Looking for a fresh start following a criminal charge? Specifically, how long does an applicant need to wait before they can apply for a security clearance required position?
One subscriber to the ClearanceJobsBlog was interested in turning a new leaf:
I recently completed all court requirements for a DUI conviction (last year), and I am considering US government positions that require either Secret or Top Secret clearances. With no other blemishes (criminal, financial, behavior, etc) how long after completing court DUI requirements do I need to wait before I can obtain a Secret Clearance? 5years? 7years? And for a TS clearance, is it 10 years?
There is no set waiting period after a DUI/DWI before applying for a security clearance. The government evaluates the whole person, focusing more on patterns of behavior than on a single incident. One DUI, by itself, is not typically disqualifying. Even current clearance holders who are charged with a DUI are not automatically stripped of their clearance; in many cases, they are able to retain it. The concern is less about the DUI itself and more about what it could indicate regarding alcohol use, reliability, or judgment.
As blog moderator Marko Hakamaa explains, “If all you have is one DUI then it will not prevent you from being granted a clearance.” A DUI on your record does not automatically result in a denial. Adjudicators will look at the specific circumstances, whether there is a pattern of alcohol-related offenses, and how much time has passed.
If you are applying for a clearance, be sure to disclose the DUI on your SF-86 and demonstrate that you have satisfied all court requirements. Transparency and compliance go a long way in minimizing potential concerns.
For current clearance holders, it’s critical to report a DUI arrest to your Facility Security Officer (FSO) immediately—do not wait for a conviction. Self-reporting is taken seriously, especially under Continuous Vetting (CV) requirements.
If this is your first DUI and there is no broader pattern of alcohol misuse, it is unlikely to prevent you from obtaining or maintaining a security clearance or pursuing a career in national security.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” For this reason, we maintain ClearanceJobsBlog.com – a forum where clearance seekers can ask the cleared community for advice on their specific security concerns. Ask CJ explores questions posed on the ClearanceJobs Blog forum, emails received, and comments from this site. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.Â
