Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Checks
An MVR check pulls a candidate’s official driving record from the state DMV. Fast Track MVRs most return within minutes.
What’s on an MVR report
- License number, class, status and expiration
- Endorsements and restrictions, such as CDL hazmat or corrective lenses
- Moving violations and points
- Accidents, where the state reports them
- Suspensions, revocations and cancellations
- DUI and DWI convictions
What appears, and how it’s labeled, varies by state. Each state decides which violations it records, how long it keeps them, and how points work.
Who needs an MVR check?
Any role where an employee drives for work: delivery drivers, field technicians, sales reps with company cars, home-care aides who drive clients, and commercial drivers. Many insurers also require MVRs for anyone covered by a company auto policy.
For CDL drivers covered by DOT rules, an MVR is required from every state where they held a license in the past 3 years, and each driver’s record must be reviewed at least once every 12 months. See our DOT Background Checks page.
How an MVR check works
- You order. Add an MVR to any package, or order it on its own.
- The candidate consents online and enters their driver’s license number and state.
- We request the record directly from that state’s motor vehicle agency.
- You get the report, usually within minutes, in your dashboard.
If the candidate has held licenses in other states, order one MVR per state to see their full history.
What can delay an MVR?
- A mistyped license number or state. The most common cause. We flag mismatches so you can correct them quickly.
- States with slower systems. A few states return some records manually.
- License recently transferred from another state, which can leave the older record with the previous state.
How to judge driving records
Set clear, written standards before you review any MVRs, and apply them the same way to every candidate. Many employers and their insurers look at:
- Major violations, such as DUI, reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident, within the past 3–7 years
- The number of moving violations or accidents in the past 3 years
- Whether the license is currently valid for the vehicle the job requires
If an MVR leads you to decide not to hire, follow the FCRA adverse action steps: a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report, a waiting period, then a final notice.
Consent and privacy rules
Two federal laws apply. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires the candidate’s written authorization before you get an MVR from a background check company. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits who can access DMV records and why; employment screening is a permitted use. Some states add their own consent forms. Fast Track collects the right authorization online.
Keep watching after hire
A clean record at hire can change. It’s the simplest way to meet the DOT’s annual review rule and to keep your insurer informed.
Often ordered with
- Criminal Background Checks for every driver
- Drug Testing for safety-sensitive driving roles
- DOT Background Checks for CDL drivers
Frequently asked questions
How long does an MVR check take?
Most states return records within minutes. A few states take longer for some records.
How far back does an MVR go?
It depends on the state, typically 3 to 7 years. Serious offenses such as DUIs often stay on a record longer.
Can you check driving records in more than one state?
Yes. We pull one MVR for each state where the candidate has held a license.
Do I need the driver’s consent?
Yes. The FCRA requires the candidate’s written authorization before you pull an MVR for employment. Fast Track collects it online.
Does an MVR show criminal history?
Only driving-related offenses recorded by the DMV, such as DUIs. For other criminal records, order a criminal background check.
How often should I re-check drivers?
At least once a year. For CDL drivers, the DOT requires an annual review of each driver’s record.
Can I monitor drivers after they’re hired?
Yes, continuous MVR monitoring is available
