If you have one previous DUI conviction in which your blood alcohol level was under . 15, and you submitted to the breath test and timely reported the arrest to the FAA as required, your medical examiner may be permitted to issue your aviation medical certificate without any involvement by the FAA.

Yes, you can still obtain an FAA medical certificate after a DUI, but it requires navigating a rigorous reporting and evaluation process. Per 2026 regulations, you must report any DUI-related motor vehicle action (including license suspensions) to the FAA's Security and Investigations Division within 60 days of the occurrence. On your next medical application (MedXPress), you must disclose the arrest or conviction under Question 18v. A single DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) below 0.15 typically results in a "deferral" by your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), requiring you to provide court records and a personal statement for review by the FAA in Oklahoma City. However, a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or a history of multiple offenses, triggers a mandatory "Substance Abuse/Dependence" evaluation by a specialized psychiatrist or psychologist. While not an automatic disqualification, failing to report the incident within 60 days is a separate violation that can lead to the permanent revocation of all pilot certificates, making proactive and honest disclosure the most critical step for any pilot facing a DUI charge.