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If you’ve been convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa, you may be wondering whether the offense will appear on a background check. This is a common concern for people applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. In a state like Iowa—where OWI is treated seriously—the presence of such a conviction on your record can influence how others view your history.
In Iowa, an OWI is not simply a traffic violation—it is a criminal offense. That distinction plays a major role in how background checks display the information and what types of organizations are likely to see it. Whether you’re applying for work, trying to rent an apartment, or seeking a license in a regulated profession, it’s important to know how these records appear and how long they may remain visible.
This article will explain how OWI convictions are reported in background checks across different sectors, how long they remain accessible, and what Iowa residents can expect during routine screenings. Understanding the relationship between criminal records and background checks can help people be better prepared when navigating employment, housing, and licensing decisions in Iowa.
OWI as a Criminal Offense in Iowa
In Iowa, operating while intoxicated (OWI) is classified as a criminal charge, not just a civil or administrative violation. A first offense is typically a serious misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses can become aggravated misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances.
Once convicted, the OWI becomes part of a person’s criminal record, which is maintained by Iowa’s court system. These records are public and can be accessed by background check services unless the offense has been legally expunged—a process that is very limited in Iowa, especially for OWI cases.
Because background checks often scan public databases, court filings, and statewide criminal registries, a conviction for OWI in Iowa will almost always appear in these reports. This includes pre-employment screenings, tenant background reports, and licensing board evaluations.
The presence of the OWI record can remain visible indefinitely unless a court has formally removed or sealed the case, which is rare in OWI matters. As a result, individuals should expect OWI charges to appear on most standard background checks in the state.
Types of Background Checks That Reveal OWI Records
Not all background checks are the same, but many will detect an OWI in Iowa due to the public nature of criminal records. Here are the most common types of checks where an OWI might appear:
1. Employment Background Checks:
Most employers conduct background screenings using third-party services that search criminal court records. OWI convictions, as criminal offenses, typically show up in these results. Jobs that involve driving, public safety, or working with vulnerable populations are especially likely to scrutinize this type of record.
2. Housing and Rental Applications:
Property managers often use tenant screening services that include criminal background checks. An OWI conviction can trigger red flags, particularly for properties with strict screening criteria or corporate-owned housing communities.
3. Licensing and Certification Applications:
Professionals seeking licenses—such as teachers, healthcare workers, or commercial drivers—may undergo background checks through state agencies. OWI convictions may affect eligibility or require additional review depending on the industry.
4. Volunteer or Government Roles:
Background checks for positions involving public trust, such as volunteering with children or working for government agencies, usually include a criminal history check. OWIs will generally be visible during this process.
In all of these situations, the presence of an OWI on a criminal record in Iowa will likely appear unless it was dismissed or expunged under very specific legal conditions.
How Long Does an OWI Stay Visible on Background Checks?
In Iowa, an OWI conviction does not expire from a criminal record and can appear on background checks indefinitely. Unlike driving records, which have a 12-year lookback period for OWI-related offenses, criminal records remain intact unless formally expunged—which is rare for OWIs.
That means an OWI from 10, 15, or even 20 years ago can still show up during a background check, depending on how the report is generated and what data sources are used. Some private background check companies retain older data or pull from long-standing court databases.
Iowa does not have a law that limits how far back employers or other organizations can look during a criminal background check. Because of that, there’s no set timeframe after which an OWI stops appearing in reports.
This long-term visibility underscores the importance of understanding how a single OWI conviction can continue to impact daily life years after the incident occurred, especially when it comes to job searches or housing applications.
Public Access to OWI Records in Iowa
Iowa maintains a public online court records system, which allows anyone to search for criminal cases, including OWI offenses. This means that many background check services can access accurate and up-to-date case information directly from the state.
While some databases may not display full case details, most will show the charge, the case status, and the final disposition (e.g., convicted, dismissed, deferred judgment). This information is often enough to influence decisions in employment, housing, or licensing contexts.
Deferred judgments may offer some relief, as they can be discharged without a formal conviction, but the charge may still appear in court records unless it is specifically expunged. In Iowa, even charges that do not result in a conviction may remain visible in background checks.
There is currently no automatic sealing or hiding of OWI cases in Iowa’s public record system. Individuals concerned about this visibility should understand that public records are the foundation for most background check services in the state.
Employment and OWI Background Checks in Iowa
For job seekers in Iowa, having an OWI on their record can affect the hiring process, especially for roles that involve driving, handling sensitive materials, or representing the company in public. Employers may view an OWI as a sign of liability or risk, even if the offense occurred years ago.
Some companies have specific policies that disqualify applicants with certain convictions, while others may evaluate each case on a situational basis. Factors such as time since the conviction, repeat offenses, or relevance to the job can influence the outcome.
Importantly, Iowa law does not prohibit employers from considering criminal history during the hiring process, though federal laws may prevent discrimination in certain cases. Employers are allowed to ask about criminal records, including OWI convictions, and make hiring decisions based on that information.
That said, having an OWI on your record does not automatically disqualify you from employment. Many employers consider the overall application and are willing to move forward with candidates who demonstrate responsibility and growth after the offense.
Can You Prevent an OWI from Showing Up on a Background Check?
In Iowa, the only way to prevent an OWI from showing up on a background check is through expungement—and even that is rarely granted. As a general rule, Iowa law does not allow expungement of OWI convictions unless the case was dismissed or a deferred judgment was successfully completed.
If an OWI resulted in a conviction, it remains on your criminal record indefinitely and will continue to appear in most background checks. Expungement for dismissed cases is possible but requires a formal legal process, including a waiting period and no new charges.
Some third-party background check services may eventually purge old data, but there is no guarantee. As a result, the safest assumption is that a prior OWI will remain visible unless officially expunged or legally corrected.
While it’s not possible to “hide” an OWI from all background checks in Iowa, individuals can be proactive by knowing what their record shows, being honest on applications when required, and being prepared to explain the circumstances if asked.
FAQ: OWI and Background Checks in Iowa
Will an OWI show up on an employment background check in Iowa?
Yes. OWI convictions typically appear in employment background checks, especially if the employer searches criminal records.
Does an OWI stay on your record forever in Iowa?
Yes. Unless expunged (which is rare), OWI convictions remain on criminal records permanently in Iowa.
Can a background check see an OWI from 10+ years ago?
Yes. There is no legal limit in Iowa on how far back background checks can go.
What if my OWI case was dismissed?
Dismissed cases may still appear in background checks unless they are expunged through a legal process.
Can I expunge my OWI from my record?
Only in limited cases, such as a deferred judgment with successful completion. Standard OWI convictions cannot be expunged in Iowa.
Are OWI records public in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa’s court system maintains public access to criminal records, including OWI cases.
Will landlords see an OWI on my background check?
Yes. Tenant background checks often include criminal history, and an OWI conviction may be visible.
Conclusion
In Iowa, an OWI will show up on most background checks, including those used for jobs, housing, and professional licensing. Because OWI is classified as a criminal offense and the state does not offer expungement for convictions, these records remain visible indefinitely.
To learn more about how OWIs affect long-term opportunities and how criminal records are managed in Iowa, visit our DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. For a closer look at how these records appear in screenings, check out our detailed post on How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.