If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a DUI in North Carolina, one of your first concerns is likely: how long will this stay on my record? Unfortunately, a DWI conviction in North Carolina can have lasting consequences—and in many cases, it stays with you permanently.

In this guide from Martine Law, we’ll walk you through how long a DUI remains on your record, what that means for your future, and whether it’s ever possible to get it removed.

What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Record and a Driving Record?

When discussing how long a DUI stays with you, it’s important to understand the distinction between two types of records:

Criminal Record – Maintained by the North Carolina court system, it includes arrests and convictions. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often access this.
Driving Record – Maintained by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It includes points, license suspensions, and infractions, used by insurance companies and law enforcement.

A DUI (legally known as DWI in North Carolina) appears on both records—but for different lengths of time and with different implications.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record?

In most cases, a DUI conviction in North Carolina stays on your criminal record permanently. There is no automatic removal after a certain number of years. Even for a first-time misdemeanor DUI, the offense becomes a part of your public criminal history unless you qualify for an expungement—which is extremely rare.

This means:

Employers conducting background checks can see your DUI
The conviction may affect professional licensing, housing, and education
It could impact future sentencing if you’re charged again

Expungement: Can You Remove a DUI from Your Record?

Under North Carolina law, convictions for DWI are not eligible for expungement, even if it’s your first and only offense. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony DUI convictions.

The only situations where expungement is possible include:

You were charged but never convicted
Your case was dismissed
You were found not guilty

In these limited cases, you may file a petition to expunge the arrest and court records. Learn more about eligibility from NC Legal Aid.

If you were convicted, however, the DUI remains on your record permanently.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Driving Record?

A DWI conviction stays on your North Carolina driving record for seven years. This affects:

Insurance rates
License points and suspensions
Eligibility for limited driving privileges
Repeat offense tracking

If you’re charged with another DWI during that seven-year period, the new offense will be treated as a repeat violation, subject to enhanced penalties.

The 7-Year Lookback Period: Why It Matters

North Carolina uses a lookback period to determine penalties for repeat DUI offenders. If you are charged with a new DUI within seven years of a prior conviction, you will face harsher consequences, including longer license suspension and mandatory jail time.

Example:

1st DWI in 2020 → 2nd DWI in 2026 = repeat offender penalties
1st DWI in 2020 → 2nd DWI in 2028 = treated as a new first offense

This 7-year lookback only applies to sentencing, not to the visibility of the conviction on your record.

Will a DUI Show Up on Background Checks?

Yes. A DUI will appear on both state and national background checks, including:

Employment screenings
Government applications
College admissions
Rental or housing applications

Employers in North Carolina are allowed to ask about criminal convictions and may choose not to hire applicants with a DWI record, particularly in industries like healthcare, law enforcement, childcare, and transportation.

To reduce the damage, it’s often best to work with an attorney who can:

Challenge the charge before conviction
Seek a reduced charge (e.g., reckless driving)
Help seal other unrelated records where eligible

How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?

Insurance companies will almost certainly raise your rates after a DUI. Some may even cancel your policy altogether. A DWI conviction typically stays on your insurance record for 3 to 5 years, during which time:

You’re considered a high-risk driver
You may need to carry SR-22 insurance as proof of financial responsibility
Your rates can be two to three times higher than average

Learn more about SR-22 requirements from the North Carolina DMV.

Felony DUI Convictions and Long-Term Impact

While most first and second DWIs are misdemeanors, felony DUI charges can arise under certain conditions, including:

A fourth DUI in 10 years
Causing serious injury or death while impaired
Having a revoked license at the time of the offense

Felony convictions carry heavier penalties and longer-term consequences:

Loss of voting and firearm rights
Ineligibility for many types of employment
Extended or lifetime license revocation

And of course, felony DUI remains on your record for life.

What If I Wasn’t Convicted?

If your DUI case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can request an expungement of the record. This removes:

Court records
Arrest records
Booking information

You will need to file a petition with the court, and your eligibility depends on the details of your case. Having legal representation during this process is strongly recommended.

For full expungement procedures, visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.

How Martine Law Can Help You

At Martine Law, we believe that one mistake should not define your future. If you’re facing a DUI charge in North Carolina, we can:

Review the legality of your traffic stop and arrest
Challenge the validity of field sobriety and chemical tests
Work to reduce the charge or seek alternative sentencing
Help avoid a conviction if possible—preserving your record
Assist with record expungement in eligible cases

How Long Will a DUI Stay on Your Record in NC?