Guide to New York MVR Checks

Motor vehicle record checks in New York are commonly used during the hiring process to help employers evaluate a candidate's driving history and qualifications, particularly for roles that involve vehicle operation. Before conducting pre-employment MVR checks, it's important for employers to understand how driving record checks work in New York and what federal regulations may apply.

A New York MVR check is an official report of a person's driving history, maintained by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The report, also called an abstract, provides detailed information about a driver's record and can be used for purposes such as employment screening and insurance underwriting.

New York offers three types of driving record abstracts:

Each type of abstract serves different purposes depending on the employer's needs and the position being filled.

A New York driving record shows information about a person's driving history. The specific details included depend on the type of abstract requested but generally include the following categories of information.

A driving record often displays the following information about status and class:

It also reports the license’s expiration date.

A New York driving record lists moving violations with conviction dates, violation dates, locations where violations occurred, and any driver violation points assigned under New York's point system. Bail forfeitures related to traffic tickets are also recorded and treated as convictions on the record.

Records show any suspensions or revocations with the reason for the action, effective date, and clearance or end dates when applicable. The abstract indicates whether the action relates to unpaid fines or tickets or other causes like DWI or insurance lapse.

Accident entries list the date, county, case number, as well as whether there was a fatality, injury, or property damage involved. New York DMV abstracts do not determine or assign fault for accidents. An accident appears on the record of every involved driver without indicating who was responsible.

Violations remain on a New York state driving record for specific time periods, which affects what employers see when conducting a driving record check. The retention periods vary based on the type of violation or incident.

These retention periods help employers understand the timeframe of available information when conducting driving record checks.

There are several ways to obtain a driving record in New York, and the process differs for employers and individuals. Understanding the appropriate sources and requirements for conducting MVR checks helps your team comply with laws and process checks efficiently.

To obtain an individual’s driving record during the hiring process, follow these steps: 

Many organizations use a professional background check provider to streamline the MVR ordering process and comply with federal regulations. Checkr's MVR screening service can handle consent collection, report ordering, and compliance documentation automatically.

Individuals can request their own driving record through several methods:

The New York DMV does not offer free driving record abstracts. All official records require requesters to pay the applicable fee.

When New York MVR checks are used for employment purposes, they fall under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), not just federal DPPA. The FCRA stipulates the following requirements for employment-related MVR screening:

FCRA-compliant background check providers, like Checkr, automate these compliance requirements by standardizing disclosures, capturing consent, and managing adverse action workflows. This process can help reduce legal risk for employers.

Checkr provides a comprehensive solution for New York MVR checks with fast turnaround times and built-in compliance workflows. The platform handles everything from consent collection to report delivery, making it easier for employers to incorporate driving record checks into their hiring process.

Whether you're hiring drivers for a delivery service, conducting background checks for your small business, or screening candidates for any role involving vehicle operation, Checkr's MVR screening helps you make informed decisions while staying compliant with federal regulations. Sign up to get started with New York MVR checks and other background screening services.

Check your suspension status through the DMV's online MyDMV portal, which displays current license status information. You can also contact the New York DMV by phone or visit a local DMV office.

Yes, you can dispute inaccuracies by contacting the New York DMV with supporting documentation such as court records or payment receipts. The DMV reviews the materials and corrects the abstract when an error is confirmed.

Yes, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers must obtain written consent from the driver before requesting a motor vehicle record for employment purposes. This applies to all employment-related MVR checks regardless of the state where the check is conducted.

No, the New York DMV charges fees for all official driving abstracts, whether ordered online or in person. Free options are not available for official records, though some basic license status information may be available through the DMV's online services.

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