A background check does not automatically show a suspended license unless the check specifically includes a driving record search
A standard background check — the kind employers and landlords run — looks at criminal history, civil judgments, and sometimes credit. It does not pull your driving record by default. Your suspended license only appears if the organization running the check specifically requests a motor vehicle record (MVR) or driving history report as a separate step.
The confusion happens because "background check" is a catch-all term. What actually gets checked depends entirely on what the person ordering it decides to pay for. A retail employer might run only a criminal history. A rideshare company runs criminal history plus a full driving record. A landlord might run criminal history and eviction records but skip driving records altogether. You do not know what was ordered unless you ask.
If your license is suspended, the suspension itself is not a crime and will not show on a criminal background check. But if the suspension happened because of a DUI conviction, that conviction will show. And if the organization specifically ordered your driving record, the suspension will be listed there with the reason.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license does not appear on a criminal background check unless the organization also orders a separate driving record report.
- If your suspension resulted from a DUI or reckless driving conviction, that conviction will show on a criminal background check regardless of whether your driving record is pulled.
- Employers in transportation, rideshare, delivery, and insurance often order driving records as part of their background check process.
- You can request a copy of your own driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see exactly what appears.
When employers and landlords actually order driving records
Certain industries almost always request a driving record as part of the background check. If you are explore for a job that involves operating a vehicle — delivery driver, truck driver, taxi driver, rideshare driver, school bus driver, or commercial transport — expect a driving record check. Insurance companies also pull driving records when you explore for a policy.
Landlords vary widely. Some run only criminal and eviction history. Others, particularly large property management companies, may order driving records as part of a comprehensive tenant screening, though this is less common than criminal checks. If you are concerned about a specific process, ask the organization directly what they are checking. They can tell you whether a driving record is part of their process.
Small employers and individual landlords often use cheaper background check services that do not include driving records. Larger organizations and those in regulated industries tend to order more complete reports. There is no universal standard.
The difference between a suspension and a conviction on your record
A suspended license and a DUI conviction are two separate things, and they show up in different places. The suspension itself — the administrative action that says you cannot legally drive — appears only on your driving record. A DUI conviction appears on your criminal record.
If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or for accumulating too many points, there is no underlying criminal conviction. A criminal background check will show nothing. A driving record check will show the suspension and its reason. If you were suspended because of a DUI, reckless driving, or another criminal offense, that conviction shows on your criminal record even if your license is later reinstated.
This matters for job applications. An employer who does not order a driving record will not see your suspension. But if your suspension came from a DUI conviction, they will see the conviction itself if they run a criminal check.
How to find out what is actually on your driving record
You can request your own driving record directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to order it online, by mail, or in person. Some charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 — and some offer it free. The record will show your current license status, any suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and the reason for any suspension.
Getting a copy before you explore for a job or housing gives you a clear picture of what an employer or landlord will see if they order a driving record. It also lets you correct errors if something is listed incorrectly. If your suspension was supposed to end on a certain date and it still shows as active, you can contact the DMV to have it lifted.
You can also request a copy of any background check run on you. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, if an employer or landlord used a third-party background check company, you have the right to request a copy of that report and dispute anything you believe is wrong.
What happens if a background check finds a suspended license
If an organization orders a driving record and finds a suspension, what happens next depends on the job or situation. For positions that require driving, a suspended license is usually disqualifying — you cannot legally do the job. For positions that do not require driving, the organization may overlook it, or it may be a factor in their decision depending on their policies.
Some employers and landlords have strict policies: any suspension means automatic rejection. Others evaluate suspensions on a case-by-case basis, particularly if the suspension is old or has been resolved. If you know your license is suspended and you are explore somewhere that might check, consider being upfront about it. Explaining the situation yourself is often better than letting them discover it during the check.
If a background check company reports incorrect information about your license status, you can dispute it. Contact the background check company directly and provide documentation from your state's DMV showing the correct status. They are required to investigate disputes and correct errors.
How to reinstate a suspended license before explore
If your license is suspended, the steps to reinstate it depend on why it was suspended. Suspensions for unpaid fines require you to pay what you owe. Suspensions for points require you to wait out the suspension period or complete a defensive driving course, depending on your state's rules. Suspensions from a DUI or criminal conviction may require completion of a substance abuse program, payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of insurance.
Contact your state's DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out exactly what you need to do. Many states have online portals where you can check your license status and see what steps are required. Once you complete those steps and your license is reinstated, it will show as active on your driving record going forward.
If you are in the middle of the reinstatement process when you explore for a job, tell the employer. Many will wait for you to complete the process, particularly if the job does not start when ready. Being transparent about where you stand is better than hoping they do not check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a suspended license show up on a background check for a job that does not involve driving?
Not unless the employer specifically orders a driving record. Most employers for non-driving positions run only criminal history checks. If your suspension is not tied to a criminal conviction, it will not appear. Ask the employer what they are checking if you are unsure.
Does a suspended license count as a criminal record?
No. A suspension is an administrative action by the DMV, not a criminal conviction. It shows on your driving record, not your criminal record. However, if the suspension resulted from a DUI or reckless driving conviction, that conviction is a criminal matter and will show on a criminal background check.
Can I get a job if my license is suspended?
Yes, for jobs that do not require driving. For driving positions, a suspended license is typically disqualifying because you cannot legally perform the work. For other roles, it depends on the employer's policies and whether they even order a driving record.
How long does a suspension stay on your driving record?
It depends on the reason and your state's rules. Some suspensions are temporary and automatically lift after a set period. Others remain on your record permanently but show as "resolved" or "inactive" once the suspension ends. Check with your state's DMV for the specific timeline.
What should I do if a background check shows incorrect information about my license?
Contact the background check company and dispute the error in writing. Provide documentation from your state's DMV showing the correct status. They must investigate within 30 days and correct any errors. You can also contact your state's DMV directly to may support their records are accurate.