How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Washington?

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County, one of your first questions is likely: “How long will this affect my record?” The answer is more complex than you might expect. Below, our Tacoma DUI defense attorneys at Smith & White explain how long a DUI stays on your criminal and driving records in Washington, how it affects background checks, and what you can do to minimize damage.

For help with your case from our Tacoma, WA DUI defense attorneys, call the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.

Two Types of “Record” Matter: Criminal vs. Driving

When people ask “how long a DUI stays on my record,” they usually mean one (or both) of the following:

Criminal record: The court conviction, which is part of public court records and criminal history databases.
Driving record: The record maintained by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), which logs DUI convictions, suspensions, and other driving infractions.

These records are separate but intertwined: a DUI is both a criminal offense and a traffic/driving offense.

On Washington’s official retention table, alcohol-related convictions are listed as retained for life on the driving record.

Washington’s Law: DUI Is Permanent

Criminal Record: No Expungement or Vacation

In Washington, a DUI conviction is permanent. You generally cannot expunge, vacate, or seal a DUI conviction under state law.

State law (RCW 9.96.060(2)(d)) specifically excludes DUI and Physical Control convictions from eligibility for vacation. That means once you’re convicted, the DUI stays on your criminal record indefinitely. It remains visible in court records, criminal history databases, and public record searches.

Driving Record: Lifetime Visibility

Washington’s DOL lists “alcohol-related convictions” as retained for Life on the driving record.

That means even decades later, the DUI conviction remains visible in your driving history.

If your DUI charge is reduced (for example, to reckless or negligent driving), your criminal record will reflect the reduced offense—not a DUI conviction. Your driving record may still show related DOL actions, and deferred prosecutions remain for life. In many cases, a reduced conviction can be vacated after ten years under RCW 9.96.060.

When Does a DUI Still Show in Background Checks?

Even though a DUI is permanent on both criminal and driving records, not all background checks show it indefinitely. What appears depends on the type of check and applicable laws.

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), criminal convictions can be reported by background check companies indefinitely; the seven-year limit primarily applies to many non-conviction items such as arrests.

In Washington, the Fair Chance Act limits when and how employers can ask about criminal history. In addition, Washington’s pre-employment inquiry rules (WAC 162-12-140) generally treat questions about unrelated or very old convictions—more than ten years—as not justified by business necessity. This is not a blanket reporting ban but a guideline discouraging consideration of old or irrelevant convictions.

Some employers and screening companies voluntarily limit their lookback periods to seven or ten years, but that’s a business policy choice rather than a legal requirement.

Thus, for many hiring processes, older DUI convictions may not appear in routine background checks or may be given less weight, but the conviction itself remains visible in court or public databases.

Washington’s 7-Year Lookback: Repeat Offense Penalties

Washington uses a seven-year lookback window when calculating enhanced penalties for multiple DUIs.

If a prior DUI occurred within seven years, a new DUI will often be treated as a second (or subsequent) offense, triggering heightened penalties.

If the prior DUI was more than seven years ago, the state may treat the new offense more like a “first offense” for sentencing—though the prior conviction still remains on your record.

This lookback affects sentencing and penalties, not the permanence of the conviction itself.

How a Long-Ago DUI Can Still Affect You

Even if your DUI was decades ago, its presence can matter in several ways:

Insurance premiums: Insurers often treat DUIs as high-risk behavior, so your rates may stay elevated for years, though typically not forever. Because the DOL keeps alcohol-related convictions for life, insurers can still see the record if they pull your full driving abstract.
Professional licensing: Licensing boards may scrutinize your criminal history, especially for fields requiring public safety or trust.
Employment in regulated sectors: Jobs in transportation, security, or government may still account for long-past DUIs.
Immigration or travel issues: Some countries may deny entry or require special waivers for individuals with DUI convictions.

Hypothetical Example: Tacoma Scenario

Imagine Maria, a Tacoma resident, was convicted of a DUI in 2005. In 2025, she seeks employment requiring a driving record and security clearance.

Her criminal record still contains the DUI permanently.
Her driving record still lists the DUI (retained for life).
For many routine employment screens, older convictions may not appear because of company policies or state-law inquiry limits—even though, under federal law, convictions can be reported indefinitely.
However, a licensing board or employer in transportation may still see it and assess her accordingly.

Though the DUI won’t “expire,” its practical impact may be limited in many routine checks decades later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I ever get a DUI removed from my record in Washington?
No. Washington law specifically prohibits expunging or vacating DUI convictions.

Is there a distinction between “falling off” a record and not being visible?
Yes. A DUI never “falls off”—the record is permanent. However, many routine background checks limit how far back they review or weigh convictions, often seven to ten years, depending on company policy and the nature of the job.

Does the 7-year lookback period erase the prior DUI?
No. The seven-year lookback applies only to determining whether a current DUI is treated as a repeat offense for sentencing—not to removing the earlier conviction.

If my DUI charge was reduced, will the DUI stay on my record?
If a DUI is reduced to reckless or negligent driving, your record will reflect the reduced offense. The DUI conviction itself will not appear on your criminal record, though DOL records and related administrative actions may still be visible.

Will insurance companies always see my DUI forever?
Insurance companies often use their own “lookback” periods when setting rates. Many stop penalizing drivers for a DUI after several years, but because the DOL keeps alcohol-related convictions for life, the information remains accessible if they request a full driving abstract.

What You Should Know & What You Can Do

Because DUI convictions in Washington are essentially permanent marks, your best strategy is proactive defense. At Smith & White, we emphasize:

Early, aggressive defense to challenge evidence, procedure, or legality of the stop.
Negotiating reductions when possible to charges that may carry fewer collateral consequences.
Minimizing collateral harm such as contesting license suspensions, navigating insurance impact, and guiding you through DOL processes.

If you’re facing a DUI in Pierce County, Tacoma, or anywhere in Washington, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense options. Contact our Tacoma, WA DUI defense attorneys at (253) 203-1645 to protect your future.