An MVR, which stands for motor vehicle record or motor vehicle report, is a type of public record pertaining to an individual’s driving history. The department of motor vehicles (DMV) or a similar government entity in each state maintains a MVR for each licensed driver in the state. What’s included in this driving record may vary slightly, but usually involves information such as the person’s driver license status and class, accident history, driving-related convictions, moving violations, suspensions, and outstanding fines.

An MVR background check, sometimes called a driver’s license verification or driving records check, searches a candidate’s driving record in the state where they are currently licensed to reveal information about their driver license status and driving history. Generally, a driving record background check reports all data as provided by the DMV for the past three to ten years, depending on the state. MVRs may show violations from other states. For example, if a driver moved and obtained a license in a new state, the DMV may transfer the driving record information to the new state where the individual’s new license was issued. However, whether this occurs is at the discretion of the DMVs.

Information that may appear on an MVR report includes:

What shows up on an MVR report varies by state. For example, screenings in most states return driving records from the past seven years, but other states only return motor vehicle records from three years to as far as ten years. In some states, driving-related felonies and misdemeanors do not show up on a criminal search, so an employer may consider using a comprehensive criminal background screening with an MVR check included for the most accurate information.

Many factors affect turnaround times for an MVR check—including how the records are stored, the state agency, and the accuracy of candidate information. In states with digitized motor vehicle records, employers may receive MVR screening results the same day. When partnering with Checkr, most MVR reports are completed within a few minutes. In some instances MVR reports are not available electronically, which may cause delays. Errors in MVR report requests, such as a spelling error in a name or an incorrect driver license number, can also slow results.

A continuous MVR check is an automated, ongoing process that monitors a driver's motor vehicle records in near real time (or at regular intervals), rather than relying on periodic or annual checks. Checkr alerts employers to any new incidents or changes in an individual’s driving record, such as accidents, DUIs, speeding tickets, license suspensions, or other violations, as soon as they are reported by state licensing agencies.

Continuous MVR is ideal for businesses that rely on employee driving, such as transportation, delivery, logistics, field services, and rideshare companies. Ongoing monitoring helps reduce risk, maintain compliance, and ensure safer operations between scheduled rechecks.

A standard MVR check is a one-time report of a candidate’s driving record that is typically conducted during pre-employment screening. Continuous MVR, an add-on search offered by Checkr, is an ongoing driving record check that monitors the employee’s driving record over time, automatically alerting employers of changes, like a license suspension or new violation.

Employers have several options for requesting an MVR report for a job candidate:

Individuals can generally access their own driving record directly from any state. The process may vary slightly by location, but generally records can be requested online, in person, by mail, or sometimes by phone. In some states, records may be free to view, but individuals may have to pay a small fee to request a certified MVR report.

In some states, like Florida, individuals can check their driver license for free or purchase a copy of their own 3-year, 7-year, or complete Florida MVR by submitting a request form to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Individuals may also access their Florida driving record through a court clerk or an authorized third-party provider, like their insurance agent.

Hiring talent for key positions at your company can be a time-consuming process that includes several important steps. Any time you’re making a hire, you’re investing in a person to help grow your business. When companies are hiring for positions in which employees will operate motor vehicles as part of their duties on the job, an important step in the process is reviewing driving records. Specifically, an MVR check provides reliable information to help employers evaluate a candidate’s driving history.

Driving records may also assist employers in creating a safe environment on the road, protecting both the employee and the company, mitigating overall risk, upholding a top-of-the-line company reputation, and safeguarding against liability claims and higher insurance costs.

To help businesses best understand how valuable MVR checks can be when hiring, and how safety on the roads impacts employees as well as employers, Checkr analyzed driving data from across the United States to reveal the safest places for drivers in each US state. View the full report.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US DOT, NHTSA, and FBI Crime Data Explorer

MVR checks are a valuable tool to help reduce risk, minimize insurance costs, and create a safer environment for employees and customers. However, obtaining MVR reports yourself can be time-consuming, and failing to remain compliant with relevant laws could expose your company to legal liability. Partnering with Checkr streamlines the MVR check process so you can focus on building a team you can trust.

Checkr’s advanced platform delivers accurate results with speed, while a mobile-first candidate portal keeps candidates in-the-know. Plus, MVR checks can be combined with our multiple other background screening options, including DOT background checks, for comprehensive checks to more easily make the best decisions for their business. Get started.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.