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Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Ohio

Whether a DUI or DWI conviction can be expunged or sealed in Ohio, and what to do instead if it can't.

Short answer: No. Convictions under Ohio's traffic code chapters (Chapters 4506, 4507, 4510, 4511 and 4549 of the Revised Code), which include OVI (operating a vehicle impaired), cannot be sealed or expunged under the general conviction-sealing law. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2953.32(A)(1)(a), 2953.33(C)(1)(a)

DUI / DWI convictionsNo. Convictions under Ohio's traffic code chapters (Chapters 4506, 4507, 4510, 4511 and 4549 of the Revised Code), which include OVI (operating a vehicle impaired), cannot be sealed or expunged under the general conviction-sealing law. Dismissed OVI charges can be sealed but not expunged.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2953.32(A)(1)(a), 2953.33(C)(1)(a)
How to applyFile an application to seal or expunge with the sentencing court. For out-of-state or federal convictions, file with the court of common pleas. The court sets a hearing 45 to 90 days after filing and notifies the prosecutor, who may file a written objection at least 30 days before the hearing. The prosecutor notifies victims who asked for notice, and victims may be heard. A probation officer may investigate the applicant. At the hearing, the court checks eligibility and the waiting period, looks for pending charges, decides whether the applicant is rehabilitated, and weighs the applicant's interests against the government's need to keep the records. For certain low-level drug convictions, the prosecutor may file the application instead.
Ohio's statutes do not prescribe a single statewide application form. Check with the clerk of the court where the case was heard.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2953.32(B)-(D), 2953.39

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FAQ

Can a DUI be expunged in Ohio?
No. Convictions under Ohio's traffic code chapters (Chapters 4506, 4507, 4510, 4511 and 4549 of the Revised Code), which include OVI (operating a vehicle impaired), cannot be sealed or expunged under the general conviction-sealing law. Dismissed OVI charges can be sealed but not expunged.
How do you file for expungement in Ohio?
File an application to seal or expunge with the sentencing court. For out-of-state or federal convictions, file with the court of common pleas. The court sets a hearing 45 to 90 days after filing and notifies the prosecutor, who may file a written objection at least 30 days before the hearing. The prosecutor notifies victims who asked for notice, and victims may be heard. A probation officer may investigate the applicant. At the hearing, the court checks eligibility and the waiting period, looks for pending charges, decides whether the applicant is rehabilitated, and weighs the applicant's interests against the government's need to keep the records. For certain low-level drug convictions, the prosecutor may file the application instead.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.