Local DUI Laws

Clarifying How OWI Convictions Appear on Background Checks in Michigan

In Michigan, the legal term for impaired driving is OWI—Operating While Intoxicated. Whether you’re applying for a job, housing, a professional license, or a security clearance, one common concern is whether an OWI conviction will appear during a background check. The short answer: yes, an OWI can and often does show up—depending on the type of check being performed and whether the offense has been expunged.

This post explains how OWI convictions are recorded in Michigan, how they’re reflected in criminal history reports, and what employers and organizations can typically see. It’s a factual, educational overview designed to help you understand what shows up, when, and why—without offering legal advice or using speculative language.

Whether you’re moving forward after a past conviction or simply want to understand what’s visible to third parties, this guide offers clarity on OWIs and Michigan background checks.

How Criminal Records and Driving Records Affect Background Checks

Michigan maintains two separate records related to OWI offenses:

• Criminal Record – Managed by the Michigan State Police, this record shows any misdemeanor or felony convictions, including OWIs. It’s the main source used in criminal background checks.
• Driving Record – Managed by the Michigan Department of State, this log shows OWI convictions and driving-related penalties. Insurance providers and employers hiring for driving-related jobs may request this record separately.

Standard background checks—such as those run by employers or landlords—usually rely on criminal record databases. If the OWI appears on your criminal record, it will likely show up in the results. However, specialized background checks for driving positions or insurance underwriting may also request your driving record, which retains OWI convictions permanently.

An OWI Conviction Will Appear on Most Background Checks

In Michigan, an OWI conviction is a criminal offense, even if it’s a first-time violation. That means it becomes part of your criminal history unless it has been expunged. Once entered, it is visible to:

• Private employers
• Government agencies
• Background screening companies
• Professional licensing boards
• Landlords and housing authorities

Whether it’s classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, an OWI conviction appears in background checks that include access to criminal court data. The vast majority of checks used in employment, housing, or licensing will surface any unexpunged OWI conviction.

It’s also worth noting that many private background check companies gather data from third-party databases, some of which may not update frequently. Even if your OWI has been expunged, outdated information could still appear unless those databases have refreshed their records.

Expungement Can Remove an OWI from Public Background Checks

As of 2021, Michigan law allows for the expungement of a first-time OWI conviction under specific conditions. Once a conviction is expunged, it is no longer visible in most public-facing background checks. Individuals who successfully complete this process can legally answer “no” when asked about criminal convictions on job or housing applications—unless applying for positions that require disclosure.

To qualify for OWI expungement, the following must apply:

• The offense was your first and only OWI.
• It did not involve serious injury or death.
• At least five years have passed since completing all sentence terms.
• You have no other impaired driving convictions.

Even after expungement, some entities—such as law enforcement, courts, or federal agencies—may still be able to access the expunged record for official purposes. But for most employers, landlords, and civilian background checks, the OWI will no longer appear.

What Types of Background Checks Are Most Likely to Show an OWI?

Not all background checks are created equal. The level of detail and scope varies based on the purpose of the check and the organization requesting it. Here’s how different types of checks generally handle OWI records in Michigan:

Employment Background Checks

• Most employers run criminal history checks that include misdemeanor and felony convictions.
• An OWI will appear unless expunged.
• Regulated industries (healthcare, finance, government) may use more thorough checks.

Professional Licensing

• Licensing boards may request full criminal history and may also access expunged records if permitted by law.
• OWI convictions may affect eligibility, depending on the profession.

Housing Background Checks

• Landlords often use screening services that pull criminal record data.
• A visible OWI conviction could impact rental approval.

Driving-Specific Roles

• Employers may request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in addition to a criminal check.
• MVRs will always show OWIs—even if expunged from the criminal record.

Can an Expunged OWI Still Affect Background Screening?

