When you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and similar drug and alcohol driving offenses, you have two sets of records related to the conviction: a criminal record and a driving record. The DUI record is entered into a criminal database and the state’s department of motor vehicles.

The criminal record is permanent. When it comes to the driving record, these offenses remain for varying lengths of time depending on which state you are in. Each state sets their own rules, laws, and guidelines for how long these offenses remain on the record.

For example, if you have a DUI in California, it will remain on your driving record for ten years from the violation date. In Florida, a DUI conviction remains on your record for 75 years. In Tennessee, it remains on your record for life.

While your DUI conviction may be removed from your driving record after the time limits pass, you will have a criminal record showing your past conviction. Anyone who performs a criminal background records check will see the DUI/DWI conviction.