Texas · DWI · Checked October 2026
Can a DWI Be Expunged in Texas?
Can a DWI Be Expunged in Texas?
Whether a DWI can come off your record in Texas, and how long it counts against you.
- Expungement or sealing
- An order of nondisclosure (record sealing from public view) is available for a first DWI that did not involve a BAC of 0.15 or more and did not cause a collision involving another person, whether you received deferred adjudication, community supervision or a completed sentence, if you have no other prior conviction except a fine-only traffic offense
- Waiting period
- Deferred adjudication: 2 years after discharge and dismissal. Community supervision after conviction: 2 years after completion with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years. Conviction with sentence completed: 3 years with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years
Expungement or Sealing in Texas
An order of nondisclosure (record sealing from public view) is available for a first DWI that did not involve a BAC of 0.15 or more and did not cause a collision involving another person, whether you received deferred adjudication, community supervision or a completed sentence, if you have no other prior conviction except a fine-only traffic offense.
Waiting Period in Texas
Deferred adjudication: 2 years after discharge and dismissal. Community supervision after conviction: 2 years after completion with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years. Conviction with sentence completed: 3 years with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years.
Rules in Texas
You petition the court that handled the case. The court may not grant the order if the prosecutor shows the offense caused a collision involving another person, including a passenger. Offenses involving family violence and certain other offenses bar nondisclosure.
How Long It Counts for Repeat Offenses in Texas
Texas sets no time limit on prior convictions used to enhance a DWI to a Class A misdemeanor or a felony (the former 10-year rule in § 49.09(e) was repealed in 2005). Shorter windows apply only to specific consequences: five years for the mandatory interlock and longer license suspension, 36 months for the higher state traffic fine, and 10 years of enforcement contacts for the longer administrative suspension.Tex. Penal Code § 49.09(a), (b), (e), (h); Tex. Transp. Code §§ 709.001, 524.022
Official source: how long it counts for repeat offenses (Texas)
More on DWI Law in Texas
See the full overview of DWI laws in Texas and read about how long a DUI stays on your record.
This page summarizes Texas law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Texas can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a DWI Be Expunged or Sealed in Texas?
An order of nondisclosure (record sealing from public view) is available for a first DWI that did not involve a BAC of 0.15 or more and did not cause a collision involving another person, whether you received deferred adjudication, community supervision or a completed sentence, if you have no other prior conviction except a fine-only traffic offense.
How Long Before You Can Apply?
Deferred adjudication: 2 years after discharge and dismissal. Community supervision after conviction: 2 years after completion with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years. Conviction with sentence completed: 3 years with at least 6 months of interlock, otherwise 5 years.