How to Find and Research Pennsylvania DWI Records

Like all other states of United States, Pennsylvania DWI consequences are harsh and designed to deter re-offense. Before 2003, the lowest legal limit of Blood Alcohol Content at the time of arrest was 0.10 percent, but with passing of ACT 24, the new limit has been lowered to 0.08 percent.

Under this Act, commercial drivers, underage drivers, DWI cases causing damage to property or serious injuries to others, and refusal to take breath and chemical tests are considered high BAC offenses. The minimum penalty that a convicted driver can get includes a fine of $300, probation for six months, DUI School to attend Alcohol Highway Safety Program, and treatment if or when required. These penalties get worse for repeat offenses and increased level of BAC, one of which is suspension of license. To know more about ACT 4, click on http://www.dot4.state.pa.us/legislation/bulletin24.shtml.

Obtaining Pennsylvania DWI Records

Once you are convicted, your name is registered with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). You will have a concurrent criminal record, too. PennDOT caches your Pennsylvania DWI records. So, if you want a copy of your driving history, you need to buy it from the records section of this Department.

There are three types of driving history records that you can request. First is the basic information which releases information like full name, date of birth, license number, address, and kind of license. A three-year record provides you with the basic information as well as the convictions for DUI, DWI, speeding, license suspension, revocation, and traffic rules violations in last three years. A ten year record is same as the previous one but for the last ten years. This information is strictly for the employers.

Certified records are notarized. Microfilm records are the history of a specific time period but on microfilm. Certified microfilms documents are the notarized copies in microfilm form.

There are three ways to request for the records: online, in person, and through the postal service. To request online records, go to https://www.dot3.state.pa.us/driver_services/dllogin.jsp#top?20090526154149628=20090526154149628. The service charge for the records is $5 which must be paid through a leading credit card like Discover, American Express, Visa and Master Card.

For notarized document of the Pennsylvania DWI record, you will need to request in person or through mail. When requesting through postal service, download the request form from http://www.dot4.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-503.pdf, and fill it up with correct information. Along with a check for $5 for non-certified copy and $10 for a certified one, send the mail to

Bureau of Driver Licensing
Driver Record Services
P.O. Box 68695
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8695

To request in person, fill out the form and drop it at

Bureau of Driver Licensing
Driver Record Services
1101 South Front St., Third Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8695

Don’t forget to enclose the check of $5 or $10, whichever is applicable.

What Is Contained in DMV Records

There is a misconception regarding the records that they disappear over time. It is a myth. Fact is, records stay in the database forever. You can have the criminal records sealed or expunged from the criminal database, if the state allows. If your employer, credit union or any government agency wants to run a criminal background check, it will be able to view your Pennsylvania DWI record as long as it is in the state criminal database.

PennDOT expunges your record after ten years if you have not offended again, your license have not been revoked again on any ground, and if you were not a commercial driver when you offended. This expungement is possible if you undergo Aggravated Rehabilitation Disposition Program.

Expunging a DWI Record

There are other two conditions where the DWI record can be expunged. If the offender has died three years ago or if the offender is presently 72 years or above and has not committed any violation in last three years, then the criminal record can be taken off the database.

For all others, on completion of the Aggravated Rehabilitation Disposition Program, your DWI record will be expunged. The ARD program is open to first time offenders. Second offenders can also take the ARD program if they have been convicted more than ten years ago. You are not eligible for ARD if you had a minor of 14 years in the car or the DWI had resulted into serious injuries, property damage or death.

In some counties, expungement is not automatic even after ARD. In these counties, it is required to file for expungement motion with the Court of Common Pleas where you had been convicted of DWI and ARD occurred. You can do it yourself. If you have means you can take the professional help of an attorney with specialization in Pennsylvania DWI/DUI.

Once the charges are expunged, they still remain available to the law enforcement agencies so that they can be referred to in the future if required. To all other institutions like employers, universities or insurance companies, they are as good as never having occurred. With a criminal record, an individual is not allowed to be a public servant or a teacher, the two noble professions that lead a country. Once the records are expunged, you can apply for these positions as well.

Juvenile Expungement

In many states, juvenile DUI or DWI records are expunged as the offender turns adult. But in Pennsylvania, this does not occur automatically. With a criminal record, it is impossible to get a decent job or even an opportunity for higher studies. Thus, expungement becomes necessary.

Petition for expungement is to be filed at the Juvenile Court where the offender was convicted. There are certain conditions under which you can apply for an expungement. First of all, an expungement is possible if the charges were proven false or the case had been dismissed. In some cases, the charges are dropped if the juvenile offender completes the sentence successfully. These records can be expunged as well. And lastly, if five years have passed since the offender was released from supervision and no further offense has been reported.