A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Washington, DC, can have lasting consequences, and one of the most common questions is: How long does a DUI stay on your record in DC?
A DUI conviction in Washington, DC, remains on your criminal record permanently unless you successfully pursue expungement or record sealing. DC does not automatically remove a DUI from your criminal record after a set period. This means:
- Background checks: Employers, landlords, or licensing boards may see a DUI conviction during background checks, potentially impacting job opportunities or housing applications.
- Subsequent offenses: A prior DUI on your record can lead to harsher penalties for future offenses, as DC law considers prior convictions within a 15-year lookback period for sentencing (DC Code § 50-2201.05b).
However, there are some limited options to clear or mitigate your criminal record, which we’ll discuss later in the expungement section.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record in DC?
In the District of Columbia, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a separate driving record, separate from DC Superior Court records, which tracks traffic violations and convictions. A DUI conviction typically stays on your DC driving record for 10 years from the date of conviction. Key implications include:
- Points on your license: A DUI conviction adds 12 points to your driving record, the highest point value for any offense in DC. Accumulating 12 or more points can lead to license suspension or revocation.
- License suspension: A first-time DUI often results in a 6-month license suspension, with longer suspensions for repeat offenses or aggravating factors (e.g., high BAC or accidents).
- Increased scrutiny: Law enforcement and the DMV may flag your record, making future traffic stops or violations more consequential.
After 10 years, the DUI may no longer appear on standard driving record reports, but it remains accessible to certain agencies (e.g., law enforcement) for legal purposes. It will always appear on your criminal records, and DC prosecutors will take into account, against you, any DUI that is on your record within the past 15 years.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance in DC?
A DUI conviction also impacts your insurance record, often for 3–5 years, depending on your insurance provider’s policies. Insurance companies view a DUI as a high-risk offense, leading to:
- Higher premiums: On average, a DUI can increase your auto insurance rates by 50–100% or more in DC.
- SR-22 requirement: The DC DMV may require you to file an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) for up to 3 years after a DUI conviction, ensuring you maintain continuous insurance coverage.
- Policy cancellation: Some insurers may drop your coverage entirely, forcing you to seek high-risk insurance providers.
Contact your insurance provider to confirm their specific policies, as retention periods and rate impacts vary.
Can You Remove a DUI from Your Record in DC?
While a DUI remains on your criminal record indefinitely, DC law offers limited options for expungement or record sealing, depending on the case’s outcome:
Expungement
Expungement completely removes a record, as if the offense never occurred. In DC, expungement/record sealing is rare for DUI convictions but may be possible if:
- The case was dismissed or you were acquitted. You were arrested but not charged, and the statute of limitations/waiting period (2 years for a misdemeanor DUI) has expired. *The sealing laws in DC are changing and the law may no longer require a waiting period after dismissal.
Expungement, however, requires that the defendant/movant themselves, or through their attorney, in the expungement motion meet the burden of proof, through a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant was ACTUALLY INNOCENT of the charges (i.e. should never have been charged – this is different than being found not guilty).
To pursue expungement, you must file a motion with the DC Superior Court under DC Code § 16-801. The process can take several months and requires legal documentation. It is not necessary, but extremely difficult to almost impossible to file correctly without the assistance of an expert, experienced attorney. If you need to have an eligible case sealed or expunged, contact the elite, expert, experienced sealing and expungement attorneys at Ervin Kibria Law DC.
Record Sealing
Sealing restricts public access to your record, though it remains accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies. You may be eligible to seal a DUI record if:
- The conviction was for a misdemeanor DUI and at least 10 years have passed since the completion of your sentence (including probation).
- You have no other convictions during that period.
- Record Sealing is available for DUI cases that were dismissed or in cases where the defendant was found not guilty at trial. Record Sealing is also available when a defendant’s case is dismissed through a diversion plea.
Felony DUI convictions (e.g., DUI causing serious injury) are generally ineligible for sealing. Consulting an elite, expert, experienced attorney can help determine your eligibility and navigate the complex legal process.
Factors That Affect How a DUI Impacts Your Record
Several factors influence how long a DUI affects you and its overall impact:
- Severity of the offense: Aggravated DUIs (e.g., high BAC, accidents, or child endangerment) lead to longer suspensions and stricter penalties.
- Repeat offenses: A second or third DUI within 15 years increases penalties, including longer license suspensions and higher fines.
- Compliance with penalties: Completing court-ordered requirements (e iid, or community service) can prevent additional record complications.
- Age at the time of offense: Drivers under 21 face additional penalties, such as extended license suspensions under DC’s zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
Practical Steps to Mitigate the Impact of a DUI
To minimize the long-term effects of a DUI on your record:
- Hire a DUI attorney: An elite, expert experienced DC DUI lawyer, like Nabeel Kibria of Ervin Kibria Law, can challenge the DUI charge, potentially reducing penalties or secure a dismissal, which may prevent a conviction from appearing on your record.
- Complete all penalties promptly: Pay fines, attend alcohol education programs, and comply with probation to avoid additional violations.
- Explore expungement or sealing: Work with an attorney to determine if you’re eligible to clear or restrict access to your record.
- Maintain clean driving habits: Avoid further traffic violations to prevent compounding points or suspensions.
- Shop for insurance: After the insurance impact period (3–5 years), compare providers to find better rates post-DUI.
Contact Ervin Kibria Law
A DUI conviction can have lasting effects on your record, but you don’t have to face it alone. For elite, expert legal guidance and representation, contact Ervin Kibria Law and speak with the leading DC DUI attorney Nabeel Kibria. Fill out our online form or call (202) 689-4439 today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for minimizing the impact of a DUI.