Yes, but only in limited situations. Even after expungement, the following exceptions apply:

• Law enforcement and courts may still access the full history.
• Government security clearances or federal job applications may require full disclosure.
• Immigration applications or visa processes may include expunged offenses in their evaluations.
• Professional licensing boards in sensitive fields may be able to see expunged convictions.

For most routine employment or rental checks, however, once an OWI has been expunged, it will not appear.

Still, some older or less frequently updated databases used by third-party screeners may continue to report outdated records. It’s a good idea to periodically check your own record to verify accuracy after expungement.

Why It Matters: OWI Visibility and Your Future

Having an OWI conviction on your record in Michigan can affect several areas of life, particularly when it comes to employment, housing, and reputation. Background checks are a standard part of many application processes, and understanding how and when OWIs appear helps you manage your next steps.

Key points to remember:

• Unexpunged OWI convictions will appear in nearly all criminal background checks.
• Expunged OWIs are not visible in most civilian checks but may still be seen by law enforcement or certain agencies.
• Driving record checks will always show OWIs, regardless of expungement.
• Michigan’s expungement law applies only to one-time, non-injury OWI convictions.

If your OWI has not been expunged, you should assume it is visible in background checks unless told otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions About OWIs and Background Checks in Michigan

Will an OWI always appear on a background check?

Yes—unless it has been expunged. OWIs are criminal offenses in Michigan and are visible in background checks that include court records.

Can an employer see an expunged OWI?

Generally, no. Most civilian employers cannot access expunged records. However, law enforcement, government agencies, and some licensing boards may still have access.

Will an OWI affect my chances of getting hired?

It depends on the employer and the job. Some may overlook it, while others—especially those involving driving or security clearance—may consider it a disqualifier.

How do I know if my OWI will show up?

You can request a copy of your criminal record from the Michigan State Police and check your driving record from the Department of State.

If I expunge my OWI, will it still be on my driving record?

Yes. Michigan expungement laws apply only to criminal records. Your driving record will always show the OWI conviction.

Conclusion

In Michigan, an OWI conviction will appear on most background checks unless it has been formally expunged. Criminal background checks used for employment, housing, and licensing typically include OWI offenses, while driving-related checks will always show them—even after expungement. Understanding how these systems work and what each type of record shows is key to managing your long-term plans after an OWI.

For more in-depth guidance on this topic, read our full guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact.

To explore how convictions appear during screenings, visit our related article on How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.

Understanding the Process for OWI Expungement or Sealing in Michigan

In Michigan, offenses commonly referred to as “DUI” are officially classified as OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated. If you’ve been convicted of an OWI and are wondering whether that record can be removed or hidden from public view, you’re not alone. The process of expungement—or removing a conviction from a person’s criminal record—is a topic of significant interest for those looking to move forward without the shadow of a past offense.

This article explains the process of OWI expungement in Michigan. It breaks down eligibility rules, waiting periods, limitations, and how this process differs from sealing a record. It’s written for general educational purposes only, with no legal advice or assumptions—just the facts on how Michigan handles expungement for impaired driving convictions.

If you’re trying to understand what’s possible in Michigan when it comes to clearing your record after an OWI, the sections below provide a complete overview of what the law allows—and what it doesn’t.

Michigan’s Definition of Expungement vs. Sealing

Michigan uses the term expungement, not sealing, when referring to the process of removing a conviction from a person’s public criminal record. Here’s how the two terms compare:

• Expungement: The conviction is set aside and removed from the public record. It is no longer visible in most background checks.
• Sealing: Common in other states, sealing restricts access to the record but doesn’t erase it. Michigan does not use this term in its legal framework.

When an OWI is expunged in Michigan, it is no longer visible to the public, including employers and most private background check agencies. However, the record is still accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies under specific circumstances.

The expungement process in Michigan is available only to those who meet specific eligibility criteria, and only first-time OWI offenses are eligible.

Michigan Now Allows Expungement of a First-Time OWI

As of 2021, Michigan law was updated to permit expungement of one first-time OWI conviction. This change was part of a broader criminal justice reform effort designed to provide second chances to individuals with low-level convictions.

