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When you’ve had a DUI in Kansas, one of the biggest concerns that comes up later is how it might affect your future — especially when applying for a job, renting an apartment, or obtaining a professional license. A common question is: Does a DUI show up on background checks in Kansas? The answer is yes — in many cases, a DUI conviction will appear, particularly if it hasn’t been expunged.
Kansas treats DUI as a criminal offense, meaning it’s part of your legal record, not just your driving history. That distinction matters, because most background checks look at your criminal record, not your driving record. This can result in a DUI being visible to employers, landlords, and other organizations, depending on the type of check being run.
In this article, we’ll explore how and when a DUI shows up on background checks in Kansas, what types of checks are most likely to reveal it, and what can be done to limit its visibility. If you’re wondering whether your past DUI could still be affecting you — even years later — this guide will help you understand what to expect.
Kansas DUI Convictions Are Part of Your Criminal Record
A DUI in Kansas is classified as a criminal offense, not a civil violation. This means that a conviction becomes part of your criminal history, which is stored in state and national databases accessed during background checks.
Whether it’s a first-time misdemeanor or a more serious felony DUI, once the court enters a guilty plea or conviction, it becomes a matter of public record. Kansas does not automatically remove or hide these records over time — they stay in the system unless formally expunged.
Because most background checks search criminal databases, a DUI will almost always appear unless it has been expunged. Some of the checks that may reveal your DUI include:
- Pre-employment screenings
- Rental applications
- Professional license background checks
- Volunteer organization checks
- Government security clearances
It’s important to remember that a DUI on your criminal record is separate from your driving record, which is maintained by the Department of Revenue and used primarily for insurance and driving-related jobs. However, both types of records may be reviewed depending on the purpose of the background check.
When and Where a DUI Appears on Background Checks
Not all background checks are created equal. The depth of the check, and the organization running it, determine whether your DUI will show up.
Here are some common examples of background checks where a Kansas DUI may appear:
Employment Background Checks
Most employers conduct criminal background checks when hiring, especially for jobs involving sensitive information, financial responsibility, or driving. In Kansas, if your DUI has not been expunged, it will typically be reported.
Housing Applications
Landlords and property managers often use background screening companies to evaluate prospective tenants. A DUI conviction may raise concerns, particularly if it involved property damage or other related offenses.
Professional Licensing
If you’re applying for or renewing a license in a regulated field (nursing, law, real estate, etc.), expect a full criminal history check. Many boards will ask specifically about any convictions, including DUIs, and may require an explanation or additional documentation.
Volunteer or Educational Roles
Organizations involving children or vulnerable individuals often run comprehensive checks, and a DUI — even a misdemeanor — may affect eligibility.
In short, if an organization conducts a criminal background check, a Kansas DUI conviction is likely to be visible unless it has been removed through the legal expungement process.
How Expungement Affects Background Checks in Kansas
The best way to prevent a DUI from appearing on a background check in Kansas is through expungement. Expungement is a legal process that allows certain convictions to be sealed from public access.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A first DUI can be expunged five years after completion of all court-ordered penalties
- A second DUI may be eligible after ten years
- Felony DUIs are typically not eligible for expungement
Once a DUI is expunged:
- It is removed from most public criminal background checks
- You are generally not required to disclose the conviction on job applications
- Landlords and private employers usually won’t see it
However, expungement does not erase the conviction entirely. Government agencies, courts, law enforcement, and some professional licensing boards may still have access. In those settings, you may still be required to disclose the offense, even after expungement.
It’s also important to understand that expungement only affects your criminal record. Your driving record will still show the DUI, and insurance companies or commercial driving employers may continue to view it.
Jobs and Licenses Most Affected by DUI Background Results
While many employers are willing to work with applicants who have a DUI in their past, some positions are more sensitive to criminal records than others. Here are a few examples of roles where a DUI may carry more weight during a background check:
- Commercial driving jobs (CDL required)
- Healthcare roles
- Education and child care
- Government or law enforcement
- Financial services
- Security clearance positions
These industries typically have stricter background requirements and may disqualify applicants based on a DUI conviction — especially if it’s recent or not expunged.
For applicants in these fields, pursuing expungement may be especially worthwhile. Even then, it’s important to check with the specific employer or licensing board, as some may still request full disclosure of all convictions, regardless of expungement status.
Can You Be Denied Employment or Housing Due to a DUI?
Yes — in some cases, a DUI on your background check can be a factor in a denial of employment or housing in Kansas. However, decisions vary widely depending on:
- The nature of the position or housing
- How long ago the DUI occurred
- Whether it’s been expunged
- Any additional convictions or red flags on the record
Kansas is considered an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can use discretion when hiring. That said, some employers consider the full picture — including rehabilitation, references, and work history — rather than making a decision based on the DUI alone.
For housing, landlords can legally deny an application if they believe a DUI reflects a risk. However, many will weigh the severity of the offense, how recent it was, and whether the applicant has met all obligations.
The presence of a DUI doesn’t automatically disqualify you — but it can become a barrier in competitive situations or with more selective employers and landlords.
Tips for Managing a DUI on Background Checks
If you have a DUI conviction on your Kansas record, here are some ways to navigate background checks effectively:
- Pursue expungement if you’re eligible — it’s the most reliable way to limit visibility
- Be honest when disclosure is required; lying on applications can be grounds for dismissal
- Prepare a short, factual explanation of the conviction if asked during an interview
- Highlight rehabilitation efforts, such as completing court-ordered programs or maintaining a clean record since the DUI
- Know your rights — some employers and housing providers may not be allowed to discriminate based solely on a past conviction
Being proactive can help mitigate the negative impact of a DUI on your background check and improve your chances of being seen as a trustworthy, responsible candidate.
FAQ: DUI and Background Checks in Kansas
Will a DUI show up on a job background check in Kansas?
Yes. Unless it has been expunged, a DUI conviction in Kansas will typically appear in pre-employment background checks.
Does expungement completely hide a DUI?
Not entirely. Expungement seals the record from most public background checks, but government agencies and some licensing boards may still have access.
Can a landlord see my DUI conviction?
Yes. Many landlords use background screening services that include criminal records, and a DUI will usually be reported if it hasn’t been expunged.
Do I have to disclose a DUI if it’s expunged?
In most cases, no. Kansas law allows you to legally state that you have not been convicted once the record is expunged — with limited exceptions for certain jobs or licenses.
Does my driving record affect background checks?
Only in specific cases. Most background checks for jobs or housing focus on criminal records, not driving records — unless the job involves operating a vehicle.
Conclusion
A DUI conviction in Kansas can — and usually does — show up on background checks, especially when the record has not been expunged. From job applications to housing and professional licensing, the presence of a DUI can be a factor in key decisions that affect your future. While expungement provides an option to seal the record from public view, it’s important to understand the limits of its reach and what remains visible.
To learn more about how a DUI record affects your life long-term, visit our DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. For a closer look at how these records show up in screenings, explore How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.