MVR and driving record checks
Safety on the road is a top priority. Understand your candidates’ driving history and license status with easy-to-review MVR reports that are fast and reliable.
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Checkr’s featured MVR report offerings
MVR checks are available as a standalone check, as well as an add-on to your candidate’s comprehensive background check, and are essential for positions where driving is part of the job description.
Motor vehicle records (MVR) checks
Identify driving incidents and verify license status and driving eligibility. Data is accessed from a state’s department of motor vehicles. Information returned may depend on the seriousness of the incident and the state in which it occurred.
Commercial MVR checks
Verify a candidate’s current license and confirm they are fit to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Commercial MVR checks include Medical Certificate information and a Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) search. If a CDL is found in other states, an MVR check will be run in those states. Learn more.
International MVR checks - Canada
Quickly understand whether someone is legally eligible to drive in Canada. MVR checks in Canada, also sometimes known as driver’s license verifications, assess the validity of a license, its class or classes, and any current suspensions. Data is sourced from the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) in each province.
International MVR with History checks - Canada
Identify what a driver’s history looks like in Canada. MVR with History checks in Canada, also sometimes known as driver’s abstracts, include information like convictions, violations, and conditions. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) data connection for each province is the data source for this screening.
Driving record check laws by state
Navigating the complex web of state and local laws can make it difficult to manage compliance when conducting background checks in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Learn more about MVR checks
Motor vehicle records (MVR) screens may be used as part of pre-employment background checks when candidates apply for a position in which driving is required for the job. MVR checks of a candidate’s driving record can help employers enhance safety, minimize risk, and protect themselves from liability claims by validating that a candidate’s returned MVR meets the customer’s requirements. In industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which sets federal highway safety policies, MVR checks are required by law.
What is an MVR?
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.
What is an MVR check?
An MVR 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 motor vehicle records search 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.
What shows up on an MVR report?
Information that may appear on an MVR report includes:
- The status of the driver’s license (such as valid, restricted, suspended, revoked, or expired)
- The driver’s license type and class (such as commercial, passenger, permit, and identification), indicating the class(es) of vehicles the person can legally operate (such as vehicle type and weight)
- Motor vehicle accident reports (including information about the extent of the accident, such as property damage, personal injury, or death)
- Traffic violations (the types of violations reported may vary depending on the state’s traffic laws)
- Driving-related felony and misdemeanor convictions (such as driving under the influence or DUI, driving while intoxicated or DWI, or vehicular homicide)
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, and a few as far as 10 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.
How long does an MVR report take?
In states with digitized motor vehicle records, employers may receive MVR screening results the same day. At Checkr, most MVR reports are completed within a few minutes. In some instances MVR reports may not be 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 slow results, too.
How long an MVR check takes also depends on whether you are conducting the search directly with the state’s DMV, requesting the candidate provide the report, or working with a third-party provider.
Using a qualified background check provider, like Checkr, to conduct MVR screenings is generally the fastest option due to our advanced technology and extensive data networks.
How to get an MVR report
Employers have several options for requesting an MVR report for a job candidate:
- Request the MVR directly from the DMV. You can typically request an MVR by mail, online, or in-person through the state’s DMV. Managing requests with different DMVs can be time-consuming for your HR team, especially if you’re hiring in high volumes or in multiple states. It can also be difficult to interpret the reports, since formats may differ from state to state.
- Ask the candidate to get the MVR. Some employers may ask candidates to obtain and submit their own MVRs. A best practice to consider is requesting a certified motor vehicle report, which is verified by the state DMV. However, certified MVR records may take longer to receive.
- Use a third-party background check provider. To increase accuracy and efficiency, many employers rely on consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), like Checkr, to conduct MVR checks. Professional background check providers deliver MVR reports in a standardized format for easy review. An experienced background check provider will be current on state and federal laws, including the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), that regulate how information in motor vehicle records can be accessed and used for employment purposes. An FCRA-compliant background check provider can also help ensure your background checks are compliant with applicable laws.
Get an MVR report with Checkr
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-friendly candidate portal keeps applicants in-the-know. MVR Rule configuration is highly customizable to meet your needs, allowing customers to more easily make the best decisions for their business needs in a compliant manner.
Gain peace of mind and protect your brand reputation with our user-friendly MVR checks. Get started today.
Disclaimer
The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
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