I Had a DUI 30 Years Ago—Can I Go to Canada? Yes, But Only If Your DUI Happened Before This Critical Date
If you had a single DUI conviction 30 years ago that occurred BEFORE December 18, 2018, you are almost certainly eligible for deemed rehabilitation and can enter Canada without special permission—as long as you completed your entire sentence at least 10 years ago. However, Canadian border officers still have instant access to your decades-old conviction, and if it happened AFTER December 2018, you’re inadmissible for life without a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation.
Here’s the reassuring news most people don’t realize: if your DUI happened in 1995 (or earlier) and you finished probation by 1998, you’ve been eligible to enter Canada since 2008—over 15 years ago. But thousands of Americans cancel Canadian trips or avoid travel entirely because they don’t understand that old convictions eventually stop barring entry. The bad news? Canada still sees that 30-year-old DUI in their databases, and you may need to prove your eligibility.
Why a 30-Year-Old DUI Is Well Beyond the 10-Year Threshold
Canada’s deemed rehabilitation rule creates automatic eligibility to enter once 10 years have passed since completing your sentence for a single non-serious crime.
A 30-year-old conviction is three times past that threshold—you’ve been eligible for two decades.
But here’s the critical detail that determines everything: when did your DUI occur?
If Your DUI Occurred BEFORE December 18, 2018:
Under the old law, DUI was classified as non-serious criminality. If you have only one DUI and completed your sentence more than 10 years ago, you’re deemed rehabilitated. No application needed.
If Your DUI Occurred ON OR AFTER December 18, 2018:
Bill C-46 reclassified DUI as serious criminality. Even 30 years from now, that conviction will never qualify for automatic deemed rehabilitation. You’ll need Criminal Rehabilitation (permanent solution) or Temporary Resident Permits (temporary solution) forever.
Since we’re in 2026 and you’re asking about a 30-year-old DUI, your conviction almost certainly happened before 2018, which means you likely qualify for grandfathered deemed rehabilitation.
But Canada Still Sees Your 30-Year-Old Conviction
This shocks many people: Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has instant access to FBI criminal databases showing arrests and convictions with no time limit.
That DUI from 1995? They can see it the moment you hand over your passport.
Your conviction doesn’t disappear from databases just because decades have passed. There’s no automatic deletion, no statute of limitations, no expiration date.
Even if your record was expunged or sealed under US law, Canada can still see it and still considers it when determining admissibility.
How to Calculate Your Eligibility (Even After 30 Years)
The 10-year clock starts from completion of ALL sentence requirements, not from:
- Your arrest date
- Your conviction date
- When you paid your fine
- When you got out of jail
You’re deemed rehabilitated 10 years after finishing:
- Jail time: Any incarceration served in full
- Probation: The absolute last day of supervised probation (usually the final completion date)
- Fines: All monetary penalties paid in full
- Community service: Every required hour completed
- License suspension: Driver’s license fully reinstated
- DUI programs: All mandated classes or treatment finished
- Any other court requirements: Everything completed
Example Timeline for a 30-Year-Old DUI
Scenario:
- Arrested: March 1995
- Convicted: September 1995
- Sentenced: 2 days jail (time served), $800 fine, 2 years probation, 6-month license suspension
- Probation ended: September 1997 (last element completed)
- Deemed rehabilitation eligible: September 2007 (10 years after sentence completion)
Current status in 2026: You’ve been eligible for nearly 20 years. You can enter Canada without special permission.
What Happens at the Border With a 30-Year-Old DUI
When border officers see your decades-old conviction, they may:
1. Pull You Into Secondary Inspection
Even very old convictions trigger additional questioning.
2. Ask About the Conviction
Officers will want to know when it happened, what your sentence was, and whether you completed everything.
3. Verify Deemed Rehabilitation Eligibility
They’ll confirm it’s been 10+ years since sentence completion and that you have only one DUI.
4. Request Documentation (Sometimes)
While not always required for such old convictions, having proof of sentence completion strengthens your case.
Most people with single DUI convictions from 30 years ago are waved through after brief questioning, but being prepared reduces denial risk.
When Deemed Rehabilitation Does NOT Apply (Even After 30 Years)
Your 30-year-old DUI does NOT qualify for deemed rehabilitation if:
You Have Multiple DUI Convictions:
Two or more DUIs—even from 30+ years ago—permanently disqualify you from automatic deemed rehabilitation. Your only options are Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation application.
Your DUI Involved Injury or Death:
DUI causing bodily harm or death is serious criminality that never qualifies for deemed rehabilitation regardless of age.
You Have Other Criminal Convictions:
Even one additional conviction (theft, assault, drug possession) from any time period disqualifies you.
You Never Completed Your Sentence:
Outstanding fines, incomplete probation, or unreinstated license—any unfinished element means you’re still inadmissible.
The Challenge: Finding 30-Year-Old Documentation
Proving sentence completion from three decades ago can be difficult. Court records may be archived, destroyed, or inaccessible.