To qualify for OWI expungement in Michigan, all of the following conditions must be met:

• The offense must be a first OWI conviction (no prior or subsequent OWI charges).
• The offense must not have involved serious injury or death.
• At least five years must have passed since the completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and fines.
• The individual must not have any pending criminal charges at the time of application.
• Only one impaired driving offense may ever be expunged in a person’s lifetime.

This expungement applies strictly to the criminal record and does not affect the driving record, which permanently retains OWI convictions in Michigan.

How the OWI Expungement Process Works

The expungement process in Michigan involves several key steps. While individuals may file on their own, many choose to work with an attorney due to the procedural nature of the system. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Wait five years after completing all sentence requirements.
2. Obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Michigan State Police.
3. Complete an application for expungement (known officially as a petition to set aside conviction).
4. Submit the application to the court where the original conviction occurred.
5. Serve copies to the Michigan Attorney General and local prosecutor.
6. Attend a hearing, if scheduled, where a judge reviews the request.

The judge has full discretion to approve or deny the petition based on the nature of the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and public interest. If granted, the expungement order is sent to law enforcement and public records databases for update.

What Expungement Does—and Doesn’t—Do

Expungement provides important benefits for individuals seeking to move forward. However, it’s also important to understand its limits.

What Expungement Does:

• Removes the OWI from public criminal record databases
• Makes the conviction invisible to most background checks
• Improves eligibility for employment, housing, and professional licensing
• Helps reduce stigma associated with a criminal conviction

What Expungement Doesn’t Do:

• Does not remove the OWI from your driving record
• Does not clear insurance consequences
• Does not prevent law enforcement or courts from seeing the prior conviction
• Does not allow expungement of a second or third OWI offense

In other words, while expungement removes the offense from public view, it remains legally relevant in future court proceedings and official evaluations.

OWI Expungement and Employment Implications

For many people, the main benefit of expungement is improving employment opportunities. In Michigan, employers can view a person’s public criminal record when conducting background checks—unless the record has been expunged.

Once an OWI is expunged:

• Employers generally cannot see it in standard background checks
• Individuals are legally allowed to answer “no” when asked if they’ve been convicted of a crime
• Public databases no longer show the conviction

However, some regulated industries—such as law enforcement, education, healthcare, and transportation—may still require full disclosure or have access to sealed data through official channels. Expungement improves most employment outcomes but may not eliminate all barriers.

Limitations on Multiple OWI Expungements in Michigan

Michigan law currently limits OWI expungement to one lifetime offense. If a person has more than one impaired driving conviction, even if the others were years apart, none of them are eligible for expungement under current statutes.

Additionally, the following types of OWI cases are excluded from eligibility:

• OWI resulting in serious injury or death
• OWI while operating a commercial vehicle
• OWI involving child endangerment
• Felony OWI cases (including third offenses)

The law is strict, and Michigan’s expungement process is deliberately narrow when it comes to impaired driving charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About OWI Expungement in Michigan

Can a DUI be sealed instead of expunged in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not offer record sealing. The state uses expungement, which removes the offense from public criminal databases.

How long do I have to wait to apply for expungement?

You must wait five years after completing all sentencing terms, including probation, fines, and any other court requirements.

Does expungement affect my driving record?

No. Even if your OWI is expunged from your criminal record, it will still appear permanently on your Michigan driving record.

Can I expunge more than one OWI?

No. Michigan allows only one OWI expungement per person—ever. Multiple convictions make you ineligible.

Will employers still see my OWI after expungement?

Most employers will not see the expunged offense during standard background checks. However, government agencies and law enforcement may still access it.

Conclusion

Michigan law allows limited expungement of OWI offenses under specific conditions—but only for first-time, non-injury cases. If you meet the requirements and complete the necessary legal steps, you may be able to remove the offense from your public criminal record. However, this does not apply to your driving record, where the conviction remains permanently. Understanding the scope and limits of expungement is essential for anyone seeking to move forward after an impaired driving conviction in Michigan.

