How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Maryland?

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Maryland, you’re likely already dreading the fallout and wondering how long this will follow you. The answer depends on which record you’re talking about, as DUIs can show up on your criminal record, driving record, and background checks. Each one works slightly differently and may impact your life in different ways.

One of the most effective ways to limit a DUI’s effect on your life is to be proactive about your defense. That’s where we step in to help. Call Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law to schedule a consultation now.

How long will a DUI be on your record?

In Maryland, a DUI does not automatically disappear after a set number of years. Should you be convicted, it will remain on your record indefinitely. Your conviction can show up on your criminal record, MVA driving record, and background checks used by employers and landlords. Each of these has its own timeline and rules, which can make it confusing for those trying to minimize the damage of an arrest.

DUIs on your Maryland criminal record

This is the biggest concern for many people, since a criminal record can impact your career options, where you live, and even whether or not you can volunteer at your kids’ school. DUI convictions in Maryland generally stay on your record permanently; there’s no automatic removal after five or ten years.

This means that your conviction may continue to show up when employers run background checks, professional licensing boards run background checks, and landlords screen tenants.

Not every DUI arrest results in a conviction; the outcome of your case matters. If you’re convicted, the DUI generally cannot be expunged under Maryland law. If your arrest leads to Probation Before Judgment (also shortened to PBJ), that’s not a conviction—but it will still show up on your record for some time. If your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty, it is likely eligible for expungement, which essentially wipes it from your record.

How long is a DUI on your driving record?

Your driving record is overseen by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, which is entirely separate from your criminal record.

DUIs can affect your driving record in a number of ways. You may have points assessed on your license, and your license may be suspended or revoked. Insurance companies may also review your history, which can lead to an increase in your premiums. In some cases, you may even be dropped by your insurance entirely or be forced to file proof of financial responsibility.

Points do drop off over time, so the impact may decrease with time. But even though the points may no longer be active, the record of the DUI may still be available to parties like insurance companies and government agencies. As a result, your insurance rates may be affected for years to come.

Does a DUI show up on a Maryland background check?

In most cases, yes. If you’re convicted of a DUI, that conviction will show up on background checks indefinitely unless the conviction is expunged. Your DUI may show up in employment screenings, government security clearance checks, and housing applications.

Every agency or company that does background checks can pull from various sources, so whether or not yours shows up or how it shows up depends. Convictions, though, tend to be fairly consistent.

Removing a DUI from your Maryland record

This is where Maryland tends to be stricter than many other states. DUI and DWI convictions are generally ineligible for expungement in Maryland. However, certain DUI or DWI cases resulting in Probation Before Judgment may qualify for expungement after 15 years. There was a slight change in 2024 that allows a DUI or DWI resulting in Probation Before Judgment to be expunged after a 15-year waiting period after the date of discharge; however, you must have no subsequent convictions or PBJs for DUI or DWI. While the 15-year waiting period does leave you dealing with the effects of a DUI for much longer than you’d prefer, an eventual expungement is better than no expungement.

If your case is dismissed or results in a not guilty verdict, you can generally have it expunged. This process generally takes several months, starting with your filing a Petition for Expungement of Records.

How a DUI may impact your life long-term

A DUI typically has consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom, which is why we recommend that arrested individuals reach out to a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible—while you may not be able to completely wipe the slate clean, you can at least mitigate the effects of a DUI.

The long-term effects of a DUI conviction include:

• Difficulty finding or keeping employment, especially if you work in a field that requires driving (sales jobs requiring sales calls, CDL holders, in-home care providers that see multiple patients)
• Difficulty securing a professional license (many jobs are now licensed, and a criminal record may disqualify you)
• Higher insurance premiums
• Flagged background checks
• Complications with government jobs or positions requiring a security clearance
• Difficulty finding housing

What does this mean for your future? It means that this is not a time to try your hand at your own defense—if you do not take proactive steps to address your arrest and explore your legal options, your DUI could define the next several years or decades of your life.

Find out how Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, can help you fight back

At our law firm, we understand how one bad choice can have a ripple effect on every area of your life. But you don’t have to go through it alone—we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation now by calling us or sending us a message online.