Have A Question? Search This Site:
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of a DWI in Minnesota
A Driving While Impaired (DWI) conviction in Minnesota doesn’t just affect you in the short term—it can have lasting consequences for years. One of the most common questions people ask is: How long does a DWI stay on your record in Minnesota? The answer depends on the type of record being referenced—criminal, driving, or background checks—but in general, Minnesota takes a strict stance when it comes to impaired driving offenses.
Unlike a parking ticket or speeding violation, a DWI is treated as a serious criminal offense in Minnesota. It can stay on your record for decades, impacting employment, housing, insurance, and legal exposure to enhanced penalties for future offenses. For those hoping it will automatically “drop off,” the reality is more complicated. This post breaks down how long a DWI stays on different types of records in Minnesota, what the term “lookback period” means, and how that record can affect your daily life.
How Long a DWI Stays on Your Minnesota Criminal Record
In Minnesota, a DWI is considered a criminal offense, and once it’s on your criminal record, it doesn’t just disappear over time. DWIs remain on your record indefinitely unless they qualify for and are granted an expungement. That means:
- A first-time DWI is typically a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor
- A third or subsequent offense may be a felony
- All DWI convictions are public record, visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
This permanent status is especially relevant for job seekers or those applying for professional licenses. Even if the court case is closed and the sentence is completed, the conviction remains unless specifically removed through a legal expungement process.
It’s also worth noting that non-conviction outcomes—such as dismissals or diversions—may still appear on record searches, though they carry fewer consequences.
Minnesota’s DWI Lookback Period: 10 Years for Enhancements
While a DWI stays on your criminal record indefinitely, Minnesota uses a 10-year lookback period when determining penalties for future offenses. This means:
- If a person is convicted of another DWI within 10 years of a prior one, the new charge will be treated as a second offense, triggering enhanced penalties
- After 10 years, a prior DWI no longer counts toward sentencing enhancements, although it remains visible on the record
For example, someone who had a DWI in 2012 and gets another in 2023 would be treated as a first-time offender under sentencing guidelines, but their record would still reflect both convictions.
This 10-year lookback is especially important in Minnesota because penalties increase dramatically with each subsequent offense, including longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and higher fines.
How Long a DWI Affects Your Driving Record in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your driving record separately from your criminal record. A DWI on your driving record affects:
- Insurance premiums
- License status
- Eligibility for limited or restricted licenses
- Points against your driving history
DWIs typically stay on your driving record for life, but the most impactful timeframe is again the 10-year lookback period, during which your license penalties may increase with additional offenses.
Important points:
- A DWI will result in license revocation or cancellation depending on the number of prior offenses
- Drivers may be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Certain insurance providers may consider DWI history for up to 10 years or longer when calculating premiums
This means even after completing all court-ordered penalties, the driving record impact can continue through elevated insurance costs and restricted driving privileges.
Can a DWI Be Expunged in Minnesota?
Yes, expungement is possible in Minnesota, but it is limited and requires formal legal action. A DWI conviction does not automatically clear after a period of time.
Eligibility for expungement depends on:
- Offense level (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony)
- Time since discharge of sentence
- No new criminal convictions during the waiting period
- The outcome of the case (dismissal, stay of adjudication, conviction)
Waiting periods include:
- 2 years after sentence discharge for certain misdemeanors
- 4 years for gross misdemeanors
- 5+ years or more for felonies (and many DWIs are ineligible if felony-level)
Even if eligible, expungement is not guaranteed. Individuals must file a petition, attend a hearing, and prove that the benefits of sealing the record outweigh public interest in keeping it visible. Additionally, law enforcement and other agencies may retain access, even if the public cannot.
Employment and Background Check Implications
One of the longest-lasting effects of a DWI conviction in Minnesota is how it appears on employment background checks. Employers in many industries—especially transportation, healthcare, education, and government—may view a DWI as a red flag, even years after the offense occurred.
Key facts:
- Most pre-employment background checks will show a DWI conviction
- A criminal record can impact eligibility for professional licensing or certification
- Commercial drivers (CDL holders) are especially affected and may lose career opportunities
- Even volunteer organizations may consider a DWI when evaluating applicants
In Minnesota, some employers follow “ban-the-box” laws, delaying questions about criminal history until later in the hiring process. However, once a background check is run, a DWI will likely be visible unless expunged.
For jobseekers, understanding how long a DWI stays on the record and how it appears in background checks is essential for setting expectations and preparing explanations during interviews.
How a DWI Affects Insurance and Financial Implications
DWI convictions in Minnesota affect auto insurance premiums and eligibility for coverage. After a DWI:
- Many insurers classify the driver as high-risk
- Rates may double or triple
- Some companies may deny coverage entirely
- Drivers may be required to file an SR-22 form to prove financial responsibility
These changes can remain in effect for 3 to 5 years, but insurers often review up to 10 years of driving history, especially if the offense was severe (e.g., high BAC, accident involved, repeat offense).
Financially, the full cost of a DWI includes:
- Court fines
- License reinstatement fees
- Interlock device costs
- Higher insurance premiums
- Possible loss of income due to job limitations
The cumulative financial impact often stretches years beyond the actual date of the offense, making it one of the most costly traffic-related convictions in Minnesota.
FAQ: DWI Record Duration in Minnesota
Does a DWI ever fall off your record in Minnesota?
No, a DWI stays on your criminal and driving record permanently unless you obtain a court-ordered expungement.
What is the lookback period for DWIs in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses a 10-year lookback to determine whether prior DWIs count toward enhanced penalties for a new offense.
Can I expunge a DWI conviction in Minnesota?
Possibly. Some DWIs are eligible for expungement, but it depends on the offense level and waiting periods. Felony DWIs are often ineligible.
How long will a DWI affect my insurance rates?
Most insurance companies apply elevated rates for 3–5 years, but some may review up to 10 years of driving history.
Does a DWI affect job applications in Minnesota?
Yes. A DWI conviction appears on most background checks and may affect hiring, especially in regulated industries.
Is there a difference between my driving record and criminal record?
Yes. The driving record is maintained by the Minnesota DPS and affects your license and insurance, while the criminal record is part of the court system and appears in background checks.
Conclusion: The Lasting Effects of a DWI on Your Minnesota Record
In Minnesota, a DWI doesn’t simply “go away” over time. It stays on your criminal record permanently, unless successfully expunged, and it continues to affect your driving record, insurance rates, and employment prospects. The state also uses a 10-year lookback period to determine enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, meaning the impact of one DWI can influence your legal exposure for years.
To explore more about this topic, visit our in-depth resource on DUI records and long-term impact. If you want to dive deeper into how long these offenses stick around in different states, read how long a DUI stays on your record.