Local DUI Laws

Clarifying How a DWI Appears on Background Checks in Missouri

In Missouri, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction can have lasting effects beyond the courtroom. One of the most common concerns for individuals with a past DWI is whether it will appear on a background check, especially when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. This blog post offers a clear, educational overview of how and when a DWI shows up in background screenings conducted in Missouri.

This article does not provide legal advice or suggest how to handle a DWI charge. Instead, it explains what types of background checks are commonly used, how records are accessed, and under what conditions a DWI might be visible—or hidden—from certain parties. Understanding these details can help individuals navigate long-term consequences and prepare for situations where a background check may be involved.

Not all background checks are the same, and not all DWIs result in public records. However, in most cases, if a DWI results in a conviction or formal court action, it will appear in standard criminal background checks in Missouri.

What Background Checks Typically Include

Background checks vary widely depending on who is requesting the information and what level of access they have. In Missouri, common types of background checks include:

• Basic name-based checks used by private employers and landlords
• State-level criminal history checks through the Missouri State Highway Patrol
• FBI background checks for federal jobs, immigration, or firearm purchases
• Professional licensing background checks by state agencies

Most of these checks review criminal convictions, and a DWI conviction will often show up unless it has been legally expunged. Some checks also include arrest records, pending charges, and court case outcomes—even if the person was not convicted.

Driving records, on the other hand, are usually accessed separately through the Missouri Department of Revenue and do not appear in criminal background checks unless specifically requested.

When a DWI Shows Up in Missouri Background Checks

A DWI will appear on a Missouri background check if it resulted in a criminal conviction. Missouri classifies even a first-time DWI as a Class B misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense. If the conviction was processed through the courts, it becomes part of your criminal history file and can be accessed by employers, government agencies, and other authorized entities.

If the DWI was handled through a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) and completed successfully, the record may still exist but might not be visible on some public background checks. However, law enforcement and certain employers may still see the SIS case depending on the level of clearance required.

If the DWI was dismissed, or if the person was acquitted, the case might not appear on most background checks—but arrest records could still be visible in some databases unless expunged.

Expungement and Its Effect on Background Checks

Expungement is the only way to remove a DWI conviction from public criminal records in Missouri. However, not all DWIs qualify. The offense must generally meet all of the following conditions:

• It was a first-time DWI
• At least 10 years have passed since the conviction
• No other alcohol-related offenses have occurred in that period
• The DWI was not a felony, and did not involve injury or death
• All court conditions were completed successfully

If expungement is granted by the court, the DWI conviction is removed from most public background checks. However, some exceptions remain. Law enforcement agencies, federal employers, and certain professional licensing boards may still have access to expunged records under Missouri law.

It’s important to note that expungement does not happen automatically. It requires a formal court petition and court approval.

What Employers in Missouri See During Background Checks

Most Missouri employers use third-party services to conduct background checks on job applicants. These checks typically include:

• Criminal convictions
• Pending criminal cases
• Incarceration records
• Court dispositions
• Sex offender registry status

A DWI conviction—whether a misdemeanor or felony—will generally show up in these reports unless it has been expunged. Some employers may be less concerned with older or single-offense convictions, but others may view any criminal history as a potential issue, particularly for jobs involving driving, safety, or financial responsibility.

For roles that require commercial driving, a DWI may automatically disqualify the applicant, even if it occurred years ago.

Housing, Licensing, and Federal Background Checks

Beyond employment, DWIs can impact other areas of life where background checks are commonly used:

• Housing applications – Landlords may reject applicants with recent criminal convictions, including DWIs.
• Professional licensing – State boards for healthcare, law, finance, and education often review criminal records before granting or renewing licenses.
• Federal jobs and security clearances – Federal agencies conduct extensive background reviews that may include expunged or sealed records.

In each case, the visibility and impact of a DWI vary depending on how the check is performed and the policies of the reviewing organization.

Arrests vs. Convictions: What’s the Difference?

Some background checks may include arrest records, even if the individual was never convicted. In Missouri, arrest information is sometimes reported to databases used by background screening services.

If the DWI charge was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal, there may still be a public record of the arrest and court case, unless those records have been formally expunged.

For this reason, people often find that a DWI shows up even when they thought it “went away.” Expungement is the only way to remove both the conviction and arrest from public view in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs and Background Checks in Missouri

Does a DWI conviction always show up on background checks in Missouri?
Yes, unless it has been expunged. A DWI conviction becomes part of your criminal history.

Can a DWI arrest appear on a background check if I wasn’t convicted?
Yes. Some background checks may include arrest records, even without a conviction, unless expunged.

What kind of jobs are affected by a DWI record?
Jobs involving driving, safety, law enforcement, education, and finance are more likely to be affected by a DWI on your record.

Can landlords see my DWI record?
Yes. Many landlords run criminal background checks and may choose not to rent to applicants with recent convictions.

Does expungement remove a DWI from all background checks?
Expungement removes the DWI from most public background checks, but certain agencies may still have access under Missouri law.

Will an SIS keep the DWI off my record?
A successfully completed Suspended Imposition of Sentence may prevent a conviction from appearing in some public checks, but the case may still be visible to law enforcement or government employers.

Do all background checks in Missouri include driving records?
No. Driving records are maintained separately by the Missouri Department of Revenue and are only accessed during motor vehicle-related checks or license applications.

Conclusion

In Missouri, a DWI will usually appear on criminal background checks unless it has been expunged through a formal court process. Whether you’re applying for a job, housing, or a professional license, understanding what background checks include—and how long DWI records remain visible—is essential. Even dismissed or non-conviction cases may show up in some situations, especially if records have not been sealed or removed.

For more guidance on how DWI records affect your future, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. If you want to learn more about how these records appear during screenings, check out How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.