Will a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?

If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of receiving a DUI, there are a lot of scenarios running through your head. How is this going to impact your future? Who will this charge be visible to? Will it affect my career or job opportunities moving forward?

All of these are essential things to take into account. While most DUI charges will show up on a typical background check, it does not necessarily count you out as a viable candidate for a job or career. 

Learning about what a DUI entails and your rights around these offenses is incredibly important and can help you prepare for what may arise. Read on to learn about what receiving a DUI means for you and a basic breakdown of what this charge entails. 

Is a DUI Considered a Criminal Offense?

While many people are familiar with the DUI acronym, not many know about what type of offense driving under the influence is. A DUI is a serious charge, and you must know the weight and extent of how it can impact you throughout your life.

It will depend on where you were driving when you received your charge for your DUI. In most states, driving under the influence is considered to be a criminal offense. But what does this mean in the big scheme of things?

Simply put, DUIs are considered misdemeanors. This level of offense can hold you responsible for paying a hefty fine and may even be punishable with up to one year in jail. These charges may vary from state to state and depend on the severity of the DUI actions.

If you caused property damage or there was loss of life, the charge will carry a lot more weight and may even fall into the felony category.

Does a DUI Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?

Yes, in most cases, a DUI will show up on a criminal background check. While there are a few exceptions, it is safe to assume that this charge will be relatively easy for anyone conducting a background check to consider. 

This charge is likely to show up on a criminal background check due to the weight of the offense. The act of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous, and in many cases, the punishment is harsh and swift for this action. In some states, your license may even get revoked on-site, requiring you to go through a waiting period before being able to get behind the wheel again.

If your charge is pending, a note in the system may show that you have yet to have an active charge. If you are still determining whether or not your DUI will show up on your background check, there are tools you can use to understand better what will and won’t show in these screenings.

ScoutLogic’s ‘Driving Records’ background check is one option that will allow you to dive into your record and get a better understanding of what to expect.

How Does a DUI Charge Affect My Ability To Get Hired?

Depending on the weight of your charges, there is a very high possibility that receiving a DUI could impact your ability to get hired in the future – but it is important to note that it is not impossible to work after you have a DUI charge.

In many cases, a single DUI charge may complicate your hiring chances, though with the proper actionable steps, you will still be able to work. People with DUIs are more likely to commit similar offenses down the line, which is where the chances of getting hired will significantly decrease. Employers tend to look for clean driving records, though this will depend on the field of work and job responsibilities.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record

Driving under the influence is a severe offense and is not something to be taken lightly. This charge will go on your permanent record and appear on background checks for the foreseeable future. 

Depending on the state you live in and the weight of the charge against you, there may not be a possibility of erasing the charge, which could stay on your record forever. Learning about your state laws can help you better understand how this charge may impact your future and for how long.

Can You Get a DUI Removed From Your Record?

It is next to impossible to get a DUI removed from your record, especially if it is a recent charge. The process for getting a DUI expunged from your record would depend on your state, how recently it occurred, and the weight of the charges. 

Talking to local legal help would be your best option, though the probability of wiping your slate clean after a DUI is doubtful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Pending DUI Show on a Background Check?

If you are still in the initial stages of being charged, your DUI will likely show up as a pending charge on a background check. Some background check paperwork includes arrests and/or convictions, which will likely get picked up on the check, especially for driving offenses.

Can You Pass a Background Check With a DUI?

Yes and no. Some jobs may weigh the impact of a DUI differently than others. For example, a job that requires you to do a lot of driving may insist on a clean driving record for hire. 

While employers have the right to deny you a job, keeping your options open and staying persistent will heighten your chances of finding a suitable position.

Should You Lie About a DUI?

As with most things in life, honesty is the best policy. Lying about your DUI will not hide it from anyone who will be conducting a background check and, if anything, may damage your reputation further.

Should you lie about a DUI, it will have worse consequences, including being dismissed without notice, should it be found out later. Similarly, lying on official documentation or paperwork can be fraud, which carries its consequences.

Final Thoughts

While receiving a DUI may make the future murky, the best thing you can do is be prepared and understand the overall implications the charge will carry. If you have a background check scheduled in the near future, take the time to understand what will or won’t be shown on your record and learn how it may impact the assessment results. 

Do you need help determining what your driving record may look like on a background check? ScoutLogic’s ‘Driving Records’ background check is an excellent tool you can use and will equip you with the knowledge you need to be fully prepared and informed.

David Garcia

David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Scout Logic, is an industry leader in the bulk background check world. With his strategic acumen and expertise in the HR sphere, specifically in hiring, recruiting, legal compliance, background checks, and resume screening, he’s an invaluable asset and consultant.

David's counsel extends across the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io, drawing from his impactful stints on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. With an extensive 25-year journey, he champions unparalleled B2B commercial leadership within data & analytics, significantly shaping the HR landscape.