Wisconsin · OWI · Checked October 2026

Can an OWI Be Expunged in Wisconsin?

Can an OWI Be Expunged in Wisconsin?

Whether an OWI can come off your record in Wisconsin, and how long it counts against you.

Expungement or sealing
The DMV keeps OWI convictions, suspensions and revocations on the driving record permanently; a court may order a criminal record expunged only for a person under 25 at the time of the offense, for an offense with a maximum of 6 years or less, and never for the DMV driving record
Waiting period
Expungement must be ordered at sentencing and takes effect on successful completion of the sentence
Lookback period
10 years

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Expungement or Sealing in Wisconsin

the DMV keeps OWI convictions, suspensions and revocations on the driving record permanently; a court may order a criminal record expunged only for a person under 25 at the time of the offense, for an offense with a maximum of 6 years or less, and never for the DMV driving record

Official source: expungement or sealing (Wisconsin)

Waiting Period in Wisconsin

expungement must be ordered at sentencing and takes effect on successful completion of the sentence

Official source: waiting period (Wisconsin)

Rules in Wisconsin

Wis. Stat. § 343.23(2)(b): records counted under § 343.307(2) are maintained permanently. Wis. Stat. § 973.015(1m)(a)1.: expungement does not apply to information the Department of Transportation must keep under § 343.23(2)(a).

Official source: rules (Wisconsin)

How Long It Counts for Repeat Offenses in Wisconsin

10 years.Wis. Stat. § 346.65(2)(am)2.-3., (2c); Wis. Stat. § 343.307(1)

Official source: how long it counts for repeat offenses (Wisconsin)

More on OWI Law in Wisconsin

See the full overview of OWI laws in Wisconsin and read about how long a DUI stays on your record.

This page summarizes Wisconsin law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Wisconsin can advise on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an OWI Be Expunged or Sealed in Wisconsin?

the DMV keeps OWI convictions, suspensions and revocations on the driving record permanently; a court may order a criminal record expunged only for a person under 25 at the time of the offense, for an offense with a maximum of 6 years or less, and never for the DMV driving record

How Long Before You Can Apply?

expungement must be ordered at sentencing and takes effect on successful completion of the sentence

Sources

  1. Record and expungement
  2. Lookback period: Wis. Stat. § 346.65(2)(am)2.-3., (2c); Wis. Stat. § 343.307(1)

dui.help is an independent guide, not a law firm or a government agency, and doesn't give legal advice. For advice on your case, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state; your state bar can refer you, and if you can't afford a lawyer, ask the court about a public defender.