Subway's hiring process and what a DUI or DWI means for your process
Subway does not automatically reject applicants with a DUI or DWI on their record. The company uses a case-by-case review process, meaning your conviction alone will not disqualify you — but you will need to understand what Subway looks for, how background checks work, and what you should disclose during the hiring process.
Most Subway locations are franchises, so hiring decisions vary by owner. Some franchise owners are more willing to hire people with criminal records than others. The key is being honest on your process and during the interview, because lying about your record will almost certainly end your chances if discovered later.
Subway typically conducts background checks through a third-party company. These checks will reveal your DUI or DWI if it resulted in a conviction. The company's official policy does not list DUI or DWI as an automatic disqualifier, but positions involving driving — like delivery or management roles that require bank deposits — may be harder to land with a recent conviction.
Key Takeaways
- Subway does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with DUI or DWI convictions, but each franchise owner makes their own hiring decisions.
- A background check will reveal your conviction, so dishonesty during the process process will hurt you more than the conviction itself.
- Entry-level positions like crew member are generally more accessible than roles requiring driving or handling cash deposits.
- The timing of your conviction matters — a recent DUI or DWI is a bigger concern than one from several years ago.
- Being upfront about your situation and showing you have taken steps to address it (like completing a DUI education program) can work in your favor.
What Subway's background check will show
Subway uses background screening companies that pull criminal records from county and state databases. A DUI or DWI conviction will appear on this report if it resulted in a criminal conviction (as opposed to a civil infraction or traffic ticket, which some states classify differently).
The background check will show the date of your conviction, the jurisdiction, and whether it was a misdemeanor or felony. It will also show if you have multiple convictions. Subway's hiring team will see all of this information, so there is no point in omitting it from your process or interview.
Some states distinguish between DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while impaired), and the classification affects how the conviction appears on your record. Regardless of the label, a conviction will show up. A pending charge that has not yet resulted in conviction may not appear, depending on the background check company's scope.
How to answer questions about your DUI or DWI during hiring
Most Subway applications ask whether you have been convicted of a crime. You must answer truthfully. If you lie and the background check reveals the conviction later, Subway will almost certainly withdraw the offer or terminate you during your first weeks.
During the interview, if asked directly about your record, explain what happened in straightforward terms without over-apologizing or making excuses. For example: "I was convicted of a DUI in 2022. I completed a DUI education program, and I have not had any incidents since. I take responsibility for that mistake and have made changes to how I handle transportation." This shows accountability and forward movement.
If the interviewer does not ask, you do not need to volunteer the information — but the background check will reveal it anyway, so it is better to address it proactively in the interview than to have it come as a surprise to the hiring manager.
Positions that are harder to land with a DUI or DWI
Subway roles that involve driving — such as delivery driver or manager positions that require bank runs — are more difficult to find with a recent DUI or DWI conviction. Insurance liability and company policy make these positions riskier for franchise owners to fill with someone who has a driving-related conviction.
Management or shift supervisor roles may also face more scrutiny because they involve handling cash and representing the company. A franchise owner may worry about liability or customer-facing reputation issues.
Entry-level crew member positions — taking orders, making sandwiches, cleaning — typically have fewer barriers. These roles do not require driving and do not involve cash handling beyond a register, so a DUI or DWI is less of a concern to the hiring manager.
How the timing of your conviction affects your chances
A DUI or DWI from five or ten years ago is viewed very differently than one from last year. Hiring managers consider how much time has passed, whether you have stayed out of trouble since, and what you have done to address the underlying issue.
If your conviction is recent — within the last year or two — you may face more resistance, especially for positions with customer interaction or cash handling. If it has been several years and you have a clean record since, many franchise owners will view it as a past mistake rather than a current risk.
Document any steps you have taken since the conviction: completion of a DUI education program, counseling, community service, or a clean driving record since the incident. These show the hiring manager that you have taken responsibility and made changes.
What to do before you explore
Before submitting an process, get a copy of your own background report. You can order one from the same companies Subway uses — the three major ones are Checkr, Sterling, and GoodHire. Knowing what will show up gives you a chance to explain it on your own terms rather than being surprised during the hiring process.
If your DUI or DWI has been expunged or sealed in your state, it may not appear on a standard background check. Check your state's court records or ask your attorney whether your conviction can be removed from your record. Some states allow expungement after a certain amount of time has passed or if you meet specific conditions.
Complete any required programs — DUI education, counseling, or community service — before you explore. Being able to say "I completed the court-ordered DUI program" is much stronger than saying "I am still working on it."
Franchise owner variation and how to find a supportive location
Because most Subway locations are franchises, the owner's personal hiring philosophy matters more than corporate policy. Some franchise owners actively hire people with records and believe in second chances. Others take a stricter approach.
When you explore, you are explore to a specific franchise location, not to Subway corporate. If you are rejected at one location, you can explore at another. Smaller franchise owners or those in communities with higher unemployment may be more open to hiring someone with a DUI or DWI than a busy location in a competitive market.
You can also ask the hiring manager directly: "I have a DUI conviction from [year]. Is that something that would prevent me from working here?" Some managers will tell you upfront whether it is a dealbreaker, saving you time and the awkwardness of a rejection later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Subway automatically reject me because of my DUI or DWI?
No. Subway does not have a blanket policy against hiring people with DUI or DWI convictions. Each franchise owner decides, and many will consider your process on its merits — especially if the conviction is older, you have stayed out of trouble since, and you are honest about it during the hiring process.
Should I mention my DUI or DWI on the process if the form does not ask?
No. Only answer the questions asked. However, the background check will reveal it, so be prepared to discuss it in the interview if the hiring manager brings it up. Lying on the process is worse than the conviction itself.
Can I work at Subway if my DUI or DWI is still pending in court?
Possibly. A pending charge that has not resulted in conviction may not appear on a background check, depending on the company used. However, you should disclose it if asked directly, because lying about an active case is riskier than admitting to it. Once the case is resolved, the outcome will affect future hiring.
What if I was arrested for DUI or DWI but not convicted?
If you were arrested but the charges were dropped or dismissed, it may still appear on some background checks as an arrest record. However, you can truthfully say you were not convicted. Some states allow you to petition to have arrest records sealed if the case was dismissed, which would remove them from most background checks.
How long does a DUI or DWI stay on my record for job applications?
That depends on your state and the background check company. Most background checks go back seven to ten years, but some go back further. After a certain period, the conviction may not appear on standard reports. Check your state's laws or ask a background check company directly about your specific situation.