If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a DUI in Tennessee, you’re likely wondering how it might affect your future—especially when it comes to background checks. Whether you’re applying for a job, trying to purchase a firearm, or simply working to move on with your life, the impact of a DUI can be long-lasting and far-reaching.
This is why securing the best possible result in your DUI case is so important. With the help of an experienced DUI attorney, it’s sometimes possible to reduce the charge, avoid a conviction, or keep it off your record altogether, saving you from serious consequences down the road.
In this blog, we’ll break down how DUIs appear on background checks in Tennessee, how long they stay on your record, and what you can do to protect your future.
Will A DUI Show Up On A Background Check In Tennessee?
In most cases, yes—a DUI will show up on a background check in Tennessee. Both DUI arrests and convictions are part of your criminal history and can be reported during standard background screenings, especially those conducted for employment, housing, firearm purchases, or professional licensing.
Types of Background Checks That May Show a DUI
- Criminal Background Checks: These are the most common and will usually reveal both DUI arrests and convictions, especially if conducted by employers, landlords, or government agencies.
- Driving Record Checks: A DUI will also appear on your Tennessee driving record for several years, particularly when requested by insurance companies or employers hiring for driving-related positions.
- Federal Firearm Background Checks (NICS): A DUI may affect your ability to pass a firearm background check depending on the circumstances.
Will A DUI Fail A Background Check For A Job?
A DUI conviction in Tennessee can impact your chances of getting hired—but whether it causes you to “fail” a background check depends on the job, the employer’s policies, and the nature of the DUI offense.
Many employers run criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. If your DUI shows up, it may raise concerns—especially for positions that involve driving, operating machinery, working with vulnerable populations, or handling sensitive information. However, not every employer treats a DUI as a deal-breaker, particularly if it was a first-time offense and occurred several years ago.
How Employers Evaluate a DUI
Employers may consider:
- How long ago the DUI occurred
- Whether it was a misdemeanor or felony
- Whether the role involves driving or safety-sensitive duties
- Whether the conviction is part of a larger pattern
A first-time DUI that happened years ago might be less concerning than a recent DUI or multiple offenses.
Tennessee’s “Ban the Box” Law
Tennessee has a “Ban the Box” law that limits when state government employers can ask about criminal history. While it doesn’t apply to private employers, it reflects a growing effort to give individuals with past convictions a fair shot at employment.
However, it’s important to understand what the law does and does not do. The Ban the Box law only applies to state government jobs, and it simply removes criminal history questions from the initial application. It does not prevent employers from conducting a background check later in the hiring process.
Once an applicant moves forward, state employers may still review criminal records, including DUI convictions, before making a final hiring decision. For private employers in Tennessee, there is no Ban the Box requirement, and many companies may ask about criminal history or run background checks at any stage.
Will A DUI Fail A Background Check For A Gun?
A common concern for gun owners or prospective buyers is whether a DUI conviction can prevent them from purchasing or possessing a firearm. The answer depends on the severity of the DUI, your criminal history, and both federal and Tennessee state law.
Federal Background Checks (NICS)
When you try to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, you must pass a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). A standard DUI conviction—typically a misdemeanor—will not automatically disqualify you under federal law. However, there are exceptions.
You may be denied if:
- Your DUI was charged as a felony (e.g., due to serious injury or repeat offenses).
- You have multiple alcohol-related convictions that suggest substance abuse or addiction.
- You are under an active protective order or have other disqualifying offenses on your record.
Tennessee Firearm Laws
Under Tennessee law, a felony conviction—including a felony DUI—automatically results in the loss of your firearm rights. Even a misdemeanor DUI could trigger red flags in the background check process if it’s part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior or addiction.
How Long Does A DUI Stay On Your Background In Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a DUI conviction is permanent. Unlike some other states, Tennessee does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged from your criminal record—even if it’s your first offense. That means a DUI will remain on your background check for life, unless the charge was dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. A DUI conviction also stays on your driving record with the Tennessee Department of Safety for at least 10 years, which can impact insurance rates and driving-related job opportunities.
It is important to note the difference between a DUI conviction and a DUI arrest. A conviction will show up on nearly all background checks and cannot be removed under Tennessee law. An arrest or charge that was later dismissed may be eligible for expungement. If you were arrested but not convicted, you may be able to clear that from your record—but only through a formal expungement process.
Because of the lasting impact, the stakes of a potential DUI conviction are high. If your DUI case is still pending, the outcome in court will affect your future opportunities indefinitely. That’s why having an experienced DUI attorney that can fight for a reduction of the charges or a dismissal is often your best chance to avoid long-term damage to your background.
How Our DUI Attorneys At Barnes & Fersten Can Help
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Tennessee, the outcome of your case can shape your future for years to come. At Barnes & Fersten, we understand what’s at stake, and we know how to fight for the best possible result.
Our experienced DUI defense attorneys can help by:
- Evaluating the details of your arrest to identify legal or procedural errors
- Challenging field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and other evidence
- Negotiating to reduce your charge to reckless driving or another lesser offense when possible
- Pursuing a dismissal or acquittal when the facts are on your side
- Guiding you through the expungement process if your case qualifies
We’ve successfully defended clients across East Tennessee in DUI cases involving first-time charges, multiple offenses, underage drivers, and more. No matter the situation, we’re committed to protecting your rights, your record, and your future.
