How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record in California?

March 11, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed

If you are charged with a DUI in California, the best thing to do is to fight against it. A DUI conviction can have serious penalties. Depending on the charge, the conviction could stay on your criminal and driving record for a long time, even forever. This can negatively impact your job prospects, insurance rates, and overall life.

Types Of DUI Convictions in California

There are several different types of DUI convictions in California. The charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The most common types of DUI offenses include:

First offense DUI
Subsequent offense DUIs
Felony DUI
Underage DUI
CDL DUI
Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated

Each type of DUI carries a different criminal penalty and will have a different impact on your life.

How Long Will a DUI Conviction Stay On Your Criminal Record?

Generally, a DUI is a permanent conviction on your criminal record. Some people mistakenly believe that it is automatically removed from your record after time has passed. Unfortunately, this is not true. Some people may be eligible for expungement, but only in certain circumstances.

A DUI conviction on your criminal record can cause a serious headache. It could hinder your ability to pass a background check. This may affect your ability to get a job or housing or qualify for certain government assistance and loans. A DUI conviction should not be taken lightly, even if it is your first offense.

How Long Will a DUI Conviction Stay On Your Driving Record?

A DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for 10 years from the date of your arrest. The Department of Motor Vehicles will have access to your driving record and use it to make important decisions about licensing and registration. The DMV could revoke, suspend, or put other limitations on your license after a DUI conviction.

Furthermore, your insurance company will see the conviction on your driving record. This could affect your insurance rates and increase your premiums.

Can You Remove a DUI Conviction From Your Criminal or Driving Record?

The process of removing a conviction from a record is called expungement. The DUI will be automatically expunged from your driving record after 10 years. The DMV will still maintain a record of the DUI, but it won’t be apparent to insurers.

Unfortunately, the DUI conviction will not be automatically expunged from your criminal record. To have it removed, you need to follow the expungement process. Only certain DUI convictions qualify for expungement.

To be eligible for expungement, the following must be true:

The DUI probationary period has ended
The defendant has paid all fines and court fees
The defendant has completed any court-ordered treatment or community service
The defendant has no pending criminal cases
The defendant was not sentenced to active jail or prison sentence

If you qualify for expungement, your attorney can file a formal request for expungement. The court will consider the severity of the case, the defendant’s background, and other mitigating factors when deciding whether or not to expunge the record.

How To Avoid a DUI Conviction on Your Record

The best way to avoid a DUI showing up on your criminal or driving record is to avoid a conviction altogether. This means beating the charges, negotiating for dismissal, or accepting a diversion program. A diversion program may include continuing your case so that you can complete a series of requirements to get the case dismissed. A DUI defense lawyer can help you find out the best way to beat the charges and avoid a conviction in your case.

Contact our Car Accident Law Firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help

For more information please contact our criminal defense law firm of Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at the nearest location for a free consultation.

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500