How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record?

May 5, 2025

Understanding the lasting impact of a DUI charge

in Arizona and how it can affect your future.

Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have long-term consequences that go far beyond court dates and fines. One of the most common questions people ask after a DUI arrest is: "How long will this stay on my record?" 


Let’s break it down—what it means, how long it stays, and what it could mean for your future.

Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have long-term consequences that go far beyond court dates and fines. One of the most common questions people ask after a DUI arrest is: "How long will this stay on my record?" 


Let’s break it down—what it means, how long it stays, and what it could mean for your future.

Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can have long-term consequences that go far beyond court dates and fines. One of the most common questions people ask after a DUI arrest is: "How long will this stay on my record?" 


Let’s break it down—what it means, how long it stays, and what it could mean for your future.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Arizona? 

In Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Arizona does not allow expungement (complete removal) of DUI convictions. However, you may be able to request that the conviction be "set aside." 


What Does “Set Aside” Mean? 

A “set aside” doesn’t erase your conviction, but it shows that you completed your sentence and can help when applying for jobs or housing. It also updates your record to reflect that the court dismissed the case post-conviction. 

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Arizona? 

In Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Arizona does not allow expungement (complete removal) of DUI convictions. However, you may be able to request that the conviction be "set aside." 


What Does “Set Aside” Mean? 

A “set aside” doesn’t erase your conviction, but it shows that you completed your sentence and can help when applying for jobs or housing. It also updates your record to reflect that the court dismissed the case post-conviction. 

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Criminal Record in Arizona? 

In Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Arizona does not allow expungement (complete removal) of DUI convictions. However, you may be able to request that the conviction be "set aside." 


What Does “Set Aside” Mean? 

A “set aside” doesn’t erase your conviction, but it shows that you completed your sentence and can help when applying for jobs or housing. It also updates your record to reflect that the court dismissed the case post-conviction. 

What About My Driving Record?

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) keeps DUI offenses on your driving record for 5 years. 


But here’s the catch: 

  • Insurance companies may use the DUI against you for 3–7 years when calculating your premiums. 
  • A second DUI conviction within 7 years can lead to harsher penalties. 


So even if the points drop off after 5 years, the impact can last much longer. 

What About My Driving Record?

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) keeps DUI offenses on your driving record for 5 years. 


But here’s the catch: 

  • Insurance companies may use the DUI against you for 3–7 years when calculating your premiums. 
  • A second DUI conviction within 7 years can lead to harsher penalties. 


So even if the points drop off after 5 years, the impact can last much longer. 

How a DUI Can Affect You

A DUI conviction can impact several areas of your life: 


  • Higher car insurance premiums 
  • Loss of driving privileges 
  • Employment difficulties, especially for jobs requiring a clean driving record 
  • Travel restrictions, especially to countries like Canada 
  • Professional licensing issues 


Even a single DUI can create roadblocks long after court is over. 

How a DUI Can Affect You

A DUI conviction can impact several areas of your life: 


  • Higher car insurance premiums 
  • Loss of driving privileges 
  • Employment difficulties, especially for jobs requiring a clean driving record 
  • Travel restrictions, especially to countries like Canada 
  • Professional licensing issues 


Even a single DUI can create roadblocks long after court is over. 

How a DUI Can Affect You

A DUI conviction can impact several areas of your life: 


  • Higher car insurance premiums 
  • Loss of driving privileges 
  • Employment difficulties, especially for jobs requiring a clean driving record 
  • Travel restrictions, especially to countries like Canada 
  • Professional licensing issues 


Even a single DUI can create roadblocks long after court is over. 

Can a Lawyer Help?

Yes. If you’ve been charged but not yet convicted, a DUI attorney may be able to reduce or even dismiss the charge. If you’ve already been convicted, a lawyer can help file a motion to “set aside” the conviction. 

Can a Lawyer Help?

Yes. If you’ve been charged but not yet convicted, a DUI attorney may be able to reduce or even dismiss the charge. If you’ve already been convicted, a lawyer can help file a motion to “set aside” the conviction. 

Key Takeaway

  • DUI convictions stay on your criminal record forever in Arizona. 
  • DUI charges remain on your driving record for 5 years. 
  • Set-asides are available—but they don’t erase your conviction. 

 

What You Can Do Now 

  • Drive responsibly. 
  • If you already have a DUI on your record, speak with a lawyer about a set-aside. 
  • Stay informed—understanding the impact of a DUI can help you or someone you care about avoid long-term consequences. 

Key Takeaway

  • DUI convictions stay on your criminal record forever in Arizona. 
  • DUI charges remain on your driving record for 5 years. 
  • Set-asides are available—but they don’t erase your conviction. 

 

What You Can Do Now 

  • Drive responsibly. 
  • If you already have a DUI on your record, speak with a lawyer about a set-aside. 
  • Stay informed—understanding the impact of a DUI can help you or someone you care about avoid long-term consequences. 

Call Christina Now

– Don’t Let a DUI

Define Your Future
 If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI charge in Arizona, don’t wait. Call Christina Now  for guidance, resources, and support. Whether you need help understanding your legal options or finding the right professional, we’re here 24/7.

Let’s take the next step—together.

Call Christina Now – Don’t Let a DUI Define Your Future
 If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI charge in Arizona, don’t wait. Call Christina Now  for guidance, resources, and support. Whether you need help understanding your legal options or finding the right professional, we’re here 24/7.

Let’s take the next step—together.

Call Christina Now – Don’t Let a DUI Define Your Future
 If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI charge in Arizona, don’t wait. Call Christina Now  for guidance, resources, and support. Whether you need help understanding your legal options or finding the right professional, we’re here 24/7.

Let’s take the next step—together.

Know someone who's dealing with a DUI charge? Share this blog to help them understand how long a DUI stays on their record and what options they have.

Know someone who's dealing with a DUI charge? Share this blog to help them understand how long a DUI stays on their record and what options they have.