Will a DWI Show Up on a Background Check in Texas?

If you were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, you may be wondering how it might affect your future—especially your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for a professional license. One of the most common questions we get is whether a DWI will appear on a background check.

The short answer is: yes, in most cases, a DWI will show up on a background check in Texas—even if it was your first offense. But there are important details you need to understand, especially if you haven’t been convicted yet.

Arrests, Charges, and Convictions Are All Public Record

When a background check is run—whether by a private employer, landlord, or government agency—it can pull data from multiple public sources, including:

• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history database

• County court records

• Law enforcement arrest logs

• Federal and state databases

If you were arrested for DWI, even if the charge was later dismissed, it may still show up unless it was expunged or sealed. Likewise, a conviction will be visible to nearly anyone running a background check unless specific legal steps are taken to remove it.

Types of Background Checks and Who Can See What

Not all background checks are the same. What appears and who can access it depends on the type of check:

• Basic Employment Checks: Most employers see criminal convictions, including DWI. Some also see pending charges or arrests.

• Professional Licensure or Government Checks: These often involve more comprehensive scrutiny, including dismissed charges or old arrests.

• Landlord Checks: Some landlords use third-party companies that review criminal records—DWIs may impact housing decisions.

Even rideshare apps, daycare centers, or hospitals will likely see your DWI arrest or conviction—possibly years after the fact.

What If the DWI Was Dismissed?

If your DWI case was dismissed, you may think it’s no longer a problem. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Unless you go through the process of expunction, the record of your arrest can still appear on a background check.

Many people are surprised to learn that dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and even dropped investigations still leave a public trace. Employers may not differentiate between dismissal and conviction unless you explain or expunge it.

Can a DWI Be Expunged or Sealed in Texas?

Some DWI arrests may qualify for expunction, meaning the record is erased entirely. Others may qualify for non-disclosure, which seals the record from public view (but not law enforcement or licensing boards).

However, a conviction for DWI usually cannot be expunged or sealed. This makes it even more critical to fight the charge before pleading guilty.

At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we help clients explore every possible avenue to protect their record—including challenging the charge itself or pursuing legal remedies post-dismissal.

Employers May Not Hire You Even for a First-Time DWI

A DWI conviction—even for a first offense—can hurt your chances of getting:

• Teaching jobs

• Government positions

• CDL or delivery jobs

• Medical or nursing licenses

• Law enforcement positions

• Jobs that involve company vehicles

Even if you’re qualified, your application may be rejected because of the criminal record alone. That’s why preventing a conviction in the first place is so important.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. For Your Free Consultation

A DWI is not just a traffic offense—it’s a permanent mark on your record that can follow you for years. Don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s a minor issue. If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Texas, call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.right away.

We will review your case, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your future and your reputation.

📞 Call now for a free consultation at (903) 753-7499. We serve clients across East Texas—including Longview, Tyler, Marshall, and surrounding areas.