How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

Will a DWI Follow You Forever in Texas?

After a DWI arrest in Houston, many people eventually stop asking about jail or probation and start asking a different question:“How long is this going to stay on my record?”

In Texas, the answer depends on how the case ends. Some DWI cases can remain visible for years — or even permanently — while others may be eligible for removal through expunction or record sealing.

As a Houston DWI defense attorney, I regularly help people understand how a DWI can affect their record, employment opportunities, and future background checks.

How long a DWI stays on your record in Texas explained

What “Your Record” Means in a Texas DWI Case

When people talk about a “record,” they’re usually referring to one or more of the following:

• Criminal history records

• Court records

• Background checks

• Driving records

• Public online databases

A DWI arrest can impact multiple records at the same time, and each one follows different rules.

How Long a DWI Stays on Your Criminal Record

If You Are Convicted of DWI

A DWI conviction in Texas stays on your criminal record permanently unless you qualify for rare relief options.

Unlike some offenses, a DWI conviction:

• Cannot be expunged

• Cannot be sealed through nondisclosure

• Remains visible on background checks

This is why avoiding a conviction — through dismissal or reduction — can be critically important.

If Your DWI Case Is Dismissed

If your DWI case is dismissed, you may be eligible to have the arrest removed from your record through an expunction.

Expunction:

• Removes records of the arrest entirely

• Allows you to legally deny the arrest in most situations

• Prevents the case from appearing on background checks

Eligibility depends on how the case was resolved and whether certain waiting periods apply.

We explain dismissal scenarios in more detail in our article on can a DWI be dismissed in Houston, which outlines when charges may be dropped.

How Long a DWI Stays on Your Driving Record

A DWI also affects your Texas driving record, which is separate from your criminal history.

Typically:

• A DWI conviction appears on your driving record for at least 10 years

• Administrative suspensions related to DWI may also appear

• Insurance companies often access this information

Even if a criminal case is dismissed, license-related consequences may still appear temporarily.

What About First-Time DWI Offenders?

First-time DWI cases are often where people have the most questions about record impact.

If a first-time DWI results in:

• Conviction → the record is permanent

• Dismissal → expunction may be possible

• Reduction to a non-DWI offense → record impact varies

We discuss first-offense outcomes further in our post on first-time DWI in Houston: jail time vs probation, which explains how early strategy can affect long-term consequences.

Can a DWI Be Removed From Your Record in Texas?

Expunction

Expunction is the complete deletion of records related to an arrest. It is only available in limited situations, such as:

• Dismissal

• Acquittal

• Certain pretrial resolutions

Nondisclosure (Record Sealing)

In most DWI cases, nondisclosure is not available, especially when alcohol is involved. This is one of the reasons DWI cases are treated differently from many other criminal charges.

Whether expunction is possible depends on case facts and timing.

How the ALR Process Affects Your Record

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process can create additional records related to license suspension.

Even if the criminal case is dismissed:

• ALR records may exist temporarily

• License-related entries may still appear

• Separate deadlines and procedures apply

We explain this process and its consequences in our Houston DWI ALR hearing guide, including why the 15-day deadline matters.

Why Early Legal Strategy Matters for Your Record

Many record-related outcomes are decided early in the case, sometimes before court appearances even begin.

Early legal action can affect:

• Whether evidence is preserved

• Whether dismissal is possible

• Whether expunction eligibility exists later

• How the case appears on background checks

Understanding what happens after a DWI arrest in Houston is often the first step toward protecting your long-term interests.

What Houston Drivers Should Take Away From This

The most important thing to understand is this:

A DWI does not affect every record the same way — and how the case ends matters more than the arrest itself.

Knowing your options early can make a significant difference years down the road.

Learn More About Houston DWI Defense Options

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Houston or Harris County and are concerned about how long the case may follow you, understanding your options early can help protect your future.

For a complete overview of the DWI process — from arrest through resolution — visit our complete Houston DWI defense guide, which explains each stage and what to expect.