Arizona Driving Record & MVR Checks

Our guide to Arizona MVRs aims to help employers understand what an MVR includes, how to request driving records, and how you can use the information to make informed hiring decisions. We’ll also cover tips for maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws. 

An Arizona MVR, or motor vehicle record, shows information about an individual’s driving history, such as driver license class and status, traffic or moving violations, and some types of motor vehicle-related convictions. Individuals and eligible third parties may be able to get an Arizona driving record online. 

MVRs in Arizona are typically used by hiring managers as part of a pre-employment background check to make more informed hiring decisions or meet legal requirements. For example, employers must review a school bus driver’s driving record in Arizona as part of the certification process.

At the federal level, Arizona employers regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must conduct motor vehicle record checks during the hiring process and annually thereafter if the organization operates vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles that seat nine or more passengers, or vehicles that carry hazardous materials.

Additionally, employers regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to conduct DOT background checks for commercial driving positions, which includes a driving record check from the previous three states where a candidate held a license or permit. 

An MVR in Arizona offers employers visibility into a candidate’s eligibility to drive which can help hiring managers determine if a candidate is qualified to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery.  Benefits of running an Arizona MVR include regulatory and legal compliance, reduced risk for the organization, and safer working conditions. 

Checking an Arizona motor vehicle record can also help employers safeguard themselves against potential liability claims and higher insurance premiums. Performing an MVR check may also be a requirement for certain types of commercial insurance. Often Arizona driving record checks are part of a comprehensive pre-employment background check that may include additional screenings like a criminal background check, employment and education verification, and more.

Individuals and employers can order Arizona driving records online or by mail from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). You can also request a driving record in Arizona by completing the Motor Vehicle Record Request form and submitting the accompanying fee for an uncertified or certified record by mail or at any MVD location or authorized third-party office. Your signature must be notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent and at least one permissible purpose must be selected, unless you are requesting your own Arizona driving record. 

Limited driving records are also accessible by both private and government attorneys and private investigators who complete the Authorization to Release Limited Driver History Information form. 

Employers may choose to obtain an MVR report in Arizona by partnering with a qualified background provider, like Checkr. Partnering with a consumer reporting agency (CRA) can help streamline the process and speed turnaround times. Using a CRA can be especially beneficial for time and cost savings if you need to order Arizona MVRs along with additional background checks. 

Driving records in Arizona may include the following information:

An uncertified Arizona driving record contains information about license status and violations that occurred in the last 39 months. Certified records show license status and traffic violation history going back five years, while extended certified records have a ten-year lookback period. 

Uncertified and extended certified commercial driver license (CDL) records are also available and show a candidate’s CDL history, including license information and violations. 

Employers that choose to review MVR reports in Arizona must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. If you’re unsure which Arizona MVR laws apply, you may want to follow the strictest guidance available and consult with legal counsel to mitigate the risk of legal liability.

Summary: This federal law protects driver license, vehicle registration, and driving record information privacy. To comply with the law when obtaining an MVR report in Arizona, employers must typically gain written permission from candidates. However, the law does make exceptions, such as for commercial driver licenses. See law. 

Summary: This state law regulates how driver’s license or MVR information may be released. Permissible uses are listed on the Motor Vehicle Record Request Form and include certain third-party requests made with proper consent as well as requests by government agencies,  lawyers, and insurance companies. See law.

Arizona employers choose to partner with Checkr for motor vehicle reports in Arizona to benefit from fast, accurate results with most MVRs completed in minutes. In addition to MVRs, including DOT-compliant driving record checks, Checkr also offers multiple screening options to meet your background check needs, while our built-in compliance workflows help you make confident hiring decisions. Get started now.

About the author

Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.