For more insights on the broader impact of OWI convictions, visit our full guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact.

To learn more about record timelines and visibility, see our focused article on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.

Clarifying How Long an OWI Stays on Your Driving Record in Michigan

In Michigan, offenses for impaired driving are legally categorized as OWI, which stands for Operating While Intoxicated. While some states refer to these charges as “DUI,” Michigan uses OWI across legal, administrative, and driver record systems. One of the most common questions from Michigan drivers is whether an OWI goes on their driving record, and if so, for how long.

This post clarifies how Michigan handles OWI charges in relation to your driving record, how long the offense remains visible, what effect it has on insurance and license status, and why Michigan law treats OWIs differently from other traffic violations. This information is educational and designed to provide neutral, factual insight into a commonly misunderstood issue—without legal advice, sales content, or speculation.

If you’re trying to understand how Michigan tracks OWIs and what that means for you in the future, the sections below will walk you through the details of driving record retention, licensing points, expungement limitations, and more.

What Information Goes on a Michigan Driving Record?

Your Michigan driving record is a log of your history as a licensed driver in the state. It’s maintained by the Michigan Department of State and contains:

• All traffic violations and citations
• License suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements
• Alcohol or drug-related offenses such as OWI
• Points assigned for each offense
• Crash involvement history
• Driver’s license status updates

The primary purpose of the driving record is to provide a summary of your conduct as a motorist. This record is used by law enforcement, insurance companies, the court system, and occasionally employers. OWI convictions appear on both public and certified versions of your record and can be accessed for years—or, as is often the case with OWIs, for life.

Importantly, your driving record is separate from your criminal record, which tracks criminal court cases. OWIs appear on both, and are handled distinctly in each system.

An OWI Conviction Remains on Your Michigan Driving Record for Life

Unlike minor traffic infractions or civil violations, an OWI conviction is treated differently under Michigan law. Once an OWI is added to your driving record, it never automatically expires or drops off. It is permanently retained by the Michigan Department of State and will continue to appear in any future review of your driving history.

This rule applies to:

• First-time OWI convictions
• Repeat OWI offenses
• Any impaired driving offense involving drugs or alcohol

The reason for this lifetime visibility is rooted in Michigan’s approach to road safety and driver accountability. Impaired driving is considered a serious offense, and the state maintains a permanent record to track recidivism, enforce escalating penalties, and protect public safety.

Even if you have no further violations for decades, the original OWI will still appear on your driving record unless otherwise allowed to be removed through legislative changes—which currently do not exist for driving records.

License Points from an OWI Do Expire After Two Years

Although the OWI conviction itself stays on your driving record for life, the driver’s license points assigned to the offense expire after two years. A standard OWI conviction in Michigan adds six points to your license.

Points are part of a separate system designed to track recent behavior and apply administrative penalties such as:

• License review or suspension for high point totals
• Risk assessment for insurance purposes
• Probationary actions for newly licensed drivers

After two years, these six points no longer count toward your active license status. However, the original OWI conviction remains visible to anyone checking your record and can still be used in court or administrative settings to determine repeat-offense status.

This separation between conviction permanence and point expiration often causes confusion, but the key takeaway is that the OWI stays, even when the points disappear.

Expunging an OWI Doesn’t Remove It from Your Driving Record

Michigan now allows expungement of certain first-time OWI convictions from your criminal record, but this legal process does not apply to your driving record. The Michigan Department of State does not have a mechanism to remove or seal OWI convictions from a driver’s file.

So even if you:

• Apply for and receive OWI expungement through the court
• Satisfy all probation, fines, and wait periods
• Are granted a clean criminal record in public databases

…your driving record will still show the OWI conviction. This means insurance companies and licensing officials will continue to see the offense, and it will still be used in determining penalties for any future violations.

