Your driving record affects more than just your insurance rate — it plays a critical role in employment decisions, compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations, and overall safety outcomes.
This guide explores everything you need to know about Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs), what they are, what they include, who needs them, and how they’re used in business and personal decision-making.
At WorkforceQA, we help employers in safety-sensitive industries, such as transportation, logistics, and public safety, make informed hiring decisions with compliant and comprehensive MVR checks.
What is a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) — sometimes called a driving record — is a state-issued document that details an individual’s driving history. It is maintained by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
Think of an MVR as a driving-specific background check. Instead of reviewing employment or criminal history, an MVR focuses exclusively on a driver’s behavior, licensing status, and record of compliance on the road.
What Does an MVR Include?
- Driver’s license number, name, and date of birth
- License status (valid, suspended, revoked, expired)
- License class and endorsements (e.g., CDL, Hazmat)
- Traffic violations, citations, and point accumulation
- DUI/DWI or other serious driving offenses
- Accident history, including at-fault indicators (if reported)
- Medical certification details (for CDL drivers)
Who Needs an MVR Check?
MVR checks are essential wherever employees drive as part of their job. Examples include:
- Transportation & trucking companies (CDL drivers)
- Delivery and logistics services (last-mile delivery, couriers)
- Construction (operators of heavy machinery and company vehicles)
- Public safety (EMTs, firefighters, police, and government fleets)
For DOT and FMCSA-regulated employers, MVR checks are mandatory for CDL drivers, both during pre-employment screening and at least annually thereafter.
WorkforceQA supports employers across all safety-sensitive sectors, delivering accurate, compliant, and timely MVR results to meet regulatory and insurance requirements.
How to Get an MVR
For Individuals
- Request directly from your state DMV, either online, by mail, or in person
- Expect to pay a small fee (varies by state)
- Must confirm identity and sometimes provide a reason for the request
For Employers
Employers have three main options:
- Ask the applicant to provide a copy (least reliable, not always up to date)
- Request directly from each state DMV (accurate but slow and administratively heavy)
- Use a trusted screening partner like WorkforceQA for fast, compliant, and scalable MVR checks across multiple states and candidates
👉 Learn more about WorkforceQA’s background screening services.
How Long Do Violations Stay on an MVR?
This varies by state and severity of the offense:
- Minor infractions (speeding, minor accidents): typically, 3–5 years
- Serious violations (DUI, reckless driving): up to 10 years or more
- Some states maintain lifetime driving records, especially for CDL holders
Employers must carefully review MVRs to identify patterns of unsafe driving over time.
Legal Compliance and Best Practices
Key Laws to Know
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – governs how background checks (including MVRs) can be used in hiring
- Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) – protects driver information and regulates disclosure
- DOT/FMCSA Regulations (49 CFR Part 391) – require MVR checks at hire and annually for CDL drivers
- Ban-the-Box & Fair Hiring Laws – may impact how and when driving history can be considered in some jurisdictions
Employer Best Practices
- Always obtain written consent before requesting an MVR
- Provide clear, standalone disclosure forms
- Follow the adverse action process if employment decisions are based on MVR results
- Recheck MVRs annually (minimum requirement under FMCSA rules)
Conclusion
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is a vital tool for employers, insurers, and individuals. By showing license status, violations, and accident history, it helps ensure only safe, qualified drivers are trusted with safety-sensitive responsibilities.
At WorkforceQA, we provide DOT- and FMCSA-compliant MVR checks that are fast, accurate, and reliable, helping organizations reduce risk and protect their workforce.
👉 Learn more about WFQA’s Trusted DOT & FMCSA Compliance Solutions for the Trucking Industry
