Can I Get a Job with a DUI in Ohio?

A DUI will undoubtedly disrupt many aspects of your life, especially when it comes to finding or keeping a job. So, if you’re wondering, “Can I get a job with a DUI on my record in Ohio?” the answer is yes, but it comes with challenges.

Whether you’re applying for a driving position, a government role, or a job that requires professional licensure, it’s important to understand how a DUI background check could impact your future.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, our Columbus DUI defense attorneys have helped hundreds of Ohioans protect their rights and preserve their employment opportunities after a DUI or OVI charge. Keep reading to learn more and consult an experienced attorney before accepting an OVI conviction.

Employment in Ohio after an OVI

A conviction for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI), which is the legal term for DUI in Ohio, can affect your employment prospects in both the short and long term. While a conviction doesn’t always result in automatic disqualification, it can limit your eligibility for certain industries or roles, especially those that require a high level of responsibility or driving privileges.

How a DUI Affects Job Opportunities

• Commercial driving roles (CDL holders, delivery drivers, rideshare drivers)
• Positions requiring professional licensure (such as nurses, teachers, or financial advisors)
• Government or public sector employment
• Jobs involving vulnerable populations (healthcare, childcare, or education)

Additionally, even if driving is not your primary job function, a DUI conviction may disqualify you from driving company vehicles due to insurance restrictions—a common issue that can limit internal promotions or job mobility. While some employers maintain flexible policies, others have strict background check criteria that may exclude candidates with any DUI on record.

Will a DUI Show Up on an Ohio Background Check?

Yes. If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence, it will show up on your background check. Whether you’re applying for a job, a professional license, or even housing, that conviction is part of your permanent public record.

Unlike other offenses, a DUI cannot be sealed or expunged, and employers running criminal or driving record checks will almost certainly see it. That’s why taking DUI charges seriously from the start is critical.

Where OVIs Appear on an Ohio Background Check

• Criminal Background Checks – A DUI/OVI is considered a criminal traffic offense in Ohio and will appear on standard criminal background checks conducted by employers, especially those using third-party screening services or Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) reports.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) – Employers hiring for positions that involve operating a vehicle, such as commercial driving, delivery, or rideshare, commonly review your MVR, which includes DUI arrests, convictions, and license suspensions.
• Federal and Industry-Specific Databases – If you’re seeking employment in a federally regulated field, such as transportation, aviation, or government contracting, your DUI may also surface in databases during security clearance reviews.

Do DUIs Stay on Your Record Forever in Ohio?

Yes, in Ohio, a DUI (OVI) conviction stays on your record permanently. It does not fall off after 7 or 10 years. While the state uses a 10-year look-back period to determine repeat offense penalties, that only affects sentencing, not how long the conviction appears on your criminal or driving record. A DUI will continue to show up indefinitely on background checks and your BMV report, potentially impacting employment, insurance, and licensing for life.

Can You Get a DUI Expunged in Ohio?

No. Ohio law does not allow expungement or sealing of DUI/OVI convictions, even for first-time offenders. The only way to keep a DUI off your record is to avoid a conviction, either through a dismissal, acquittal, or plea reduction to a lesser charge. If you’re facing charges, working with an experienced DUI attorney is critical before the conviction is final.

Do I Have to Tell My Employer If I Get a DUI?

Whether you’re required to tell your employer about a DUI depends on your job and company policy, but in many cases, especially if you drive for work or hold a professional license, yes, you may be obligated to report it.

Employers can also find out through background check re-screenings, insurance audits, or public records. Failing to disclose a DUI when required can lead to disciplinary action or termination, particularly if it affects your ability to perform your job or violates workplace policies. Always review your employment contract and consult an attorney if you’re unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions About OVIs & DUIs in Columbus, OH

How to Handle a DUI in the Hiring Process

If you have a DUI (OVI) on your record in Ohio, navigating the job application process can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to end your career. Knowing when and how to disclose a DUI can make a big difference in how employers perceive you.

Here’s how to handle it professionally and strategically.

Know What’s on Your Record Before You Apply

Start by running a background check on yourself to see exactly what a potential employer will see. In Ohio, DUI/OVI convictions show up on both your criminal record (if charged as a felony) and your driving record and cannot be expunged. Look for:

• Duplicate entries or clerical errors
• Outdated or incorrect case status
• Convictions that were reduced but still appear as DUI

If you find mistakes, contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was handled to begin the correction process.

Follow the Employer’s Lead

Unless the interviewer specifically asks about convictions, you are generally not required to volunteer information about your DUI. Avoid including it in your cover letter, résumé, or initial phone screening. However, if the application asks directly about convictions and your DUI led to one, you should answer honestly.

DUI/OVI is typically a traffic offense unless it was charged as a felony. If the application only asks about felony convictions and your DUI was a misdemeanor, you may be able to legally answer “no.” Definitely, ask your attorney about how your offense will be classified.

Be Honest & Strategic in the Interview

If your DUI comes up during the interview:

• Keep your explanation brief, factual, and apologetic
• Emphasize that it was a past mistake, not a reflection of who you are now
• Highlight steps you’ve taken to grow—such as completing treatment, education, or volunteer work
• Reframe the conversation around your skills, reliability, and readiness to work

Employers value honesty, accountability, and resilience. Being transparent without oversharing can help build trust and set you apart.

Prepare Responses in Advance

Practice your response to common background-related questions:

• “Can you explain this conviction on your record?”
• “Has this experience changed how you approach responsibility?”
• “What have you done since then to improve yourself professionally or personally?”

Having a calm, confident answer ready shows preparation and maturity.

Consult a DUI Attorney If You’re Facing Charges

If you haven’t yet been convicted, the best thing you can do is fight the charge before it hits your record. A skilled DUI attorney may be able to:

• Get the charges dismissed
• Reduce the charge to a non-DUI offense (e.g., reckless operation)
• Help you avoid long-term job-related consequences

This is especially important if you’re in a regulated profession or applying to roles with driving responsibilities.

Protect Your Record & Future: Speak with a Columbus DUI Lawyer

An OVI in Ohio isn’t just a temporary setback; it can permanently damage your employment prospects, advancement opportunities, and professional reputation. Whether you’re facing your first offense or have prior convictions, the best way to protect your career is to act now.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, our experienced Columbus attorneys know how to fight DUI charges and strategically help you avoid lasting consequences like job loss.

Don’t wait until a conviction limits your opportunities. Call(614) 500-3836 or request a free, no-obligation DUI case evaluation. We’ve successfully defended thousands of clients across Ohio and are ready to help you take control of your case, protect your rights, and preserve your future.