Driving records and criminal records are managed by separate systems, and expungement from one does not impact the other in Michigan.

Insurance Impact of an OWI on Your Driving Record

One of the most immediate and lasting effects of having an OWI on your driving record in Michigan is the impact on car insurance. Insurance providers have access to your full driving history and use that data to:

• Set insurance premiums
• Determine eligibility for coverage
• Decide whether to cancel or renew a policy

Because an OWI signals high risk, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance, which is a certification proving financial responsibility. This coverage is more expensive and typically mandated by the state after serious violations like OWI.

Insurers differ in how far back they look at driving history, but many review at least 3 to 5 years, and some consider lifetime serious offenses like OWI. That means you may experience higher premiums for several years after the conviction, and in some cases, indefinitely.

Even after your points expire, the OWI remains visible to insurers and can continue to affect your cost of coverage.

Why Michigan Keeps OWIs on Driving Records Permanently

Michigan law requires lifetime retention of OWI records on a person’s driving file for multiple reasons:

• Repeat Offense Enforcement: Prior convictions are used to enhance penalties for second or third OWI offenses.
• Public Safety: Keeping a full record helps courts and licensing agencies assess risk.
• Insurance Regulation: Accurate risk evaluation by insurers depends on full driving histories.
• Court Adjudication: Judges and prosecutors reference full driving records when considering sentencing or plea deals.

Michigan is among the strictest states when it comes to retaining OWI data. While some states purge or archive older violations, Michigan maintains all OWI convictions as a matter of legal record.

Even if you move out of state, the OWI on your Michigan record may still appear if other state DMVs or insurers request a copy of your full driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions About OWIs and Michigan Driving Records

Can I get an OWI removed from my Michigan driving record?

No. Michigan does not allow OWIs to be removed from your driving record, even if the offense is expunged from your criminal record.

How long does an OWI stay on my license?

The conviction is permanent. The license points (typically six) associated with the OWI will expire after two years, but the offense itself never goes away.

Will an employer see an OWI on my driving record?

It depends. Some employers, especially those hiring for driving-related positions, may request your driving record. If so, the OWI will be visible, even years after the offense.

If I expunge my criminal OWI record, does it help with insurance?

Not directly. Expungement applies only to the criminal record. Insurers base their rates on your driving record, which will still show the OWI.

Do insurance companies see OWIs from decades ago?

Some do. While most focus on the past 3–5 years, serious offenses like OWI are often considered in long-term risk modeling and pricing strategies.

Conclusion

In Michigan, an OWI conviction stays on your driving record permanently. Although the license points tied to the offense expire after two years, the conviction itself does not go away—regardless of whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense. Expungement from your criminal record offers limited relief, as it does not remove the conviction from your driver history. This ongoing visibility affects car insurance costs, future license eligibility, and legal considerations for years to come.

To better understand the broader implications of OWI convictions, explore our complete guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact.

For more specific insight into how long these offenses last, visit our detailed article: How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.

Clarifying Whether an OWI Becomes Part of Your Criminal Record in Michigan

In Michigan, what many people commonly refer to as a “DUI” is officially known as an OWI, or Operating While Intoxicated. If you’ve been arrested or convicted for impaired driving, one of the most important questions is whether that offense becomes part of your criminal record. Understanding this distinction matters, especially for those concerned about background checks, employment, and long-term consequences.

This post offers a clear and informational look at how OWI offenses are treated under Michigan law when it comes to criminal records. We will explain the difference between traffic and criminal records, how Michigan classifies various OWI offenses, and under what circumstances those offenses may be visible on background checks. This article is meant solely for general educational purposes and does not offer legal advice.

Whether you’re facing an OWI charge or simply trying to understand how these cases are documented, the sections below break it down step-by-step—without legal jargon, speculation, or assumptions.

