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How OWI Convictions Appear on Background Checks in Indiana
In Indiana, being convicted of an OWI—Operating While Intoxicated—does more than result in court penalties or license suspension. One of the most lasting impacts is how it appears on background checks. Whether you’re applying for a job, a rental, or a professional license, an OWI can influence how others evaluate your record.
A common question is whether an OWI shows up during a background check. The short answer is yes—an OWI conviction almost always appears, especially if it has not been expunged. But the type of background check and the purpose behind it can affect how the information is presented and interpreted.
In Indiana, your OWI may appear on both criminal background checks and driving history reports, depending on who is conducting the check. Employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards may all request different types of records. Understanding what they might see—and how long that information stays visible—can help you prepare for these situations.
This post breaks down how OWIs appear on background checks in Indiana, how different types of checks work, and what you can do to limit the long-term effects.
What Types of Background Checks Might Include an OWI?
There are several types of background checks used by different entities, and an OWI may appear on more than one of them:
- Criminal Background Checks: These are the most common and typically include arrests, charges, and convictions. An OWI is classified as a criminal offense in Indiana, so it will show up here unless it has been expunged.
- Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs): These focus specifically on driving history and are often used by employers hiring for driving-related roles or insurance companies. MVRs will include OWI offenses reported to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
- Comprehensive Background Checks: Some employers, especially in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, may use third-party services that combine criminal and driving records, along with credit reports and employment history.
If your OWI is recent or remains on your record, it will likely be visible in one or more of these types of checks.
Will an OWI Always Appear on a Criminal Background Check?
Unless it has been legally expunged, an OWI conviction will appear on a criminal background check in Indiana. This includes both misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Here’s what typically shows up:
- Date of arrest
- Charges filed (e.g., OWI, refusal to submit to testing)
- Court outcome (e.g., conviction, dismissal, or plea deal)
- Sentencing details (e.g., probation, fines)
Even if your OWI was a first offense, Indiana still considers it a criminal matter—not just a traffic violation. That means it is part of your public criminal record, and background check providers can legally access and report it.
The only way to prevent an OWI from appearing in this type of check is through expungement, which removes the record from public access. Until then, the conviction remains visible indefinitely.
How Long Does an OWI Stay on Your Record for Background Checks?
In Indiana, an OWI remains on your criminal record permanently unless you successfully apply for expungement. There is no automatic expiration, meaning it can show up on background checks even decades after the conviction.
Here are some general timeframes to be aware of:
- Misdemeanor OWIs may be eligible for expungement after 5 years
- Felony OWIs may qualify for expungement after 8–10 years
- Dismissed or dropped charges may be expunged after 1 year
Until you take action to remove it, the OWI remains accessible to background check providers and continues to be part of your record.
Note: Expungement does not happen automatically, and it requires filing a formal petition with the court and meeting eligibility criteria.
Can Employers See an OWI on a Background Check?
Yes. Many employers conduct criminal background checks, especially during the hiring process. If you have an OWI conviction in Indiana, and it has not been expunged, it will likely be visible to the employer.
How the employer responds to this information can vary:
- Driving-related jobs (delivery, trucking, rideshare, etc.) may be more sensitive to OWIs.
- Healthcare, education, or government roles often have stricter policies on past convictions.
- Private companies may use discretion, especially for older or first-time offenses.
In Indiana, once an OWI is expunged, employers are generally prohibited from considering it in their decision-making. You also have the legal right to answer “no” when asked about prior convictions on most applications.
Still, until expungement is granted, an OWI remains visible to potential employers and may influence their decision.
Do Landlords and Licensing Boards See OWI Records?
Yes, in many cases, landlords and professional licensing agencies in Indiana may conduct background checks that include criminal history. An OWI conviction can appear during:
- Rental applications: Landlords may use third-party background services that include both criminal and credit reports.
- Professional license applications: Agencies for nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and other professions may require a clean criminal record or full disclosure of any prior convictions.
While a single OWI may not automatically disqualify you, it can raise concerns depending on how recently it occurred and whether you’ve had additional offenses.
In licensing scenarios, some agencies may allow you to explain the circumstances of the conviction. Others may deny or delay licensing based on the nature of the offense.
Does Expunging an OWI Remove It from Background Checks?
Yes. Once you successfully expunge an OWI from your criminal record in Indiana, it is sealed from public access, and it will no longer appear in most background checks.
Expungement has the following effects:
- Employers, landlords, and schools will not see the offense
- Third-party background check providers are legally required to exclude it
- You can legally state that you have not been convicted in most contexts
However, expungement does not remove the OWI from your driving record, which may still be visible to:
- Insurance companies
- Employers reviewing MVRs
- Government agencies involved in transportation or licensing
Only the criminal record is sealed. The BMV driving record is maintained separately and is not subject to expungement under current Indiana law.
How Can You Prepare for a Background Check With an OWI?
If you know that you have an OWI on your record, it helps to be proactive when undergoing a background check:
- Request your own records: Review your criminal and driving history before applying for jobs or housing.
- Be honest when required: If a job application specifically asks about convictions and you haven’t expunged the OWI, disclose it if necessary.
- Pursue expungement: If eligible, sealing the record can prevent future background check issues.
- Be ready to explain: For sensitive roles, you may have an opportunity to explain what happened and how you’ve moved forward.
Being prepared helps you navigate background checks with confidence and shows responsibility, especially if the OWI was a one-time event.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWI and Background Checks in Indiana
Will an OWI show up on every background check in Indiana?
It depends on the type of check, but most criminal background checks will show the conviction unless it has been expunged.
Can an employer see an expunged OWI?
No. Once sealed, the conviction is not visible to most employers. Indiana law prohibits its use in most employment decisions.
Does an OWI show up on a credit check?
No. Criminal convictions do not appear on credit reports. However, some background screenings combine credit and criminal records.
Can landlords deny housing because of an OWI?
Possibly. Some landlords use criminal history as part of tenant screening. An expunged record will not be visible.
Does an OWI affect professional licensing in Indiana?
It can. Some licensing boards may review criminal history and may deny or delay licenses for those with OWI convictions.
Can I expunge a dismissed OWI charge?
Yes. If the charge was dropped or you were found not guilty, you may petition for expungement after one year.
Conclusion: Understanding OWI Visibility on Indiana Background Checks
In Indiana, an OWI conviction can appear on criminal background checks and driving history reports, potentially affecting employment, housing, and licensing opportunities. Unless it is expunged, the offense remains part of your public record and is accessible to many background check providers.
Expungement offers a legal path to seal the criminal record and prevent it from appearing in most screenings. However, the driving record remains separate and can still reflect the offense. Knowing how OWIs show up in various types of background checks helps you make informed decisions and plan ahead.
For more insights into long-term record consequences, visit our page on DUI Records and Long Term Impact.
To understand how these records appear in background checks specifically, check out How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.