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Many people who’ve been convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa wonder if the offense can ever be removed from their record. Whether the concern is about employment, housing, or general privacy, the desire to seal or expunge a past OWI is common—but Iowa law treats this process very differently than many expect.
In Iowa, OWI is the official term used for impaired driving offenses and it carries both criminal and administrative consequences. Once a person is convicted or pleads guilty to OWI, the charge becomes part of their permanent record. But can it ever be erased, hidden, or sealed from public view?
This article explains whether an OWI can be expunged or sealed in Iowa, and under what limited circumstances that might be possible. It outlines the difference between expungement and sealing, the eligibility rules in Iowa law, and how those rules apply to criminal versus driving records. If you’re seeking clarity on the long-term status of an OWI record in Iowa, this guide offers a straightforward, informational look at what the state does and does not allow.
Understanding Expungement and Sealing in Iowa
In legal terms, expungement means erasing or removing a criminal charge or conviction from public records. Sealing, while similar, typically means that the record still exists but is no longer accessible to the public. In some states, these options are available for certain nonviolent or first-time offenses—but Iowa law has strict limitations on both, especially for OWI convictions.
Iowa offers limited forms of expungement, primarily for dismissed charges or certain low-level offenses after a waiting period. However, when it comes to OWI, which is classified as a serious misdemeanor (or higher for repeat offenses), expungement is generally not allowed. The state treats OWI as a significant public safety issue, and the law reflects that by preserving these records long-term.
Sealing records is not a common legal mechanism in Iowa’s court system. The state does not offer a general sealing process for adult criminal records. Therefore, for most individuals with an OWI conviction in Iowa, neither expungement nor sealing is an available path to remove the offense from public view.
Can an OWI Conviction Be Expunged in Iowa?
For most people, the answer is no—an OWI conviction cannot be expunged in Iowa. State law does not allow the expungement of serious misdemeanor convictions for OWI, and this applies to both first-time and repeat offenders.
The only exception occurs when a person receives a deferred judgment for a first-time OWI. A deferred judgment allows the court to withhold entering a conviction while the individual completes probation or other requirements. If those conditions are met successfully, the case can be discharged and may qualify for expungement under limited conditions.
Even in those rare cases, expungement does not happen automatically. The individual must file a petition, meet specific eligibility criteria, and wait a required period before applying. Moreover, expungement for deferred judgments does not guarantee complete erasure of the offense from all records—it may still appear in background checks or databases that have not been updated.
For anyone who was convicted of OWI without a deferred judgment, Iowa law does not permit expungement. The conviction remains part of the public criminal record and cannot be removed by request.
What About Expunging OWI Arrests Without Convictions?
There is a meaningful difference in Iowa law between arrests and convictions. If someone was arrested for OWI but the charges were later dismissed, or the person was acquitted, the case may be eligible for expungement after a specific waiting period.
Under Iowa Code § 901C.2, a person may apply for expungement of dismissed charges 180 days after the case is closed, provided there are no pending charges and all court costs are paid. This law allows individuals to clear their name when an OWI arrest does not lead to a conviction.
However, this does not apply to cases where a guilty plea or conviction occurred—even if the penalties were minor or the offense happened long ago. The distinction between a dismissed charge and a conviction is critical in Iowa’s expungement rules.
In practice, this means that individuals who were never found guilty may have a path to clear their records, while those who were convicted do not. This rule highlights the long-term impact of an OWI conviction versus a resolved or dropped case.
OWI and the Iowa Driving Record: Is It Ever Cleared?
Even though criminal records are one aspect of the process, Iowa also maintains separate driving records through the Department of Transportation (DOT). These records include license actions, violations, and OWI-related suspensions.
In Iowa, an OWI stays on the driving record for 12 years. After that period, the DOT no longer uses it to classify repeat offenses, but the historical data may still exist in the system. There is no way to expunge or seal an OWI from a driving record earlier than the 12-year window.
The administrative nature of driving records makes them separate from court records, and they are managed by different agencies. Even if a case is dismissed in court or expunged under certain conditions, the associated DOT record may still reflect license actions taken at the time of the offense.
Because Iowa does not allow early removal of OWIs from driving records, drivers should expect those violations to remain visible for over a decade, even if all penalties have been satisfied.
Public Access to OWI Records in Iowa
One of the reasons people seek expungement or sealing is to limit public access to their criminal records. In Iowa, criminal case information is publicly available through the state’s online court records system unless specifically sealed or expunged.
For OWI convictions, this means that anyone—employers, landlords, agencies, or the general public—can access the case history unless a rare expungement has occurred. Even deferred judgments that were discharged can still be found in many record searches.
In addition to court records, administrative records such as driving history and license suspensions may be visible to insurance companies and employers who request them for official purposes.
Because OWI cases are considered matters of public safety, Iowa law prioritizes transparency. This public visibility adds to the long-term effects of an OWI and reinforces the limitations of sealing or expunging such cases.
Can a Lawyer Help With Expunging an OWI?
While this article does not offer legal advice, it’s worth noting that individuals often turn to legal professionals for help navigating expungement laws. In Iowa, the ability to expunge an OWI is extremely limited, so even attorneys may find few options available for clients seeking record removal.
However, in rare cases involving deferred judgments or dismissed charges, legal assistance may help clarify eligibility and guide individuals through the filing process. It’s important to understand, though, that no legal strategy can override state laws that prohibit expungement for OWI convictions.
Even with legal help, most people will not be able to expunge or seal an OWI from their record in Iowa. The state’s laws are clear and restrictive on this issue, emphasizing the importance of knowing the limitations ahead of time.
FAQ: Expungement and OWI Records in Iowa
Can an OWI be expunged in Iowa?
Only under very limited conditions, such as a deferred judgment that was successfully completed. Otherwise, OWI convictions cannot be expunged.
What about dismissed OWI charges?
Yes, dismissed charges may be eligible for expungement 180 days after case closure, assuming no new charges and all court costs are paid.
Does Iowa offer record sealing for OWIs?
No. Iowa does not have a general sealing process for OWI records. Expungement is the only available route, and it is rarely granted for OWIs.
Will an OWI stay on my driving record forever?
No. OWIs remain on Iowa driving records for 12 years, which affects insurance and repeat offense classification.
Is the OWI visible to the public?
Yes. Unless expunged (in rare cases), OWI records are visible in Iowa’s public court record system.
Can a lawyer get my OWI sealed or hidden?
Not likely. Iowa law does not allow sealing of OWI convictions, and expungement is extremely limited.
What’s the difference between expungement and sealing?
Expungement removes a record entirely. Sealing hides it from public view. Iowa mainly offers expungement, and only in narrow cases.
Conclusion
In Iowa, the ability to expunge or seal an OWI is highly limited. OWI convictions generally remain part of both your criminal and driving record for years—and in most cases, permanently. Only rare exceptions, such as a successfully completed deferred judgment, may qualify for expungement, and even then, the process is not automatic.
To understand more about how long these records last and the broader consequences of impaired driving charges, visit our DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. For more details on retention and visibility timelines, explore the post on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record for additional insights.