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Getting a DUI in Arizona is a serious matter with long-lasting effects beyond the courtroom. Even after serving any penalties or fines, a DUI doesn’t just fade away. It can stay on your record and impact everything from job applications to insurance premiums. Arizona is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to driving under the influence, and that means the consequences can be both immediate and long-term.
Understanding how long a DUI stays on your record in Arizona is essential for anyone who’s been charged, convicted, or is simply trying to stay informed. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat incident, the timeframes involved are not just about legal punishment — they extend into administrative and personal consequences as well. Arizona does not easily forget DUI offenses, and this can affect how you are viewed by insurance companies, potential employers, and even landlords.
This article breaks down how long a DUI remains on your Arizona record, the difference between criminal and administrative records, and how that information can be accessed or used against you. We’ll also cover whether it’s ever possible to remove a DUI from your record, how expungement or set-aside laws work in Arizona, and what the long-term impact looks like in real life. By the end, you’ll understand how Arizona handles DUI records, how long you might carry that mark, and what you can do — or can’t do — about it.
Let’s look deeper at the timeline and consequences of a DUI on your Arizona record.
DUI Records in Arizona: Criminal vs Administrative
When someone is arrested for DUI in Arizona, two types of records can be affected: criminal records and administrative records. Each has its own retention policies and implications, and both can follow you for years — sometimes permanently.
A criminal record is created when someone is arrested, charged, and convicted in a court of law. In Arizona, DUI convictions are considered criminal offenses, not civil infractions. This means that a conviction will be recorded in your permanent criminal history. Arizona treats DUI offenses seriously, and convictions are never automatically removed from your criminal record. Even for first-time offenders, the charge will remain unless action is taken to set it aside.
An administrative record is created and maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This record includes information about your driver’s license status, points on your license, and any suspensions or revocations. For a DUI, your administrative record reflects license suspension periods and is shared with insurance companies and other authorities.
These two types of records serve different purposes. Employers and landlords might look at your criminal record, while insurance companies typically pull from your MVD administrative record. Both, however, can influence how you are perceived and treated — even years after the DUI occurred.
Understanding the difference is key. A DUI might eventually expire from one record type but remain on another. In Arizona, criminal records are particularly difficult to clear, and even administrative records can linger longer than expected.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless it is formally “set aside” by the court. Arizona does not offer traditional expungement for adult criminal convictions, including DUI. Instead, it uses a legal process called a set-aside, which does not erase the record but adds a notation that the judgment has been set aside.
A set-aside under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 13-905) shows that the court vacated the judgment of guilt and dismissed the charges. However, the conviction is still visible on background checks — it’s not removed entirely. This is an important distinction because even with a set-aside, employers, licensing boards, and others can still see the DUI conviction on your record.
Additionally, repeat DUI convictions can impact future penalties. For example, if you’re convicted again within a 7-year window, the state will treat it as a repeat offense and impose harsher penalties. But even outside that window, the original DUI doesn’t disappear — it just doesn’t count toward the “prior” status in sentencing.
So, while you may be able to show that you’ve completed your sentence and taken steps toward rehabilitation, your DUI remains part of your permanent criminal history unless the law changes or you successfully petition for a set-aside.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Driving Record in Arizona?
Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division keeps a record of DUI-related actions for several years, depending on the type of offense and how it was handled. Administrative penalties, such as license suspension or ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, are tracked on your driving record and reported to relevant agencies.
Generally, points from a DUI conviction remain on your Arizona driving record for five years. However, the DUI itself — including any license suspensions or revocations — can remain visible long after the points are gone. Insurance companies can still see the DUI and may use that information when calculating your premiums.
For insurance and employment screenings that check your MVD driving record, the DUI can remain relevant for up to seven years or more, depending on how often you’re screened and the level of detail required. Arizona also shares driving record information with other states through the Driver License Compact, meaning your DUI can follow you even if you move.
It’s also worth noting that DUI-related license suspensions and mandatory programs (such as alcohol education or IID installation) are tracked in this record. These details may be available to insurance providers or law enforcement agencies upon request, adding another layer of long-term visibility.
Can You Get a DUI Removed From Your Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, you cannot expunge a DUI conviction. Unlike some states that allow expungement (complete removal) of certain offenses, Arizona law does not support this option for adults. The best available legal remedy is to request a set-aside of your conviction after completing all sentencing requirements.