How Michigan Defines an OWI as a Criminal Offense

In Michigan, OWI offenses are generally treated as criminal violations, not just traffic infractions. That means they are handled in criminal court, and a conviction becomes part of your criminal history. Even a first-time OWI is classified as a misdemeanor, which is a lower-level criminal offense, but still one that carries serious long-term implications.

OWI charges escalate to felonies under specific conditions—such as having multiple prior convictions, causing injury or death, or being involved in an accident with minors in the vehicle. Felony convictions carry harsher penalties and stay on your criminal record indefinitely unless addressed through expungement (in very limited circumstances).

Once an OWI conviction is entered into the Michigan court system, it is reported to both state and national criminal databases, which are often referenced during background checks.

The Difference Between Criminal and Driving Records

Many people confuse a criminal record with a driving record, but they are maintained separately and serve different purposes in Michigan.

• Criminal records are managed by the Michigan State Police and include all misdemeanor and felony convictions.
• Driving records are maintained by the Michigan Department of State, and track infractions related to motor vehicle laws.

An OWI will appear on both records. On your criminal record, it will be listed as a misdemeanor or felony conviction, depending on the nature of the offense. On your driving record, it is permanently recorded and used to assess insurance risk and licensing status.

While points from an OWI may disappear from your driving record over time, the criminal record entry remains unless formally expunged.

First-Time OWI Offenses Still Go on Your Criminal Record

A common misconception is that a first offense doesn’t count as a “real” criminal record item. In Michigan, this is not the case. A first OWI conviction is still a misdemeanor criminal offense, and it becomes part of your official criminal history upon conviction.

This means that even a single, one-time mistake can appear on background checks used by employers, housing providers, government agencies, and others. The only difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in this context is the level of seriousness, not whether the offense is criminal.

Unless the conviction is later expunged—which is only available under specific rules for first-time offenses—that misdemeanor stays on your criminal record indefinitely.

When and How an OWI Can Be Expunged from Your Criminal Record

Michigan law allows for the expungement of a single first-time OWI offense under specific conditions. This is the only scenario in which an OWI may be removed from your criminal record.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• The OWI must be a first offense.
• At least five years must have passed since you completed all sentencing requirements, including probation.
• The offense must not have involved serious injury or death.
• You must have no other impaired driving convictions.

If eligible, you can apply for expungement through the Michigan court system. The process is not automatic—you must file a formal request, attend a hearing, and receive approval from a judge.

Even if expungement is granted, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still be able to access sealed records for specific purposes.

How OWI Convictions Appear on Background Checks

An OWI that becomes part of your criminal record is likely to show up on most standard criminal background checks, especially those used for employment or licensing. Whether it impacts your opportunities depends on a variety of factors:

• Time elapsed since the offense
• Severity of the offense (misdemeanor vs felony)
• Whether the offense was expunged
• The employer or agency’s internal policy

Michigan law provides some protection through “ban the box” legislation, which restricts employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. However, once background checks are conducted later in the hiring process, an unexpunged OWI conviction may still be visible.

Expunging a first-time OWI conviction can help minimize its visibility, but it’s important to understand that not all background checks rely on the same sources or update at the same frequency.

OWI Felonies Remain on Your Criminal Record Permanently

While a first-time OWI misdemeanor can be eligible for expungement under Michigan law, felony OWI convictions are not eligible for removal. This includes:

• A third OWI offense (automatically a felony in Michigan)
• OWIs that result in serious injury or death
• OWIs with aggravating factors, such as transporting a child under 16

Felony OWIs are part of your permanent criminal record, and they will show up on virtually all background checks for the rest of your life. This can affect employment, housing, education, and international travel.

There is no current legislation in Michigan that allows for the expungement or sealing of felony OWI convictions.

