- Two records:court record vs. driving record — they're separate.
- Waiting period:required time after the case ends.
- Priors:may still count for future DWI enhancement.
- Process:usually a petition, not automatic.
A DWI can sometimes be expunged in Minnesota, but it's more complicated than expunging many other offenses — and a critical catch is that expungement of the criminal record does not erase the separate driving record kept by the state. Eligibility, waiting periods, and what relief actually reaches all matter. For many people the most important thing to understand is the gap between the court record and the driving record. Here's how it works.
The Court Record vs. the Driving Record
This is the single most important point about DWI expungement. A DWI generates two different records:
- The criminal court record of the conviction; and
- The driving record maintained by the state's driver-licensing system.
Expungement generally addresses the criminal/court record. It does not, by itself, erase the DWI from your driving record, which can continue to affect your license, insurance, and how prior offenses count if you're charged again.
What this means for you: Even a successful expungement may leave the DWI on your driving record. That's a crucial expectation to set — expungement is valuable, but it's not a complete erasure of all consequences.
Is a DWI Eligible for Expungement?
DWIs can be eligible for expungement under Minnesota's general expungement framework, but eligibility depends on factors like the level of the offense, the outcome of the case, your overall record, and the required waiting period after completing the sentence. Some outcomes (like certain dismissals or stays) may have different paths than a straight conviction.
Waiting Periods and the Process
Expungement generally requires that a waiting period pass after the case is resolved and the sentence completed, with no disqualifying new offenses. The process typically involves a petition, notice to affected agencies, and often a hearing where the benefit to you is weighed against the public interest. It is not automatic in most cases (apart from any automatic-sealing provisions that may apply).
How DWI Expungement Differs From the General Picture
Because of the two-record problem and the way prior DWIs are counted for enhancement purposes, DWI expungement carries considerations that don't apply to many other offenses. Even after expungement, the offense may still matter for purposes like counting priors if you're charged with a future DWI. Understanding these limits is key to setting realistic expectations.
What this means for you: DWI expungement can genuinely help — especially with background checks and the public criminal record — but it operates within limits that are important to understand before you count on it.
How It Connects to Related Topics
DWI expungement connects to Minnesota's general expungement framework and the Clean Slate automatic-sealing provisions, to how prior DWIs count for enhancement, and to the collateral consequences a DWI can carry. It sits at the intersection of the criminal record and the driving record.
Updated May 18, 2026 · Law verified as of June 17, 2026. This article is general information about Minnesota law, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expunge a DWI in Minnesota?
Sometimes, under Minnesota's general expungement framework, depending on the offense level, outcome, your record, and waiting periods. It's more complicated than expunging many other offenses.
Will expungement erase the DWI completely?
Not entirely. Expungement generally addresses the criminal court record but does not by itself erase the separate driving record, which can still affect your license, insurance, and how priors count.
Is there a waiting period?
Generally yes. Expungement usually requires a waiting period after the case is resolved and the sentence completed, with no disqualifying new offenses. The specifics should be confirmed against current law.
Does an expunged DWI still count if I get another one?
It may. Because of how prior DWIs are counted for enhancement and the separate driving record, an offense can still matter for counting priors even after expungement of the court record.
Is DWI expungement automatic under Clean Slate?
Minnesota has automatic-sealing provisions, but how they apply to DWIs specifically should be confirmed against current law. Many expungements still require a petition and process.
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Read the guideThe information on this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.