A DUI stays on your California driving record for 10 years, and a DUI conviction keeps you from qualifying for California’s Good Driver Discount for 10 years. Most drivers also need to carry an SR-22 for 3 years. Your insurance rates usually come down gradually as the DUI gets older, especially once your SR-22 requirement ends.
Three different clocks after a DUI
| What | How long | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| DMV driving record | 10 years | The DUI shows on your record, and a new DUI within 10 years counts as a repeat offense. |
| Good Driver Discount | 10 years | You can’t qualify for California’s Good Driver Discount while a DUI conviction from the past 10 years is on your record. |
| SR-22 requirement | Usually 3 years | You must keep an SR-22 on file with the DMV, usually counted from the date your license is reinstated. |
When will my insurance go down?
There’s no single date. Each insurance company decides how far back it looks at your record and how much weight it gives an older DUI. In practice, many drivers see meaningful improvement after their SR-22 requirement ends, and again as the DUI gets older. The best habit is to shop your insurance again at every renewal, because a company that was expensive last year may price you better now.
Does expungement remove a DUI from my insurance?
No. A California court expungement can help with things like job applications, but it does not remove the DUI from your DMV driving record. The DUI still shows on your record for 10 years and still counts as a prior offense.
How to keep your rates moving down
- Keep your SR-22 and your insurance active without gaps until the DMV says you’re done
- Avoid new tickets and accidents
- Complete every DMV requirement, such as your DUI program
- Compare companies again each year
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DUI stay on my record for 10 years in California?
Yes. A DUI stays on your California DMV driving record for 10 years, and a new DUI within that time is treated as a repeat offense.
How long do I need an SR-22 after a DUI?
Usually three years, counted from the date your license is reinstated. Confirm your end date with the DMV before removing it. See how long you need SR-22 insurance in California.
Can I get the Good Driver Discount after a DUI?
Not while a DUI conviction from the past 10 years is on your record.
Should I switch insurance companies after my SR-22 ends?
It’s a good time to compare. Your record looks better to many companies once the SR-22 requirement is over, so shopping again can save money.
Let MIS Shop the Market for You
You shouldn’t have to spend your day calling insurance companies and comparing quotes. At MIS, our licensed agents shop the market for you. Our state-of-the-art quoting system compares dozens of insurance companies in a matter of minutes, including Progressive Drive, Aspire General, National General, Bristol West, Kemper, The General, Anchor General and Dairyland, and your agent shows you the lowest rate available for your record. That’s why so many of our 3,100+ Google reviewers talk about how much they saved.
Call (800) 726-0640 or get your quote online. MIS Insurance Services is an independent insurance broker in Culver City, California, licensed by the California Department of Insurance, serving drivers since 2009.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your DMV notice and court papers list your exact requirements.