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Introduction
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Colorado can leave lasting effects beyond the courtroom. One of the most common questions people ask after a conviction is, “How long will this stay on my record?” In Colorado, the answer depends on the type of record being referenced—criminal, driving, or administrative. Each of these records serves a different purpose and is reviewed by different agencies, from the courts to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
While DUI penalties such as fines or license suspension may have a clear end date, the record of the offense itself may not go away so easily. This is especially important to understand for people applying for jobs, housing, insurance, or professional licenses. Knowing how long a DUI stays on your record in Colorado can help you better plan for the future and understand how it may impact different aspects of life.
This article explores how DUI records are maintained in Colorado, including how long they stay active on various types of records, how they are used by background checks, and what potential long-term consequences may come from having a DUI on file. It also clarifies some common misunderstandings about expungement and record sealing in the state. All content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
DUI Convictions on Criminal Records in Colorado
A DUI conviction in Colorado is a criminal offense and appears on your criminal record. This type of record is often checked by employers, licensing boards, and rental companies. In Colorado, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. Unlike some other offenses, a DUI cannot be expunged or sealed under current state law.
The reason a DUI cannot be removed from a criminal record in Colorado stems from the classification of the offense. Even a first-time DUI is considered a misdemeanor, and in some cases, it can be charged as a felony. The state does not allow sealing of DUI convictions, regardless of whether it was a first-time or repeat offense.
This means that if you are convicted of a DUI in Colorado, it will remain visible on your criminal background check for life. It does not matter how many years have passed since the conviction. Employers and other parties running background checks can see the offense, which may influence their decisions.
While the inability to seal or expunge a DUI may feel discouraging, it’s important to remember that background checks often consider the age of an offense. Some employers may be more focused on recent behavior and current qualifications rather than old convictions.
How Long a DUI Stays on Your Driving Record in Colorado
In addition to your criminal record, a DUI in Colorado also appears on your driving record maintained by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This record is typically used by insurance companies and law enforcement agencies.
In Colorado, a DUI remains on your driving record for life, although its impact may reduce over time. For example, insurance companies may only consider DUIs that occurred within the past three to seven years when setting premium rates. However, for law enforcement and DMV-related matters, the DUI remains on file indefinitely.
The presence of a DUI on your driving record can affect decisions about license reinstatement, eligibility for driver programs, and how future violations are handled. If you commit another DUI offense, the previous one—no matter how old—can be used to enhance penalties.
It’s also worth noting that the DMV uses a point system in Colorado. A DUI results in automatic license suspension regardless of points, but points may still accumulate alongside other infractions. This further underscores the long-term administrative consequences of a DUI.
DUI and Background Checks in Colorado
Background checks are a common part of many applications—employment, housing, loans, and even volunteer work. In Colorado, background checks often include both criminal and driving records, which means a DUI conviction is likely to appear.
As mentioned earlier, DUI convictions are permanent on a criminal record in Colorado. For background checks that examine court records or state-level criminal databases, the DUI will be visible regardless of how long ago it occurred.
Driving records are also frequently included in background checks, especially for roles that involve operating a vehicle. This includes delivery drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and public service positions. Even if an employer does not initially disqualify you for a past DUI, they may request clarification or additional information.
There are no time-based protections that prevent employers or agencies from considering an old DUI in Colorado. However, individual organizations may have policies about how far back they look, which can provide some flexibility depending on the situation.
Employment and Professional Impacts of a DUI Record
Having a DUI on your record in Colorado can impact job opportunities, especially in fields where public safety, transportation, or professional licensing is involved. Employers are allowed to consider criminal convictions as part of their hiring process.
Jobs that involve driving—such as delivery, commercial trucking, or emergency services—are particularly affected. Many of these positions require clean driving records or insurance eligibility, both of which can be compromised by a DUI.
Professional licensing boards may also review criminal records as part of the application or renewal process. This includes fields like healthcare, law, real estate, and finance. A DUI may not automatically disqualify you, but it could lead to delays, additional documentation, or denials depending on the agency’s policies.
It’s also possible for a DUI to affect job promotions, background reviews during internal audits, or eligibility for job-related travel if a clean driving record is required. Understanding how long a DUI affects these areas helps individuals manage expectations and take proactive steps.
Insurance Implications of a DUI in Colorado
Auto insurance is one of the most commonly affected areas after a DUI conviction in Colorado. Insurance providers routinely check driving records to determine risk levels and premium costs. A DUI conviction typically results in a substantial increase in rates.
In Colorado, a DUI can impact insurance rates for at least three to five years, though some providers may consider the conviction for longer depending on their internal policies. The actual rate increase varies but can be several hundred dollars or more annually.
Some insurers may choose not to renew your policy after a DUI, while others may require you to file an SR-22 form. This is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. In Colorado, SR-22 filings are generally required for three years following a DUI conviction.
Eventually, if no further violations occur, insurance rates may begin to normalize. However, because the DUI remains on your record indefinitely, it may still affect how future insurers assess your application.
Can a DUI Be Expunged or Sealed in Colorado?
Colorado law does not allow expungement or sealing of DUI convictions from criminal records. This includes both misdemeanor and felony DUIs. The inability to seal a DUI is a strict policy under current state law, and no waiting period or petition can change this.
Some non-conviction outcomes—such as dismissed charges or certain deferred judgments—may be eligible for sealing. However, this only applies when there is no actual conviction. Once a DUI results in a guilty verdict or plea, it becomes a permanent part of the record.
This legal restriction distinguishes Colorado from some other states where certain DUI offenses may be removed after a number of years or under specific conditions. As a result, anyone convicted of DUI in Colorado must assume that the record is lifelong and visible.
Understanding this helps set clear expectations. People should avoid relying on record-clearing solutions and instead focus on managing the long-term consequences of the conviction in practical ways.
FAQ Section
Does a DUI ever go away in Colorado?
No. A DUI conviction remains on both your criminal and driving records for life in Colorado. There is no expiration period for how long it stays visible.
How long does a DUI affect insurance rates in Colorado?
Typically, insurance rates are affected for 3 to 5 years following a DUI, although it may vary by provider. Some insurers may consider it longer, depending on their policies.
Can I seal a DUI conviction in Colorado?
No. Under Colorado law, DUI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged, regardless of how much time has passed.
Will employers always see my DUI on a background check?
Most employers conducting a thorough background check will see your DUI, especially since it cannot be removed from your criminal record in Colorado.
Does an old DUI affect future DUIs in Colorado?
Yes. Even if many years have passed, a prior DUI can be used to enhance penalties for future DUI offenses. Colorado does not have a “look-back” period that limits this.
Is an SR-22 required after a DUI in Colorado?
Yes. Most DUI convictions in Colorado require filing an SR-22 form for a period of about three years.
Does a DUI affect getting a professional license in Colorado?
It can. Some licensing boards may deny, delay, or conditionally approve licenses based on DUI history, depending on the profession and their policies.
Conclusion
Understanding how long a DUI stays on your record in Colorado is essential for managing both short-term consequences and long-term impacts. Whether it’s a criminal record that never clears, a driving record that continues to influence insurance rates, or a background check that reveals past mistakes, the effects of a DUI can last a lifetime. Colorado’s laws do not offer the option to seal or expunge DUI convictions, making it even more important to stay informed and aware of how these records function.
For more details on how DUIs affect criminal and administrative records over time, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. You can also explore specifics on this topic at the mini-hub post How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record for additional insights.