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Understanding How DWIs Appear on Background Checks in Minnesota
For many Minnesota residents, the concern after a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge or conviction doesn’t end in the courtroom. A common and important question follows: Will this show up on a background check? The answer is almost always yes—but the details depend on a variety of factors, including the outcome of the case, the type of background check, and whether any expungement has occurred.
Minnesota treats impaired driving as a criminal offense. Even first-time DWI charges are typically classified as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. That means most DWIs create a criminal record, and most criminal records are visible to employers, landlords, licensing boards, and other organizations that perform background checks.
This article explains how DWIs appear on background checks in Minnesota, the differences between types of checks, what information is included, and whether expungement can change how a DWI is viewed. While this content is strictly informational and not legal advice, it offers clarity on how background checks work and what Minnesotans can expect when navigating life after a DWI.
What Is a Background Check and Who Uses It?
A background check is any process used to verify a person’s history, typically through public records. In Minnesota, organizations such as employers, landlords, government agencies, and licensing boards may conduct background checks before making decisions about employment, housing, or licensing eligibility.
Common types of background checks include:
- Criminal background checks – Searching court and arrest records for charges and convictions.
- Motor vehicle record (MVR) checks – Reviewing a person’s driving history, including license status and traffic violations.
- Civil background checks – Looking at non-criminal court actions like restraining orders or civil judgments.
- Comprehensive background checks – Used by government agencies or high-security employers; includes multiple databases.
Most DWIs will appear on criminal background checks and driving record checks. Employers and landlords typically run criminal checks, while insurance companies and transportation-related employers may also review MVRs.
Do DWIs Always Show Up on Criminal Background Checks in Minnesota?
In most cases, yes. If a person is arrested and charged with DWI in Minnesota, the incident becomes part of their criminal history—even if the charge is later reduced or dismissed. If the DWI results in a conviction, it will definitely appear on a standard criminal background check.
Key points:
- Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor DWIs are part of the public court record.
- Felony DWIs (such as a fourth DWI within 10 years) carry even more visibility and long-term consequences.
- Even dismissed charges may appear unless they are formally expunged.
In Minnesota, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains criminal records. Background check companies often pull data from BCA databases or directly from court records. If the record has not been sealed through expungement, it is likely to be visible.
What Information Does a DWI Background Check Show?
The exact information shown on a background check depends on the type of check being conducted. In general, a DWI background check in Minnesota may include:
- Date of arrest
- Charges filed (e.g., DWI, refusal to test)
- Case outcome (conviction, dismissal, plea agreement)
- Sentencing details (fines, probation, jail time)
- Probation status or completion
- Court location and case number
Some checks may also include:
- License revocation or suspension details
- Ignition interlock program participation
- Driving restrictions related to the DWI
This information can influence hiring decisions, rental approvals, professional certifications, or eligibility for certain services.
Which Background Checks Are Most Affected by a DWI?
Not all background checks are created equal. The impact of a DWI on a background check depends on the purpose of the check and the sensitivity of the position or service involved.
Here’s how DWIs affect various types of checks in Minnesota:
Employment Checks
Most Minnesota employers conduct a criminal background check before hiring. A DWI conviction may affect job eligibility, particularly for:
- Jobs requiring driving
- Positions of trust (e.g., childcare, healthcare)
- Government roles or public service positions
Some employers may overlook older, single offenses, especially if there has been a long period without further incidents. However, others have strict policies that disqualify applicants with any alcohol-related driving convictions.
Housing Checks
Many landlords in Minnesota use tenant screening services that include criminal records. A DWI conviction—especially a recent one—may influence their decision. Some property managers have blanket policies, while others consider factors like offense severity and recency.
Professional Licensing
Occupational licensing boards for professions like nursing, law, or commercial driving may take DWI records into account. Some licensing boards conduct deeper reviews that may uncover dismissed or sealed cases, depending on the level of clearance required.
Government and Security Checks
If you’re applying for a federal job, working in law enforcement, or handling secure information, expect high-level checks that may go beyond public records. Even expunged DWIs may be visible in these cases.
How Long Does a DWI Stay on a Background Check in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, DWI convictions do not automatically fall off your record. Unless expunged, a DWI may remain visible on a background check indefinitely.
That said, how the record is treated depends on:
- The type of background check
- The time since the offense
- Whether the case was dismissed or resolved through diversion
- Whether the individual has sought expungement
For example:
- Insurance companies may review 3–5 years of driving history.
- Landlords and private employers may focus on the past 7–10 years.
- Government agencies may access lifelong criminal records, including sealed records under certain conditions.
Without expungement, even a 20-year-old DWI conviction can still appear on some checks.
Can You Expunge a DWI to Remove It From Background Checks?
In some cases, yes. Minnesota law allows for expungement of certain DWI convictions—primarily misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors—after a waiting period.
Eligibility typically requires:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements (fines, probation, classes)
- Passage of a 2-year waiting period for misdemeanors, or 4 years for gross misdemeanors
- No new charges or convictions during the waiting period
Felony DWIs are generally not eligible for expungement under current law.
Expungement can significantly reduce the visibility of a DWI on background checks, especially those conducted by private employers, landlords, or schools. However, government agencies and law enforcement may still access expunged records under certain conditions.
For more detail, see the post: Can a DWI Be Expunged or Sealed in Minnesota?
How Do Background Check Companies Get DWI Information?
Most background check companies in Minnesota obtain data from:
- State court records
- Minnesota BCA criminal database
- County sheriff’s departments
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety (for driving records)
These companies are legally required to use accurate, up-to-date records. However, errors do occur—such as outdated information or charges that were dismissed but still show as open. It’s a good idea to check your own record periodically to make sure the information is accurate.
You can request your own record through:
- Minnesota Judicial Branch online tools
- BCA criminal background check request
- DPS driving record request
What If a DWI Shows Up Incorrectly on a Background Check?
It’s possible for background check reports to include incorrect or outdated information. This might happen if:
- A dismissed case was not properly updated
- An expungement was granted but not reflected in commercial databases
- The same name or similar identifiers led to a mismatch
If you see incorrect information:
- Contact the background check provider and request a correction
- Contact the Minnesota BCA or court to ensure the record is updated
- Provide proof of dismissal, expungement, or resolution
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate or outdated information on a background check.
FAQ About DWIs on Background Checks in Minnesota
Will a first-time DWI show up on a background check?
Yes. Even first-time DWIs appear on criminal background checks unless they are expunged.
How long does a DWI stay on your criminal record?
Indefinitely, unless you successfully petition the court for expungement.
Do dismissed DWI charges still appear on background checks?
They might. Even non-convictions can show up unless they’ve been expunged.
Can a DWI be removed from my record?
In some cases, yes. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor DWIs may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period.
Do employers always check for DWIs?
Not always, but many do—especially if the job involves driving or safety-sensitive duties.
Will a DWI affect my ability to rent an apartment?
It can. Landlords who conduct background checks may deny applications based on recent or multiple DWIs.
Do expunged DWIs show up at all?
Expunged records are hidden from most public background checks, but some agencies (e.g., law enforcement) may still access them.
Conclusion
In Minnesota, a DWI charge or conviction can show up on a background check and remain visible for years—sometimes indefinitely. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking housing, or renewing a professional license, it’s important to understand how your record is viewed and what steps you can take to manage its visibility. While expungement offers some relief, many DWI records remain accessible unless formally sealed.
To learn more about how DWI convictions appear in background checks, visit How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks. For a broader look at long-term consequences of DWI records in Minnesota, check out DUI Records And Long Term Impact.