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Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Louisiana, and its effects extend beyond the courtroom. One of the most common questions among drivers is whether a DWI stays on their driving record, and if so, for how long. While many people associate a DWI with criminal consequences, its impact on a driving record — maintained separately by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) — can be just as significant.
This blog post provides a clear explanation of how long a DWI remains on your driving record in Louisiana, what that means for you as a driver, and how it differs from your criminal record. Understanding the long-term visibility of a DWI on your driving history is crucial for anyone trying to manage the aftereffects of a conviction — whether it’s your first offense or a repeat incident.
This information is purely educational and is intended to clarify the administrative consequences of a DWI in Louisiana. No legal advice is offered. Instead, you’ll learn about timelines, insurance implications, license-related issues, and what you can — and cannot — do to change the record over time.
Let’s break down what you need to know about how DWIs are recorded and retained by the Louisiana OMV.
How Louisiana Handles Driving Records for DWI Offenses
In Louisiana, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is responsible for maintaining all driver records. This includes traffic violations, suspensions, and serious offenses like DWIs. When a person is convicted of DWI, the OMV receives notification and logs the offense into the individual’s driving history.
Unlike criminal records, which are handled by courts and law enforcement agencies, the OMV record focuses solely on driving-related behavior. This record is used to determine license eligibility, assess point violations, and monitor high-risk drivers.
DWIs are treated as major offenses and carry long-term consequences on your driving record. These entries aren’t minor notes that disappear quickly — they are significant indicators that can affect everything from insurance rates to your ability to reinstate a suspended license.
OMV records are separate from criminal records, and managing or clearing one does not automatically affect the other. This is a common point of confusion, and understanding the difference is key for Louisiana drivers.
How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Louisiana Driving Record?
A DWI typically remains on your Louisiana driving record for 10 years. This 10-year window aligns with the state’s legal “lookback period,” which means that the offense can be considered if you’re arrested for DWI again during that time.
From the OMV’s perspective, this 10-year duration is important because:
- It influences whether future offenses are considered repeat violations
- It impacts your driver’s license reinstatement eligibility
- It plays a role in how long your insurance premiums may remain elevated
The 10-year period generally starts from the date of conviction, not the arrest date. That means delays in court proceedings can also delay the start of the record countdown.
It’s important to note that some insurance providers or agencies that request driver history reports may continue to see the offense even after 10 years, depending on their data sources and reporting practices. But for most OMV-related matters, 10 years is the standard retention window in Louisiana.
What a DWI Entry on Your Driving Record Includes
When a DWI is added to your Louisiana driving record, the entry typically includes:
- The date of the offense
- The charge (DWI)
- The court disposition (e.g., guilty plea, conviction)
- Any license suspension or reinstatement actions
- SR-22 insurance requirements
This information is used by both the OMV and auto insurance providers to evaluate risk. For example, the presence of a DWI may trigger automatic license suspension, special reinstatement fees, and mandatory proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 certificate.
Unlike minor traffic tickets that may eventually “roll off” your record after a few years, a DWI is tracked much more aggressively due to the risk it presents to public safety.
Does a DWI Affect Insurance While It’s on Your Driving Record?
Yes, a DWI on your Louisiana driving record can significantly affect auto insurance rates — often for the entire time it remains on your record, which is up to 10 years.
When insurers review your driving history during policy renewal or when providing quotes, a DWI conviction generally flags you as a high-risk driver. This can result in:
- Dramatically increased premiums
- Fewer insurance options
- Denial of standard policies
- Mandatory SR-22 filings for several years
SR-22 filings are not insurance themselves, but rather a certificate your insurer sends to the OMV to prove you carry the required coverage. After a DWI, this is often required for three years or more, depending on your case.
Even if your criminal record is expunged or sealed, the DWI may still remain on your OMV driving record and continue to influence your insurance rates until it reaches the 10-year mark.
Can a DWI Be Removed From a Driving Record in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not automatically remove DWI offenses from your OMV driving record before the 10-year period expires. Unlike some minor traffic violations that fall off after a few years, DWIs are categorized as serious offenses and are retained for a full decade.
There is currently no process for early removal or “expungement” of a DWI from your driving record through the OMV. Even if you successfully have the offense expunged from your criminal record, it will still appear in the OMV’s database until the 10-year period concludes.
Once the retention period has passed, the offense may no longer be displayed in a standard driving abstract or report. However, internal records may still retain the information for administrative purposes.
Drivers should also keep in mind that any new DWI during this window could reset the clock and trigger additional consequences under Louisiana’s repeat offender laws.
Driving Privileges and License Reinstatement After a DWI
Following a DWI conviction in Louisiana, your driver’s license is typically suspended for a set period based on the number of offenses and circumstances of the arrest. For a first offense, the suspension may last between 90 days and one year, though the exact terms vary.
To regain driving privileges, you may need to:
- Serve the suspension period
- Pay reinstatement fees
- File an SR-22 insurance certificate
- Complete alcohol education or treatment programs
All of these administrative requirements are tracked in your OMV driving record. Until all conditions are met, your license may remain suspended, restricted, or flagged as non-compliant.
Even after reinstatement, the DWI remains visible on your record, which means you could face higher scrutiny during traffic stops, insurance reviews, or other OMV-related interactions.
What Happens After 10 Years?
Once 10 years have passed since the DWI conviction, the offense typically no longer appears in routine OMV driver record requests. This means that for most non-governmental checks — such as insurance renewals or job screenings that include a driving record — the DWI may no longer be reported.
However, Louisiana law does not guarantee complete erasure from all systems. The OMV may still retain internal data for administrative purposes, and certain entities may use background check services that show older records.
Still, the 10-year mark generally represents the point at which most of the visible effects tied to your driving record begin to taper off. For drivers with no repeat offenses or major violations in that timeframe, insurance rates may return to standard levels, and license status typically resets to full compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs and Driving Records in Louisiana
How long does a DWI stay on my Louisiana driving record?
Ten years. The offense remains on your OMV record for a full decade from the date of conviction.
Can a DWI be expunged from my driving record?
No. Louisiana does not offer expungement of driving records through the OMV. Expungement applies only to criminal records.
Does a DWI always raise insurance rates?
Yes, in most cases. A DWI on your driving record often triggers higher insurance premiums and may require SR-22 filings.
Will the DWI fall off automatically after 10 years?
Yes, for most standard purposes. After 10 years, the DWI may no longer appear on basic driver record abstracts.
Does the driving record affect my criminal record or vice versa?
No. These systems operate independently. A DWI will appear in both, but clearing one does not automatically clear the other.
Conclusion
In Louisiana, a DWI conviction can stay on your driving record for 10 years, influencing insurance premiums, license status, and how you’re viewed as a driver. This administrative record, managed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, is separate from your criminal history — but just as impactful. While there’s no process to remove a DWI early from your OMV record, understanding the timelines and consequences can help you navigate the aftermath of a conviction with more clarity.
For a full overview of how DWI convictions affect long-term status and public records, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. You can also read the detailed guide on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record to explore more insights on managing the record over time.