Are DUIs Public Records in Washington State?

If you were recently arrested for DUI in Washington, one of your biggest concerns might be whether that arrest or conviction becomes part of your permanent record. The answer? Yes, records of a DUI conviction are available to the public. In Washington State, both DUI arrests and convictions are considered public records and can have long-lasting consequences.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about DUI public records in Washington: how long they last, who can access them, and what you can do to protect your future.

Facing a DUI and need a DUI defense attorney?

Call Lyliane Couture at 509-765-6700. 

Is a DUI Arrest a Public Record in Washington?

Yes. In Washington State, a DUI arrest becomes a public record even if you're not convicted. According to RCW 10.97.020 under the Criminal Records Privacy Act, any criminal history record, including an arrest, is considered a public record and can be accessed by law enforcement, employers, or any private individual who submits a formal request.

You do not need to give consent for someone to access these records. So, if you’ve been arrested for DUI, that information could potentially appear in background checks, depending on the timing and context.

What Types of DUI Records Exist?

Understanding what kind of records a DUI creates can help you assess how it affects your life.

1. Driving Record

Managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), your driving record includes all traffic-related violations, including DUIs. A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for 99 years, effectively for life.

2. Criminal Record

This includes your arrest, any formal charges, and your conviction (if applicable). Criminal records are public and permanent unless sealed or expunged of which is not possible for DUI convictions in Washington.

3. Employment Background Checks

Employers can access background checks that may include DUI convictions. However, under Washington law, they are only allowed to consider convictions from the past 7 to 10 years, and only if they relate to the job role in question.

How to Find DUI Arrest Records in Washington

Whether you're an employer, a landlord, or a private citizen, you can request access to DUI arrest records in Washington through several methods, including conducting a public record DUI search via official state databases.

• Washington State Patrol (WATCH system): Submit a formal request for criminal history information.

• Department of Licensing (DOL): Request a copy of someone’s driving record.

• Court Records: Many counties offer online databases for searching court cases, including DUI charges.

All you need is the appropriate form and a small processing fee.

Who Can Access a DUI Public Record in Washington?

Under RCW 10.97, any individual or agency can request someone’s criminal record without their permission. This includes:

• Employers

• Law enforcement

• Licensing agencies

• Landlords

• Private citizens

While the information is public, how it can be used (e.g., in hiring decisions) is regulated by both state and federal laws.

Can DUI Records Be Removed or Expunged in Washington?

Unfortunately, Washington law does not allow for DUI convictions to be sealed or expunged. This means that your DUI conviction will remain on your criminal and driving record forever.

However, in certain cases, it may be possible to plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving or negligent driving, which could be eligible for expungement later. This is one of many reasons it’s critical to hire an experienced DUI defense attorney early in your case.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Record Type	Duration DUI Remains	Notes
Driving Record	99 years	Maintained by DOL
Criminal Record	Forever	Public, cannot be expunged
Employment Checks	7–10 years	Employers are limited in use

Even though the conviction stays on your record permanently, Washington employers are required to make individualized assessments. They must consider:

• The nature of the offense

• How long ago it occurred

• Whether it's relevant to the job

How a DUI Public Record Affects Employment and Daily Life

Having a DUI on your public record can affect many aspects of your life:

• Employment: Especially for jobs involving driving or security clearance

• Housing: Landlords may check your criminal history

• Insurance: Premiums may increase significantly

Fortunately, Washington State law offers more protection than many other states. Employers are encouraged to focus on relevance and recency, not blanket rejection.

What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Washington

If you've been arrested for DUI, don’t delay:

1. Consult an experienced DUI attorney immediately

2. Understand your options: Possible charge reduction or plea deals

3. Request your record: Find out what appears on your driving or criminal history

   
   

DUI Lookup and Public Registry Tools in Washington

While Washington doesn’t have a centralized "DUI registry," there are several ways to look up public DUI records:

• Washington State Patrol (WATCH): For criminal history

• Department of Licensing (DOL): For driving records

• County Court Systems: For case-specific records

These systems serve the purpose of a DUI lookup, even if there isn’t one official database.

Conclusion: What You Should Know About DUI Records in Washington

To sum it up:

• DUIs are public records in Washington

• Anyone can access DUI arrest and conviction information

• DUI records can significantly impact your life, especially employment and insurance

• DUI convictions cannot be expunged in Washington

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you need an advocate who understands the system. Contact a DUI attorney right away to minimize the long-term consequences and protect your future.