If you’ve been arrested or convicted of driving under the influence, you’re probably wondering: How long does a DUI stay on my record in California?
The answer depends on which “record” you’re referring to. In California, a DUI can affect your DMV driving history, your criminal record, and your insurance profile — and each one follows a different timeline.
Understanding the difference is critical, especially if you are worried about future penalties, employment, or background checks.
How Long a DUI Remains on Your Record
In California, a DUI stays on your DMV driving record for 10 years from the date of arrest. During that period, it counts as a prior offense if you are charged again.
On your criminal record, however, a DUI do not automatically disappear. A conviction remains permanently unless you qualify for expungement.
Insurance consequences usually last several years, though the exact timeframe varies by carrier.
What “Record” Are We Talking About?
When people ask how long a DUI stays on their record, they are often unaware that multiple records exist. Each serves a different purpose and is accessed by different entities.
DUI on Your California DMV Driving Record
The California Department of Motor Vehicles maintains your official driving history. A DUI will remain on this record for 10 years.
This 10-year period is often referred to as the “lookback period.” If you are arrested for another DUI within 10 years of the first arrest date, the new charge will be treated as a second or subsequent offense. That significantly increases penalties, including potential jail time, longer license suspension, and higher fines.
After 10 years pass, the prior DUI no longer enhance sentencing for a new offense. However, it does not vanish entirely from all records
An experienced DMV hearing lawyer can fight to protect your license and minimize the impact on your driving record. The right representation can make the difference between keeping your driving privileges and losing them.
DUI on Your Criminal Record
A DUI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record. Unlike the DMV record, there is no automatic expiration date.
This means that unless you pursue post-conviction relief, the conviction may continue to appear on background checks conducted by employers, licensing agencies, and government entities.
Many people are surprised to learn that even after 10 years, a DUI may still appear in a criminal history search. The 10-year rule only affects sentencing enhancements — it does not erase the conviction itself.
DUI and Your Insurance Record
Insurance companies assess risk differently from courts or the DMV. After a DUI conviction, most drivers are classified as high-risk, which often leads to substantial premium increases.
Insurance rate increases typically last between three and five years, though some companies may consider the DUI for up to 10 years when determining eligibility and pricing. Drivers are also frequently required to file an SR-22 certificate for a specified period following license suspension or reinstatement.
How Long Does a DUI Count as a Prior Offense in California?
California law imposes a 10-year lookback period for DUI. If a second DUI occurs within 10 years of the first arrest date, it will be charged as a second offense. The same rule applies to third and fourth offenses.
Penalties escalate quickly. A second time DUI within the lookback window can lead to mandatory jail time, longer DUI education programs, extended license suspension, and significantly higher fines. A fourth DUI within 10 years may be charged as a felony.
Once the 10-year period expires, a prior DUI no longer enhances penalties for a new case. That distinction is important — it limits sentencing exposure but does not erase the historical conviction.
Does a DUI Ever Come Off Your Criminal Record?
A DUI does not automatically come off your criminal record. However, many individuals may qualify for expungement under California law if they successfully completed probation and satisfied all court requirements.
An expungement does not destroy the record of arrest. Instead, it updates the court record to reflect that the conviction has been dismissed. For many private employment situations, this can significantly improve opportunities and allow you to lawfully state that the conviction was dismissed.
Does Expungement Remove It Completely?
DUI Expungement provides meaningful relief, but it does not eliminate all consequences. The DUI will still count as a prior offense within the 10-year lookback period. It also remains visible to courts, law enforcement, and certain government agencies.
However, for most private-sector employment background checks, an expungement can make a substantial difference.
Who Can Still See an Expunged DUI?
Even after dismissal, courts and law enforcement agencies maintain access to the record. Government employers and state licensing boards may also review expunged convictions. For this reason, expungement should be viewed as strategic relief rather than total erasure.
How a DUI Affects Employment Background Checks
A DUI conviction may appear on criminal background checks indefinitely unless expunged. While California law provides certain protections to job applicants, employers can still consider criminal history in specific circumstances — particularly when the position involves driving or professional licensure.
Because employment consequences can last far beyond the 10-year lookback period, addressing a DUI early and exploring expungement options is often critical.
Can You Remove a DUI from Your Driving Record Early?
In most cases, the answer is no. The DMV maintains DUI entries for the full 10-year period. There is no standard procedure to shorten that timeframe.
That said, drivers may be able to regain limited driving privileges through restricted licenses, ignition interlock device installation, and compliance with DUI education requirements. While these measures do not remove the record, they can mitigate practical consequences.
What Happens After 10 Years?
After 10 years pass from the arrest date, the DUI no longer counts as a prior offense for sentencing purposes. If you are arrested again after that window, the new case is typically treated as a first time DUI — assuming no other priors exist within the lookback period.
However, the conviction may still remain visible on your criminal record unless expunged. This is one of the most common misconceptions about DUI law in California.
First DUI vs. Second DUI: Does the Timeline Change?
The 10-year lookback period applies consistently. What changes is the severity of the consequences. A second or third time DUI within that window triggers significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and mandatory custody time.
Because the stakes increase dramatically with repeat offenses, early legal intervention is critical.
Can a DUI Be Reduced or Dismissed?
In some cases, yes. DUI charges can be challenged based on the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, or the accuracy of chemical testing procedures.
Depending on the facts, it may be possible to negotiate a reduced charge or pursue dismissal. The strength of the defense often depends on how quickly an attorney becomes involved.
Speak With a California DUI Defense Attorney
A DUI can impact your driving privileges, criminal history, employment opportunities, and insurance costs for years. While some consequences expire after 10 years, others may last much longer without proactive legal action.
If you are facing a DUI charge or want to explore expungement options, speaking with an experienced California DUI Lawyer can help you understand your exposure and identify strategies to protect your record and your future.