To be eligible for a set-aside, you must complete all terms of your sentence, including fines, probation, classes, and any other conditions ordered by the court. You can then petition the court under A.R.S. § 13-905 to set aside the conviction. If granted, your record will show that the DUI was dismissed — but again, it will still appear.
A set-aside can be helpful in job searches or rental applications where demonstrating that the offense was legally resolved can work in your favor. However, background check companies and licensing boards will still see the original charge and conviction, so it’s not a full reset.
For many people, this is a frustrating reality. While some minor offenses may eventually fade from records, a DUI in Arizona is likely to remain visible indefinitely, even with a set-aside. That’s why avoiding a conviction in the first place — or understanding your legal options early — is so important.
How a DUI Record Can Impact Insurance and Employment
One of the most significant long-term effects of a DUI in Arizona is the impact on car insurance rates and employment opportunities. Insurers treat DUI convictions as high-risk behavior, and that means higher premiums for several years after the offense.
Most insurance companies in Arizona will raise rates immediately after a DUI conviction and keep them elevated for 3 to 7 years. Some drivers may even be dropped from their current policy and forced to find coverage through high-risk insurers. Arizona also requires certain DUI offenders to carry SR-22 insurance, a certificate of financial responsibility, which can further increase costs.
On the employment side, having a DUI on your criminal record can affect job applications, especially for roles that involve driving, security clearance, or positions of trust. Even a set-aside doesn’t fully remove the charge, so employers performing background checks may still see the conviction and factor it into their hiring decision.
Certain professional licenses — including medical, legal, or commercial driving licenses — may also be impacted. Some boards may deny or delay licensure because of a past DUI, particularly if it suggests a pattern of behavior or substance abuse.
In short, a DUI can create long-term financial and professional hurdles that last well beyond any court sentence.
Long-Term Consequences Beyond the Record
Aside from the legal and administrative implications, a DUI in Arizona can affect your personal life and reputation for years to come. Whether or not others choose to disclose or acknowledge it, the reality is that a DUI can change how you’re perceived — by peers, employers, and even your community.
Some people find their relationships strained, especially if the DUI led to an accident, injury, or other high-profile event. Others may face ongoing emotional consequences, including stress, shame, or social isolation. While these effects aren’t always discussed, they are real and can persist even after legal penalties have been completed.
Additionally, future interactions with law enforcement can be influenced by a past DUI. Even if you’re stopped for an unrelated reason, having a DUI on your record may result in more scrutiny or caution from officers. The same applies if you’re ever in court again — judges and prosecutors may view prior DUIs as indicators of risk or pattern.
Overall, while a DUI might seem like a one-time mistake, its consequences extend into nearly every aspect of life, from financial well-being to social trust. Arizona’s strict stance on DUI offenses reinforces that message, ensuring that a conviction carries long-term consequences.
FAQ
Can a DUI ever be completely erased in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not allow expungement of adult DUI convictions. The only option is a set-aside, which does not erase the charge but shows the conviction was dismissed.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance rates in Arizona?
Typically, 3 to 7 years. Some drivers may need SR-22 insurance, which can keep costs elevated for even longer.
Do employers always see DUI convictions?
Not always, but many background check systems will flag them. Even with a set-aside, the charge remains visible and can influence hiring decisions.
Is a DUI considered a felony in Arizona?
Some DUIs are misdemeanors, but aggravated DUIs — such as repeat offenses or DUIs with a suspended license — are classified as felonies.
Does a DUI count against me if I move to another state?
Yes. Arizona participates in the Driver License Compact, which allows other states to access your driving record, including DUI convictions.
Conclusion
In Arizona, a DUI is not something that disappears over time. The state’s policies ensure that a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently, and it can impact your driving record, insurance, job prospects, and more. While there is an option to set aside a conviction, this does not erase it from view — it only shows that the sentence has been completed and the judgment dismissed.
These long-lasting effects are a reminder of how serious DUI offenses are taken in Arizona. Whether it’s higher insurance premiums, lost job opportunities, or simply the weight of a past mistake, the consequences reach far beyond the courtroom. Understanding the legal distinctions between record types and the limited options for clearing them can help you make informed decisions about the future.
For more information on long-term consequences, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact pillar page or read the detailed breakdown on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.