Why Understanding OWI Records Matters for the Long Term

Understanding how OWI convictions impact your criminal record is essential if you’re planning your career, managing personal reputation, or dealing with other life matters that involve background checks. In Michigan, the presence of an OWI on your criminal record can affect:

• Job applications, especially in roles involving driving or public trust
• Professional licensing in healthcare, law, or finance
• Educational opportunities involving financial aid or conduct requirements
• International travel, where some countries restrict entry for individuals with criminal records

Being informed about these consequences can help you make better decisions after an OWI conviction and take steps toward record clearing if eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions About OWI and Criminal Records in Michigan

Is an OWI considered a criminal offense in Michigan?

Yes. Even a first-time OWI is a misdemeanor criminal offense in Michigan, and it goes on your criminal record upon conviction.

Can a first OWI be removed from your criminal record?

Possibly. Michigan allows the expungement of one first-time OWI offense if at least five years have passed since completing your sentence and you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Do OWI offenses show up on background checks?

Yes. Both misdemeanor and felony OWIs appear on most criminal background checks unless they have been expunged.

Can a felony OWI ever be expunged?

No. Under current Michigan law, felony OWI convictions are not eligible for expungement and will remain on your criminal record permanently.

Does expungement also remove an OWI from your driving record?

No. Expungement only affects the criminal record. The OWI will remain on your driving record for life.

Conclusion

In Michigan, an OWI conviction becomes part of your criminal record and can influence background checks, employment, and other long-term factors. While some first-time misdemeanor OWI offenses are eligible for expungement after five years, all felony OWIs remain on your record permanently. It’s important to understand how these records work and how they differ from your driving history.

To explore more about long-term impacts of these offenses, visit our full guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact.

For detailed information on how long these convictions stay on record, check out our related resource: How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.

Understanding How Long an OWI Stays on Your Record in Michigan

In Michigan, impaired driving offenses are officially referred to as OWI—Operating While Intoxicated. If you’ve been arrested or convicted of an OWI in Michigan, one of the most common concerns is how long it will remain on your driving and criminal record. The answer isn’t always simple, as it depends on the type of offense, whether it’s a first-time or repeat violation, and how Michigan law treats record retention and expungement.

The long-term presence of an OWI on your record can affect many areas of life. It can influence car insurance premiums, employment prospects, background checks, and even your ability to travel internationally. Michigan has strict policies about retaining OWI offenses, and understanding these rules is crucial if you want to know what to expect moving forward.

This article offers a comprehensive, factual, and easy-to-understand breakdown of how long OWI offenses stay on your record in Michigan. It’s written for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice or services. Whether you’re trying to understand the implications of a past incident or simply researching for informational purposes, this guide explains the essentials of OWI record timelines in Michigan without legal jargon or assumptions.

How Michigan Classifies OWI Records

In Michigan, an OWI offense can appear on both your criminal record and your driving record, each governed by different rules. A criminal record is maintained by the Michigan State Police and includes any misdemeanor or felony OWI convictions. A driving record is maintained by the Michigan Department of State and tracks offenses that affect your ability to operate a vehicle.

An OWI is typically a misdemeanor for a first offense but can become a felony under certain conditions, such as multiple prior offenses or causing injury. Regardless of severity, once an OWI conviction is entered into your records, it is shared with various government and background check agencies.

It’s also important to know that Michigan does not offer a “clean slate” period for OWIs on your driving record in the same way it might for other infractions. While points from the offense may fall off after a few years, the OWI itself remains visible for a much longer period.

How Long an OWI Remains on Your Driving Record in Michigan

An OWI conviction will stay on your driving record for life in Michigan. The Michigan Department of State keeps impaired driving offenses permanently, and they are not removed or sealed automatically over time.

However, the driver’s license points associated with an OWI offense typically remain for two years from the date of conviction. These points can influence license suspensions and affect how insurance providers assess your driving history.

This lifelong presence on your driving record means that any future interactions with law enforcement, court systems, or licensing agencies will reflect your OWI history. Insurance companies also use this information to calculate premiums, often resulting in increased costs for several years following the incident.