Where to Look:
- County/State Court Records: Contact the court where you were convicted
- State Department of Motor Vehicles: License reinstatement records
- Probation Department: Completion certificates (if still available)
- Personal Records: Old receipts, letters, or documents you saved
What to Do If Records Are Unavailable:
Many Americans traveling with 30-year-old DUIs successfully enter Canada without documentation because:
- The conviction is clearly more than 10 years old
- Border officers can verify the date in their systems
- Single old DUI with no other issues rarely causes problems
However, immigration attorneys recommend bringing a Legal Opinion Letter ($1,500-$3,000) from a Canadian lawyer explaining your deemed rehabilitation eligibility if:
- You’re concerned about entry
- You have important travel that can’t be disrupted
- You want maximum certainty
What Documentation Helps (If Available)
If you can obtain old records, bring:
Essential:
- Certified court records showing conviction and sentencing dates
- Proof of sentence completion (probation completion letter, fine payment receipts)
Helpful:
- FBI background check showing no other convictions
- Legal Opinion Letter from Canadian immigration attorney
- Character references
- Explanation letter describing the conviction and rehabilitation
Not Required But Useful:
- License reinstatement documentation
- DUI program completion certificates
- Proof of clean record for 30 years
Multiple DUIs from Decades Ago: You Need Criminal Rehabilitation
If you have two DUIs from 30 years ago, time alone doesn’t fix the problem. You’ll need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation.
Eligibility: 5 years after completing ALL sentences for ALL convictions
Benefits:
- Permanent approval—never expires
- Freedom to enter Canada anytime without restrictions
Cost:
- Serious criminality (multiple DUIs): $1,231 CAD (~$900 USD)
- Legal assistance: $2,500-$5,000+
Processing Time: 12-18 months
Required Documentation:
- Certified court records for all convictions
- Proof of sentence completion for all cases
- FBI background check
- Character references
- Personal statement explaining rehabilitation over 30 years
- Evidence of positive life changes
Even with 30-year-old convictions, you must apply and receive approval before attempting entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My DUI was in 1994. Am I definitely eligible?
Almost certainly yes, assuming: (1) it’s your only conviction, (2) you completed your sentence by at least 2015, (3) it didn’t involve injury or death, (4) it occurred before Dec 2018 (which it did). You’ve been eligible for years.
Q: Do I need to apply for deemed rehabilitation?
No. It’s automatic if you meet the criteria. You don’t file paperwork or pay fees—you simply present at the border.
Q: What if I can’t find any documentation from 30 years ago?
Many people successfully enter without documentation because the conviction is obviously decades old. However, a Legal Opinion Letter from a Canadian attorney provides certainty if you’re concerned.
Q: Will border officers definitely question me about a 30-year-old DUI?
Not necessarily. Many travelers with single decades-old DUIs enter without any questions, but some are pulled into secondary inspection. Being prepared for questions is smart.
Q: What if my DUI was expunged 25 years ago?
Canada doesn’t recognize US expungement. They can still see the conviction and it still affects admissibility—but if you qualify for deemed rehabilitation, that overrides the inadmissibility.
Q: I have a DUI from 1993 and a shoplifting charge from 2010. Can I enter?
No. Two convictions disqualify you from deemed rehabilitation regardless of age. You’ll need Criminal Rehabilitation covering both offenses.
Q: What if I’m denied at the border?
You’re turned back and a denial record is created. This makes future entry harder and increases the need for Criminal Rehabilitation before trying again.
Q: How much does it cost to enter Canada with a 30-year-old DUI?
If you qualify for deemed rehabilitation: $0 (though a Legal Opinion Letter costs $1,500-$3,000 if you want extra certainty). If you need Criminal Rehabilitation due to multiple convictions: $1,231 CAD government fee + legal fees.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can almost certainly go to Canada with a DUI from 30 years ago—as long as:
- Your DUI occurred before December 18, 2018 (which it did)
- You have only ONE DUI conviction (no other criminal history)
- Your sentence was completed at least 10 years ago (which it was, decades ago)
- Your DUI didn’t involve injury or death
If all four apply, you’ve been eligible for deemed rehabilitation for approximately 20 years. You can travel to Canada without special permission.
Bring documentation if available (court records, proof of completion), but many people with single 30-year-old DUIs successfully enter without paperwork.
If you have multiple DUIs or other convictions—even from 30 years ago—you need Criminal Rehabilitation. Time alone doesn’t overcome multiple offenses.
Consider consulting a Canadian immigration attorney if you want certainty, especially if you have important travel plans or are concerned about potential border issues.
Official Resources:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
- Canadian Border Services Agency: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Criminal Rehabilitation Applications: canada.ca/criminal-rehabilitation
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Entry decisions are made by Canadian Border Services Agency officers on a case-by-case basis. Consult with a qualified Canadian immigration attorney for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a former criminal defense attorney with hands-on experience in cases involving DUIs, petty theft, assault, and false accusations. Through All About Lawyer, she now helps readers understand their legal rights, the criminal justice process, and how to protect themselves when facing charges.
Read more about Sarah