $21).
Get a Copy in Person - You can also visit your local DMV office for a physical copy.
Ask Your Insurance Provider - Some insurance companies have a copy of your record on file.
Once you get your record, please review it to ensure all the violations and dates are correct.
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