What Is an MVR Check?

An MVR Check screens a person’s MVR (motor vehicle record) for information about their driving history. The data gets pulled directly from a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles database.

MVR Checks are also often referred to as driving records checks, MVR reports, or driver’s license verification.

Companies run MVR checks during the background check process when hiring for transportation-related positions. They confirm a reliable driving record, including driver safety and compliance with driving laws.

Since it’s a consumer report, employers utilizing an MVR check must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, fully disclosing the check and getting authorization from the driver to obtain their driving record.

The information reported in an MVR check depends on the state, the industry, and the position.

The most common information discovered through MVR checks includes information on any violations, crimes, and basic driving information:

• Full name and license number
• License expiration date
• Date of birth
• Sex, height, and weight
• Hair color and eye color
• License status and any driving restrictions
• License issue date
• Type of license (commercial driver’s license, etc.)

It can also include accident reports, moving traffic violations, driving record points, and license suspensions. If the driver has ever committed any vehicular crimes, this may also appear.

Some states maintain records dating back three years, while others may hold records for up to 10 years.

If hiring a commercial driver, employers will need to request MVRs in each state where the individual held a CDL license within the previous three years.

Employers may also require annual MVR checks as a part of their evaluation and review process to ensure continued compliance.

MVR checks may be necessary for all sorts of jobs that affect public and employee safety. Some roles that merit an MVR check include a truck driving, limo or shuttle driver, ambulance driver, construction machinery operator, or warehouse machinery operator.

Just as a hospital would need to verify a doctor’s medical license before letting them treat patients, employers hiring for these transportation and machinery-related roles must use MVR checks before extending a job offer.

It’s crucial to find candidates with good-standing driver’s licenses, required endorsements (such as a commercial driver’s license), and a clean record of operating moving vehicles.

This screening isn’t just about protecting the company vehicle. If the driver is involved in an incident while driving for your company, and it comes to light that you did not run an MVR check, you could face a lawsuit for negligent hiring. Employers have a responsibility to perform due diligence to protect the safety of the workplace and the employees.

This due diligence ensures that, as an employer, you hire drivers well-qualified for their roles. It reduces the risk of liability.

Further, any industries regulated beneath the Department of Transportation, such as logistics and trucking, are required by federal law to obtain these MVR reports before hiring a candidate.