The length of time a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) stays on your record varies significantly by state and the type of record considered (driving record vs. criminal record):

• General range: Most states keep a DUI on your driving record for 3 to 10 years. For example, California keeps a DUI on your driving record for 10 years from the date of arrest, after which it may be eligible for removal or expungement

• Criminal record: A DUI conviction often stays on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take legal steps to expunge it. Some states allow expungement after a certain period, but others keep it permanently

• Look-back periods: Many states have a "look-back" or "washout" period (commonly 5 to 10 years) during which prior DUIs count toward harsher penalties for subsequent offenses. After this period, prior DUIs may no longer affect sentencing

• States with longer or permanent records:
  • Florida keeps DUIs on your record for 75 years , effectively a lifetime

* Illinois and some other states keep DUIs on your record **permanently**

* Tennessee and some others keep DUIs on your record for your **entire lifetime**

• Summary for some states:

State| DUI on Driving Record| DUI on Criminal Record| Notes
---|---|---|---
California| 10 years| Indefinite unless expunged| Expungement possible
Florida| 75 years| Permanent| No expungement allowed
Illinois| Permanent| Permanent|
Tennessee| Lifetime| Lifetime|
Ontario (Canada)| 3 years| -| Summary offense, shorter period

In summary, a DUI can stay on your driving record anywhere from 3 to 10 years in many states, but on your criminal record, it may remain indefinitely unless expunged. Some states impose much longer or permanent records, which can affect insurance, employment, and legal penalties for many years