A DUI conviction does not just affect your driving record, it can also follow you into the job market. Whether or not it appears on a background check depends on several factors, including how the check is done, the nature of the offense, and where you live.
What information does a background check reveal?
Employers often run background checks when hiring new employees. These reports may include details like your criminal record, driving history, and sometimes even your activity on social media. In most cases, a DUI conviction will appear. In some states, even an arrest that did not lead to a conviction might still show up.
Third-party background check companies can report criminal convictions without a time limit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Most background check companies stop including arrests that did not lead to a conviction after seven years, unless you are applying for a job that pays more than $75,000 a year, in which case the rules are different.
The laws that govern how employers can use this information vary from one state to another. Some states require a clear connection between the conviction and the job. Others allow employers to consider a broader range of criminal history, including older offenses. This means that in many places, even one DUI could become a barrier to employment.
For jobs that involve driving, the rules are even stricter. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder can expect a DUI conviction, regardless of whether it happened on or off duty, to remain on their CDL record for up to 55 years.
Is it possible to clear a DUI from your record?
In some cases, yes. Washington allows individuals to vacate (expunge) a DUI conviction after meeting certain conditions. This process can make the conviction invisible to most employers. While it does not completely erase the offense, it limits how employers can use it during the hiring process.
For example, in Washington, you can petition the court to vacate your DUI conviction after completing all sentencing requirements, including probation. If the court grants the petition, it removes the conviction from your record and shows the case as dismissed.
Yet, keep in mind that background checks often go beyond official records. Public records and online searches may still reveal past charges, even if the court has vacated them.
Be honest about your record
If an employer asks about your criminal record, honesty is the best approach. Many employers are more willing to overlook a DUI than a lie about your past. If you hide something, you will lose the opportunity if others catch you.
Also, remember that formal background checks are not the only way employers gather information. Public records and social media searches often reveal past arrests or charges, even if they never led to a conviction.
If you are uncertain about what is on your record or how it could affect your job search, speak with a criminal defense attorney. They can explain your legal options and help you move forward with confidence.