Local DUI Laws

Understanding How a DWI Impacts Employment Opportunities in Missouri

In Missouri, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction can affect more than just your legal status—it may also influence your current job, future employment opportunities, and even your eligibility for certain professional licenses. Whether the offense occurred recently or years ago, the employment impact of a DWI is a legitimate concern for many individuals navigating life after a conviction.

This article provides a neutral, fact-based overview of how DWIs can influence employment in Missouri. It is designed for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice or job-seeking strategies. Instead, the goal is to clarify what employers can see, how they may respond, and what factors influence the outcome when a DWI is discovered during the hiring process or workplace screening.

Different jobs and industries apply different standards. While some employers may overlook a single misdemeanor conviction, others—particularly those involving driving, public safety, or regulated professions—may treat a DWI as a disqualifying factor. Understanding the scope of this impact is key to managing expectations and planning future employment decisions.

When Employers in Missouri Can See a DWI

In Missouri, most employers conduct some form of background screening when evaluating job candidates. If you have a DWI conviction, it will likely appear on a criminal background check—unless it has been expunged through a formal court process.

Missouri allows background checks to show:

• Criminal convictions (misdemeanors and felonies)
• Arrest records, depending on the type of check
• Court dispositions and sentencing
• Probation or parole history

A first-time DWI in Missouri is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but repeat or aggravated offenses can be felonies. Either type can be visible in employment-related checks. While some employers only run background checks at the time of hire, others may conduct periodic screenings for compliance or insurance purposes.

Expunged DWIs are generally not visible to most employers, but some government agencies, law enforcement, and professional licensing boards may still have access to these records under Missouri law.

Types of Jobs Most Affected by a DWI Conviction

Not all jobs treat DWI records the same way. In Missouri, some industries and positions are more likely to be affected by a DWI conviction due to regulatory, safety, or trust-based requirements. Common examples include:

• Driving-related roles (delivery, transportation, CDL positions)
• Healthcare jobs (nursing, home care, hospital staff)
• Law enforcement or security
• Education roles (teachers, school staff, tutors)
• Government jobs or positions requiring security clearance
• Financial services or jobs involving sensitive data

Even if a DWI is a single offense from several years ago, employers in these fields may view it as a concern due to public safety, insurance restrictions, or licensing board policies.

On the other hand, many private-sector employers may not weigh a past DWI as heavily, especially if the offense was non-violent and occurred outside the scope of work. In such cases, the hiring decision often depends on company policy, the relevance of the offense to the job, and how recently the incident occurred.

Ongoing Employment and Reporting Requirements

A DWI conviction doesn’t just affect job applications—it can also influence ongoing employment in Missouri. Some jobs, particularly in regulated industries, require employees to report any new criminal convictions, including DWIs.

Additionally, employees who drive as part of their job may lose their commercial driving privileges or company insurance coverage after a DWI, even if the offense occurred in their personal vehicle. This could lead to reassignment or termination, depending on the employer’s policy and the role’s requirements.

Certain Missouri employers may also conduct periodic background checks or annual driving record reviews. In these cases, a DWI could come to light months or even years after the conviction, depending on how records are maintained and reviewed.

Licensing and Certification Impacts

In Missouri, many professional licenses are issued and regulated by state agencies that may consider criminal history, including DWIs, during application or renewal. This includes fields such as:

• Nursing and healthcare
• Law and legal professions
• Real estate
• Insurance
• Education
• Financial and accounting roles

Each licensing board has its own rules, but a DWI conviction—especially if it was recent or involved multiple offenses—may delay or deny approval for initial licensure or renewal. Some boards may require additional documentation, a waiting period, or an appearance before a disciplinary panel to determine whether the applicant poses a risk to the public or the profession.

Expungement and Employment Protections in Missouri

If your DWI qualifies for expungement, it may help reduce the employment impact. Missouri law allows certain first-time DWI offenses to be expunged after 10 years, provided you have had no other alcohol-related driving offenses during that time and the original offense was not a felony or involved injury.

Once expunged, a DWI conviction is generally not visible on standard employment background checks. However, as mentioned earlier, some exceptions apply, particularly for law enforcement, government, or positions of public trust.

It’s also worth noting that Missouri has limited employment protections related to criminal history. While employers cannot discriminate based on race, religion, or gender, there are no blanket protections that prevent employers from rejecting candidates solely due to a past DWI.

What You Can Do If You Have a DWI on Your Record

While this post does not offer legal or employment advice, there are some general considerations for those navigating job searches with a DWI on their record:

• Know what’s on your record by requesting a copy of your Missouri criminal background report
• Understand employer policies before applying—some companies are more flexible than others
• Consider timing—many employers weigh recent convictions more heavily than older ones
• Be honest if asked—some applications require disclosure, and dishonesty may lead to disqualification
• Explore expungement—if you’re eligible, it can significantly reduce the long-term impact of a DWI

Remember that every employer is different, and while some may have strict rules, others may evaluate your qualifications more holistically.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs and Employment in Missouri

Can I be fired for getting a DWI in Missouri?
It depends on your job. If driving is part of your duties or your employer has policies requiring a clean record, a DWI could lead to termination.

Do all employers run background checks?
Not all, but many do—especially for positions involving safety, sensitive data, or state/federal oversight.

Will a DWI always show up on a background check?
If it resulted in a conviction and hasn’t been expunged, yes—it will likely appear on most employment-related checks.

Can I get a job with a DWI on my record?
Yes, many people do. While some fields are stricter than others, a single DWI doesn’t automatically disqualify you in most industries.

Does an expunged DWI still affect my job prospects?
Generally no, unless you’re applying for law enforcement, government, or high-security positions where even expunged records may be reviewed.

Are employers in Missouri allowed to ask about DWIs?
Yes. Missouri employers can ask about criminal history, including DWIs, and may use that information when making hiring decisions.

Can I become a licensed professional in Missouri after a DWI?
Possibly. Each licensing board has its own rules, and some allow applicants with past convictions to apply with additional documentation or after a waiting period.

Conclusion

A DWI conviction can affect employment in Missouri, especially for roles that require driving, professional licensing, or background clearance. While not all employers treat DWIs the same way, the offense often appears in background checks and can influence hiring or ongoing employment decisions. In some cases, expungement may help reduce the visibility of a past DWI, but not everyone qualifies.

To learn more about how DWI records affect your future, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. For more focused details on the professional consequences of a conviction, check out Employment and Professional Impact of a DUI.