The Long-Term Impact of a DUI on Your Record in Minnesota
Getting arrested for driving while impaired (DWI)—often referred to as DUI—in Minnesota is not just a short-term inconvenience. It can carry long-term consequences that follow you for years. One of the most common questions we hear at Martine Law is: How long will a DUI stay on my record in Minnesota?
The answer is not always straightforward. It depends on whether you were convicted, what type of record you’re referring to, and whether you qualify for expungement. In this blog, we’ll break it down clearly so you understand how a DUI affects your future—and what options may be available.
What Are the Two Main Records Affected?
When people talk about a DUI staying on their record, it could mean two different things:
1. Criminal Record
This includes arrests, charges, and convictions. It’s used for background checks by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and more.
2. Driving Record
Maintained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), this shows traffic-related offenses, suspensions, and license revocations. It’s used by insurance companies and law enforcement.
A DWI/DUI offense can appear on both—and for different lengths of time.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Minnesota Criminal Record?
If you were convicted of a DWI in Minnesota, that conviction will stay on your criminal record permanently unless it is expunged. This applies to both misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Misdemeanor DUI (1st offense, BAC under 0.16): Permanent unless expunged after 2 years (if you meet eligibility)
- Gross Misdemeanor DUI (BAC 0.16+, child in vehicle, or 2nd offense): Permanent, expungement possible after 4 years (if no new offenses)
- Felony DUI (4th in 10 years or injury-related): Permanent record, expungement not usually available
Even if you’re not convicted—say, your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty—the arrest record may still show up unless you request an expungement.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Minnesota Driving Record?
A DWI remains on your driving record for at least 15 years in Minnesota. That’s critical because it affects:
- Your eligibility for limited licenses
- Repeat offender classification
- Insurance rates
- Employment in transportation jobs
After 15 years without a subsequent DWI, the offense is removed from the lookback period used to determine penalties for future offenses. However, the DPS may retain administrative records beyond that.
Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
What Is the Lookback Period for DUI in Minnesota?
Minnesota has a 10-year lookback period when determining enhanced penalties for repeat DWI offenders. That means if you receive another DWI within 10 years of a prior conviction, you’ll face stiffer consequences such as:
- Longer jail time
- Higher fines
- Longer license revocation
- Possible felony charges
Example:
If you were convicted of your first DWI in 2017 and charged again in 2024, the new case would be treated as a second offense, triggering enhanced penalties.
Can a DUI Be Expunged in Minnesota?
Yes, in some cases a DWI can be expunged (sealed from public view), but not right away. You must meet specific criteria depending on the level of the offense.
Eligibility Timeline:
- Misdemeanor DWI: 2 years after the sentence is completed
- Gross Misdemeanor DWI: 4 years after the sentence is completed
- Felony DWI: Typically not eligible for expungement
The key requirement is that you have had no new criminal offenses during that time. Even if eligible, expungement is not automatic—you must file a petition with the court and show that the benefits of sealing the record outweigh the state’s interest in keeping it public.
More details are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Expungement Help.
Who Can See Your DUI Conviction?
Even one DUI conviction can be seen by:
- Employers (particularly in healthcare, education, or government jobs)
- Landlords and leasing agencies
- Licensing boards (for nurses, teachers, commercial drivers, etc.)
- Insurance companies
- Colleges and universities
This can make it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, or pursue certain careers. That’s why avoiding a conviction—or seeking expungement when eligible—is so important.
How Does a DUI Affect Insurance?
A DWI conviction on your driving record typically triggers significant rate increases for auto insurance. Many providers consider you a high-risk driver and may:
- Cancel your policy
- Require SR-22 insurance (a special certificate of financial responsibility)
- Triple your rates for 3 to 5 years
Even after that period, your premiums may stay elevated unless you maintain a clean record.
Does a DUI Ever “Drop Off” Automatically?
No. In Minnesota, a DWI does not automatically fall off your criminal record. The only way to remove it is by seeking a court-ordered expungement, which is only available under certain conditions and after a waiting period.
Your driving record, however, will stop showing the DWI for enhancement purposes after 10 years, and in general for insurance purposes after 15 years—assuming no additional offenses occur during that time.
What If You Were Not Convicted?
If your DWI case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible for expungement immediately after the case concludes. This removes the arrest and court records from public view and can significantly improve your background check results.
However, expungement is not automatic. You must:
- File a petition in district court
- Notify all relevant government agencies
- Attend a hearing (in most cases)
The court will weigh the public interest against your right to privacy and rehabilitation.
Why You Need a DWI Defense Lawyer
The consequences of a DWI conviction in Minnesota last far beyond a court date or license suspension. At Martine Law, we work to:
- Challenge the traffic stop or arrest
- Suppress evidence from illegal searches or tests
- Negotiate reduced charges
- Advocate for case dismissal or alternative sentencing
- Help eligible clients pursue expungement
Every case is unique, and the earlier you act, the better your chances of avoiding long-term consequences.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and protect your future.