{"id":286669,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/cases\/dui-and-employment-background-checks.html"},"modified":"2025-06-13T14:19:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T19:19:00","slug":"dui-and-employment-background-checks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/dui-and-employment-background-checks.html","title":{"rendered":"Does a DUI Show Up On an Employment Background Check?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Does a DUI Show Up On an Employment Background Check?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Yes, a DUI or DWI can appear on a background check. A DUI is a criminal offense in every state and can appear on your driving record and criminal record. Whether employers will find it depends on the type of background check conducted and the laws in the state where the offense occurred. Some states allow for the possibility of sealing or expunging the record, which can hide or remove the DUI\/DWI from public records. But not all jurisdictions allow this. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated\/impaired (DWI) can be traumatic for all involved. It can also cost you career opportunities, as well as certain professional licenses.<\/p>\n

Under certain circumstances, however, you may be able to blunt the professional effects of a DUI\/DWI by removing it from the records accessed by employers<\/a>. Whether and to what extent this may be possible for you depends heavily on state law, as well as the specific circumstances.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll review some of the general principles behind DWI\/DUI background checks in the employment context. We\u2019ll also answer some questions commonly asked by those concerned about the professional consequences of a DWI\/DUI case<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If that sounds like you, consider speaking with a DWI\/DUI lawyer licensed in your state<\/a>. You have rights. A criminal defense<\/a> or DUI attorney can help you understand these legal protections and preserve your future.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s begin with the basics.<\/p>\n

Can a DWI\/DUI Show Up on an Employment Background Check?<\/h2>\n

Yes. A DUI\/DWI<\/a> is generally considered a criminal offense in all U.S. jurisdictions<\/a>. So, it could appear on your criminal record or driving record, depending on what kind of background check the employer runs.<\/p>\n

Whether a DWI\/DUI offense shows up also depends on state laws and when the incident happened. In some states, a DUI might stay on your record for many years, while in others, it might be removed after a certain time.<\/p>\n

What Kind of Background Check Will My Potential Employer Run?<\/h2>\n

Most employers run several types of background checks before hiring someone<\/a>. Specific checks will often depend on the job and industry. The most common ones include:<\/p>\n