Have A Question? Search This Site:
When someone receives a DWI in Arkansas, one of the first concerns is whether it will appear during a background check. Background screenings are common for employment, housing, loans, volunteer opportunities, and even college admissions. In Arkansas, the answer is simple: yes, a DWI does show up on background checks—unless specific steps are taken to seal the record.
Many people mistakenly believe that once they’ve completed their sentence or probation, their record clears. However, a DWI is classified as a criminal offense in Arkansas, and criminal records are maintained indefinitely unless legally sealed. This means that employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and other organizations can see the conviction if they run a background check.
Understanding how and where a DWI appears on different types of background checks is important. Some screenings are more detailed than others, and not all organizations use the same tools. For example, a basic background check might not show as much detail as a federal or fingerprint-based one.
In this post, we’ll explain how DWIs appear on Arkansas background checks, the difference between types of background screenings, and how long this information stays visible. We’ll also explore the impact of sealing a DWI and how to manage the long-term visibility of your record.
Why a DWI Is Part of Your Criminal History in Arkansas
In Arkansas, a DWI is not just a traffic violation—it’s a criminal offense. That distinction is key to understanding why it shows up on background checks. A first-time DWI is usually a Class A misdemeanor, which is the highest level of misdemeanor in the state. Repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances can result in a felony DWI.
Once a DWI conviction is entered in the court system, it becomes part of your permanent criminal record. This record is maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state databases like the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). It is this same record that employers and agencies check during criminal background screenings.
A DWI stays on your criminal record indefinitely unless you successfully petition the court to have it sealed. Until that happens, it remains visible to most background check providers.
Because of its criminal classification, a DWI is treated seriously by employers and others reviewing your history. Even if the offense occurred years ago, it can still show up unless it has been formally removed from public view through sealing. And since background checks are increasingly common, this can become a recurring issue in your personal and professional life.
What Types of Background Checks Reveal a DWI?
Not all background checks are created equal. The amount of information revealed depends on the type of screening being conducted and who’s requesting it. In Arkansas, the following are common types of background checks that can reveal a DWI:
- Basic criminal background checks – Often used by employers and landlords, these searches include convictions like DWIs.
- State police background checks – These access official state-level criminal records and will show DWIs unless sealed.
- FBI fingerprint checks – Used for federal employment, licensing, and sensitive jobs, these will show all criminal records.
- Commercial tenant screenings – Landlords may use third-party services that pull your criminal record as part of a rental application.
- Volunteer background checks – Nonprofits and schools often use checks that include any public criminal records, including DWIs.
A sealed record will not appear in most commercial or employer-based background checks, but it may still be visible to law enforcement, government agencies, and licensing boards. This means even if you’ve sealed your record, some agencies may still be able to access that information for specific purposes.
If your DWI is not sealed, you can safely assume it will appear on nearly all standard criminal background checks conducted in Arkansas.
How Long Does a DWI Show Up on a Background Check?
A DWI in Arkansas will show up on a background check permanently unless you take legal action to seal the record. This means that no matter how long ago the offense occurred, it can still surface in criminal background reports unless sealed by court order.
Unlike your driving record, which only retains a DWI for five years, your criminal record has no expiration date. Background check services rely on these permanent court records when pulling data. Some platforms may only show offenses from the last 7–10 years, but this is not guaranteed and varies by provider.
Employers, especially those hiring for positions involving trust, safety, or driving, often request complete background checks. This includes any unsealed criminal convictions—no matter how old they are.
The only way to prevent a DWI from showing up indefinitely is to seal the record, which hides it from most non-governmental background check systems. However, you must wait at least five years after completing your sentence and meet eligibility requirements to do so.
So without sealing, a DWI can and likely will appear on background checks for life.
Can You Seal a DWI From Showing Up on a Background Check?
Yes, under Arkansas law, some individuals can seal their DWI conviction to prevent it from appearing in standard background checks. However, sealing is not available to everyone, and certain steps must be followed carefully.
To qualify, the DWI must generally meet these conditions:
- It was a first-time misdemeanor DWI
- You’ve completed all sentencing, including probation and fines
- At least five years have passed since completing your sentence
- You’ve had no other criminal convictions during that time
If eligible, you can file a petition with the court to have the record sealed. Once sealed, the DWI will no longer be visible to most employers, landlords, and background check providers. However, the record will still be accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Sealing doesn’t mean the record is deleted. It simply removes it from public view, giving you a second chance when applying for work or housing. But until the process is complete and approved by the court, your DWI remains part of your background.
For many Arkansans, sealing their DWI is the most effective way to stop it from showing up in day-to-day background checks.
How a DWI Affects Employment and Housing Opportunities
A DWI showing up on your background check can create barriers in both employment and housing. Many employers run routine background checks during the hiring process, and a DWI conviction may influence whether you receive a job offer—especially if the job involves driving, public safety, or customer interaction.
Similarly, landlords and property managers often reject applications from individuals with recent or unsealed convictions, even if those convictions are non-violent. A DWI can signal risk or instability to property owners, making it harder to secure housing.
In competitive job markets, employers may prioritize candidates without any criminal history, regardless of qualifications. Even volunteer organizations and educational institutions may disqualify applicants based on unsealed convictions.
Some industries have strict hiring requirements that explicitly exclude individuals with criminal records, including DWIs. These may include:
- Transportation and logistics
- Healthcare and nursing
- Government and security roles
- Law enforcement and corrections
- Childcare and education
Sealing your record can remove this obstacle from most of these screening processes—but until that happens, the DWI remains visible and influential.
What You Can Do To Minimize the Impact of a DWI on Background Checks
While you can’t erase a DWI instantly, there are several steps you can take to reduce its impact over time:
- Pursue record sealing – If eligible, begin the process of petitioning the court to seal your record. This removes it from most public background checks.
- Maintain a clean record – Avoid any additional legal trouble. A pattern of offenses is harder to overcome than a single mistake.
- Gather strong references – Letters from employers, mentors, or community leaders can help offset concerns raised during background checks.
- Be proactive in interviews – If you know a DWI may appear, prepare to explain the situation honestly and focus on how you’ve moved forward.
- Know your rights – Some employers are restricted in how they use criminal history when making hiring decisions.
Being informed and prepared helps you take control of your future, even with a past DWI. The more you demonstrate responsibility and growth, the less impact a background check may have.
FAQ
Will a DWI Show Up on a Background Check in Arkansas?
Yes. Unless the record is sealed, a DWI will appear in most criminal background checks.
Can I Get a Job With a DWI on My Record?
Yes, but it may limit your options. Employers often consider the offense and how recent it is.
How Do I Stop a DWI From Appearing on Background Checks?
You can petition to have your record sealed after meeting eligibility requirements and a five-year waiting period.
Do Sealed Records Still Show on Background Checks?
Not usually. Sealed records are hidden from most employer and tenant background checks, though law enforcement can still access them.
Will a DWI Show Up in a Background Check Forever?
Yes—unless the record is sealed. Criminal records are permanent in Arkansas unless legally modified.
Conclusion
A DWI in Arkansas is not just a temporary setback—it becomes part of your criminal record and shows up on nearly all standard background checks unless sealed. This can affect your ability to find work, rent housing, or pursue professional licenses. While your driving record clears after five years, your criminal record remains until you take legal steps to seal it.
Understanding how background checks work, what information they reveal, and what actions you can take empowers you to manage the long-term consequences of a DWI. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, applying for housing, or considering sealing your record, being informed is key.
To understand the full impact of a conviction over time, read our complete guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact. And if you’re curious how DWIs show up during screenings, check out How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.