How Long an OWI Remains on Your Criminal Record in Michigan

Unlike driving records, criminal records can sometimes be modified through a process known as expungement, which removes certain convictions from public view. In Michigan, the law was updated in 2021 to allow for limited OWI expungement under specific conditions.

If you have a first-time OWI conviction, you may be eligible to apply for expungement five years after completing all sentencing requirements, including any probation, fines, or community service. However, only one OWI offense can ever be expunged. Second or third offenses are not eligible for removal under current state law.

It’s important to note that while expungement can clear your public criminal record, the conviction may still be accessible to law enforcement and some government agencies. Also, expungement does not affect your driving record—the offense will remain there permanently.

OWI Expungement Eligibility and Limitations in Michigan

Michigan’s expungement reform was a major shift, but it includes strict guidelines. To qualify for expungement of a first-time OWI offense:

• The offense must not have caused serious injury or death.
• At least five years must have passed since you completed your sentence, including any probation.
• You must not have any other OWI convictions.
• You must not have any pending criminal charges.

Even if you meet these conditions, expungement is not automatic. A formal application must be submitted to the court, and a judge has the discretion to approve or deny the request. The process can take several months and may involve a hearing.

Keep in mind that even if the court grants expungement, private databases or third-party background check services may still have access to outdated information unless they refresh their records.

How OWI Records Affect Employment and Background Checks

An OWI conviction can show up in standard criminal background checks, which may impact employment opportunities—especially in industries requiring driving, security clearance, or professional licenses. Many employers in Michigan conduct background screenings, and an OWI on your record may be viewed as a risk factor, even if it was a one-time mistake.

However, Michigan law includes “ban the box” provisions, which restrict employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Still, once the interview process moves forward, a background check may still reveal the OWI unless it has been expunged.

Even with these limitations, it’s common for employers to consider context, such as how long ago the offense occurred and whether any subsequent legal trouble followed. Expungement can help by legally removing the conviction from most employment-related background checks, offering a chance to move forward with a cleaner slate.

Insurance and Financial Impact of OWI Records

In Michigan, an OWI on your record can lead to significant increases in auto insurance premiums. Insurance providers use your driving record to determine risk, and an impaired driving offense signals high risk. This often leads to mandatory high-risk coverage, known as SR-22 insurance, which can be expensive.

The financial effects of an OWI conviction typically last several years. Insurers may raise rates for three to five years, or longer depending on the severity and whether additional violations occur.

Michigan uses a no-fault insurance model, and while it helps with basic coverage, an OWI conviction still triggers premium hikes and eligibility limits with many insurers. Some companies may even cancel coverage or decline to renew your policy following a conviction.

Being aware of these long-term financial consequences is essential for managing costs and making informed decisions after an OWI incident.

Common Questions About OWI Record Duration in Michigan

Can an OWI ever be fully removed from all records?

An OWI can be expunged from your criminal record under specific conditions, but not from your driving record. Once it’s on your driving record, it stays there permanently.

How long does it take for OWI points to go away?

Points from an OWI conviction stay on your Michigan driving record for two years, but the conviction itself stays for life.

Does an OWI affect job opportunities in Michigan?

Yes, it can affect job prospects—especially in positions requiring driving or background checks. Expungement can reduce the impact, but it depends on the employer’s policies.

What is the difference between expungement and sealing a record?

Michigan uses expungement, not sealing. Expungement removes the conviction from public view, while sealing (used in other states) limits access but doesn’t erase it.

Can you expunge more than one OWI?

No. Michigan only allows one OWI expungement in a lifetime, and only for first-time offenses that meet eligibility rules.

Conclusion

Understanding how long an OWI stays on your record in Michigan is key to planning for the future. While the driving record impact is permanent, there are limited options for criminal record expungement if you meet certain requirements. The long-term effects on insurance, employment, and background checks highlight the importance of being informed.

To explore more about these long-term consequences, read our full page on DUI Records And Long Term Impact.

For detailed information specifically on this topic, visit our mini-guide on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.