MVR Check for Employment: Real-Time Driving Records
An MVR check for employment shows how your applicant really drives.
It reports violations, suspensions, DUIs, and license status straight from the state DMV.
Moreover, most states return the driving record in real time.
What Does a Motor Vehicle Record Check Show?
A motor vehicle report documents a person’s driving history with a state licensing agency.
Specifically, a driving history report can include the items below.
License Status and Class
First, the record shows whether the license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
Endorsements and Restrictions
It also lists endorsements, restrictions, issue dates, and expiration dates.
Moving Violations
Additionally, it reports speeding tickets and other traffic violations.
DUI and DWI Convictions
The record then shows convictions for driving while intoxicated.
Suspensions and Revocations
Furthermore, it lists each suspension, revocation, and reinstatement.
Accidents and Points
Many states also report accidents and the points on the license.
The lookback period depends on the state.
Most states return three years of history, while others return five or seven.
Driving Record Check for Employers: Are They Responsible Drivers?
Every employee who drives for work creates risk for your company.
Therefore, an MVR check for employment belongs in every driver hiring decision.
A driving record check for employers reveals patterns that an interview cannot.
For example, repeated speeding tickets suggest a habit rather than a mistake.
Similarly, a suspended license exposes your company to liability after a crash.
DOT-regulated motor carriers face added duties under federal rules.
Specifically, 49 CFR 391.23 requires a record from every state of licensure in three years.
Additionally, 49 CFR 391.25 requires a review of each driver’s record every 12 months.
First, run a CDLIS search to find every state where a commercial driver held a license.
Order an MVR for anyone who
- Drives a company car, van, or truck.
- Makes deliveries or sales calls for you.
- Holds a commercial driver’s license.
- Transports patients, students, or clients.
- Appears on your commercial auto policy.
DMV Records Are Available Only for Employment Screening
Our DMV records comply with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) of 1994.
Therefore, we provide them for employment screening and not for personal use.
18 U.S.C. § 2721
Driver’s Privacy Protection Act
The DPPA limits who may obtain personal information from state DMV records.
However, it permits use by an employer with the driver’s written consent.
18 U.S.C. § 2724
Penalties for Misuse
A driver may sue anyone who obtains a record for an improper purpose.
Moreover, courts can award at least $2,500 in liquidated damages.
15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)
Fair Credit Reporting Act
A driving record from a screening company is also a consumer report.
Consequently, you need a standalone disclosure and written authorization first.
MVR Access and Compliance Forms
MVR access is not enabled at initial account signup.
Because the DPPA created strict requirements, we verify each client’s intended use.
Therefore, contact us to complete the required compliance forms.
Required for initial access
State-specific forms
Additionally, some states and programs require their own form before we can release a record.
Pennsylvania and Utah
Your business entity must first register with the state.
Then provide us the code that the state issues.
Transportation and logistics
We also offer fleet monitoring and DOT screening options.
Call (800) 661-0278 to discuss your fleet.
How to order
First, open a business account.
You can also add optional Multiple Authentication Factor (MAF) security for every user.
Next, return the compliance forms so we can enable MVR access.
Finally, enter the driver’s name, date of birth, license number, and state.
Sample Driving History Report
The sample below uses a fictitious driver to show the report layout.
North Carolina Driving Record: 7-Year Period
| Type | Violation date | Conviction date | History entry | Court | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation | 09/25/2024 | 12/31/2024 | Speeding (54 mph in a 45 mph zone) · ACD S92 | Wake County Court, NC | 2 |
| Violation | 06/29/2023 | 08/06/2023 | Speeding (64 mph in a 55 mph zone) · ACD S92 | Franklin County Court, NC | 3 |
| Other | 04/02/2022 | — | Duplicate Class C license issued | — | 0 |
Sample only. The driver, license number, and results shown are fictitious.
MVR Check for Employment Pricing: $15 + State Fee
Each MVR check for employment costs $15.00 plus the fee that the state DMV charges.
$15.00 Search Fee
Our flat fee applies to every driving record you order.
State DMV Fee
Every state sets its own access fee, so totals vary.
Therefore, check the MVR fees by state table.
Final Price Before You Order
A gateway processing fee of $1 to $3 may also apply.
However, you always see the final price before you place the order.
MVR Check for Employment: Questions and Answers
What is an MVR check for employment?
An MVR check for employment pulls a driver’s motor vehicle record from the state DMV.
It shows license status, violations, suspensions, and DUI convictions.
As a result, you can judge whether a candidate drives safely.
How far back does an MVR check go?
The lookback period depends on the state.
Most states return three years of history, while others return five or seven.
How much does a driving record check cost?
Each driving record costs $15 plus the state fee.
Because every state sets its own fee, the total varies.
See our MVR fees by state table for exact amounts.
Why is MVR access not available at account signup?
Federal privacy law restricts who may obtain driving records.
Therefore, we verify your permissible use before we enable MVR access.
Specifically, you complete an Affidavit of Intended Use and a Compliance Addendum.
Do DUIs show up on an MVR report?
Yes, a DUI conviction appears when it falls inside the state’s reporting period.
Additionally, the record shows any related suspension or revocation.
However, a county criminal court search provides the full court case details.
Order Your First MVR Check Today
Open your account now, and then contact us to complete the compliance forms.
Questions? Call (800) 661-0278 or email support@usabackground.com.
BCS Background Screening LLC provides this page for general information only, and it is not legal advice. Therefore, consult qualified counsel about your DPPA, FMCSA, and Fair Credit Reporting Act duties.