How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Oklahoma—and Can You Get It Expunged?

Getting charged with a DUI in Oklahoma can have serious and long-lasting consequences. It doesn’t just affect your driving privileges—it can follow you for years in terms of employment opportunities, insurance rates, and your criminal record.

If you’ve been convicted or received a deferred sentence, it’s important to know exactly how long a DUI stays on your record and what options you may have to get it expunged.

This article explains what “staying on your record” actually means, the difference between your driving and criminal records, and what it takes to clear your name in Oklahoma.

DUI Records: Driving Record vs. Criminal Record

When someone asks how long a DUI “stays on your record,” it’s important to clarify whether we’re talking about your Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) driving record or your criminal record maintained by the state court system.

1. Driving Record (DPS)

In Oklahoma, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years. This means it can be seen by insurance companies, employers (especially for commercial drivers), and the court if you’re ever charged again. It may be used to enhance future charges if another DUI occurs within that 10-year window.

2. Criminal Record (Court System)

Unless legally expunged, a DUI can remain on your criminal record indefinitely. This record is accessible to law enforcement, many employers, and the public. A visible criminal record—even from a misdemeanor DUI—can negatively impact job prospects, housing applications, and professional licensing.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows you to seal or erase your criminal record from public view. After a successful expungement:

The public (including most employers and landlords) can no longer see the charge.
You can legally state that you have not been convicted of the expunged crime.
Your record is effectively sealed in most background checks.

It’s important to note: an expunged DUI will not be removed from your driving record—only from your criminal history.

Can a DUI Be Expunged in Oklahoma?

Yes, but not all DUI cases are eligible—and timing is everything. Whether your DUI can be expunged depends on the nature of the offense and how it was resolved.

Here are the most common scenarios:

Deferred Sentence for Misdemeanor DUI

If you pled guilty or no contest to a DUI but received a deferred sentence, you may be eligible for expungement one year after completing your probation, assuming you met all conditions and had no other charges.

Convicted of Misdemeanor DUI

If you were convicted (not deferred), Oklahoma law typically requires:

A five-year waiting period after the end of your sentence
No other convictions during that period
Payment of all court fines and completion of any required treatment or education

Felony DUI Conviction

Felony DUIs are more complicated to expunge. You may be eligible under Oklahoma’s 2022 updates to expungement law if:

At least five years have passed since the completion of your sentence
You have no pending charges and no other felony convictions in the past seven years
You weren’t sentenced to prison for the DUI (or it was a non-violent felony)

Felony DUI expungement is not guaranteed, and eligibility is heavily case-dependent. You’ll need a strong legal strategy and representation.

Steps to Get a DUI Expunged in Oklahoma

Speak With an Attorney
The expungement process is complex and varies by case type. An experienced Oklahoma criminal defense or expungement attorney can evaluate your case and determine your eligibility.
Obtain Your Criminal History
This includes court records and background checks that will be reviewed during the expungement petition.
File a Petition for Expungement
Your attorney will file the required paperwork in the district court where the DUI occurred. This petition outlines why you’re eligible and requests a court order to seal your record.
Attend a Court Hearing (If Required)
In some cases, a hearing may be necessary. The prosecutor, arresting agency, and other interested parties may object. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf.
Obtain the Expungement Order
If approved, the judge will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal your record.
Notify Background Check Agencies
While the state will update its records, private databases and background check companies may need notification. Your attorney can assist with this follow-up.

Why You Should Consider Expungement

A DUI on your record can:

Increase your auto insurance rates for years
Limit access to job opportunities, especially in healthcare, education, transportation, or government
Prevent you from qualifying for certain professional licenses
Complicate immigration status or applications

Expungement provides a chance to start fresh—and regain control of your future.

Don’t Let a DUI Impact Your Life Even More

A DUI doesn’t have to follow you forever. In Oklahoma, there are real options for clearing your criminal record through expungement—whether your case was deferred, dismissed, or even convicted. That said, eligibility rules are strict, and timing is critical.

If you’re wondering whether your DUI qualifies for expungement, speak with a qualified attorney. At AMA Law, we help Oklahomans clean up their records and move forward with confidence.

📞 Schedule a free consultation with our team today at www.amalaw.com.

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