We would like to provide a simple, straightforward answer to the important question of whether people with DUIs on their record can travel to Canada. Unfortunately our Canadian neighbors do not allow for a simple answer. For more information read our full article about Traveling to Canada with a DUI.

DUI is an acronym for Driving Under the Influence while DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Different states use one or the other. In California, the official version is DUI whether it refers to alcohol or drugs. This website claims some states treat DUI as a lesser version of DWI, but it is unclear what states they are referring to.

Typically if you have a strong reason such as a job relocation, the judge will let you transfer your requirement to complete an Alcohol Education program to another state. However, satisfying the court and California DMV are not the same thing.

To satisfy the DMV, you will likely have to file a form 1650 Waiver for termination of suspension action. If you had a private DUI attorney handle your initial DUI defense, they might help you with this process. Otherwise, you need to contact directly the Mandatory Unit of the California DUI in Sacramento at (916) 657-6576. Expect long hold times and bureaucratic runarounds.