An MVR check pulls your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles
An MVR check (Motor Vehicle Record check) is a background report that shows your driving history — accidents, traffic violations, license suspensions, and DUI convictions. Employers, insurance companies, and rental car agencies request these reports to assess risk. The report comes directly from your state's DMV and includes only information the DMV has on file.
If you're seeing an MVR check mentioned during a job process or background screening, it usually means the employer needs to verify you can legally drive or that you don't have a record that would make you unsafe in a role involving vehicles. Some positions — delivery drivers, rideshare operators, commercial drivers, or roles requiring a company vehicle — almost always trigger an MVR check.
The report itself is factual and limited. It won't include your credit score, criminal history unrelated to driving, or personal information beyond your name, license number, and address. What it shows is exactly what the DMV recorded about your driving.
Key Takeaways
- An MVR check is a report of your driving record pulled directly from your state's DMV, showing violations, accidents, and license status.
- Employers most often request MVR checks for jobs involving driving, delivery, or use of company vehicles.
- You can request a copy of your own MVR record from your state's DMV to see what an employer will see.
- If your MVR contains errors, you can dispute them with your state's DMV using their formal correction process.
- An MVR check does not include criminal history, credit information, or anything outside your driving record.
Why employers request MVR checks
Employers request MVR checks when driving is part of the job or when the role involves access to company vehicles. A delivery driver, school bus operator, or commercial truck driver will almost certainly have their MVR pulled. Some employers also request them for roles where you might occasionally use a company car, even if driving isn't the main responsibility.
Insurance companies also use MVR checks to set rates. A clean record keeps your premiums lower; violations and accidents raise them. Rental car agencies check MVRs to decide whether to rent to you and at what price.
The employer or third party requesting the check needs your written consent first. Federal law (the Fair Credit Reporting Act) requires that you be told an MVR check will happen and that you sign off on it. If you see an MVR check mentioned in a background screening notice, that consent form is usually included in the same packet.
How to get a copy of your own MVR record
You can request your own MVR record directly from your state's DMV before an employer does. This lets you see what they'll see and catch any errors. The process varies by state, but most DMVs offer online ordering, mail-in requests, or in-person pickup.
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for "driving record" or "MVR request." Most states charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) and can deliver a copy within a few business days. Some states offer when ready online access if you log into your DMV account. A few states still require you to visit in person or mail in a form with your signature.
When you order, you'll usually choose between a "certified" copy (official, with a seal, used for legal purposes) and an "uncertified" copy (for your own information). For checking what an employer will see, an uncertified copy is fine and usually costs less.
What appears on an MVR report
An MVR report shows your current license status, any suspensions or revocations, traffic violations (speeding, running red lights, reckless driving), at-fault accidents, DUI or DWI convictions, and points on your license. The report covers a set time period — usually the past three to five years, though some employers request longer histories.
The exact contents depend on what your state's DMV records and how far back the employer asks the report to go. A minor speeding ticket from two years ago will show up. A parking ticket usually will not, because parking violations are handled by local courts, not the DMV. A criminal conviction for DUI will show up; a criminal conviction for an unrelated felony will not.
The report does not include your Social Security number, credit score, medical history, criminal record outside of driving-related offenses, or personal details beyond name and address. It is a driving record only.
Disputing errors on your MVR record
If your MVR contains an error — a violation you didn't commit, an accident listed twice, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can challenge it. Contact your state's DMV and ask for their dispute or correction process. Most states have a formal procedure that requires you to submit evidence (court documents, insurance records, photos, or a written statement) showing the error.
Start by getting a copy of your record so you know exactly what to dispute. Then gather documentation: if a violation was dismissed in court, get the court's dismissal letter; if an accident was not your fault, get the police report; if a suspension was lifted, get the DMV's own letter confirming it. Mail or submit these documents to your state's DMV along with a written request for correction, clearly stating what is wrong and why.
The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or deny your request. If denied, you can usually request a hearing or appeal. The timeline varies by state — some resolve disputes in weeks, others take months. Start the process as soon as you spot an error, especially if you know an employer is about to pull your record.
How long violations stay on your MVR
Most traffic violations remain on your MVR for three to five years from the date of the violation, though this varies by state and the severity of the offense. A minor speeding ticket might drop off after three years; a DUI conviction might stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep violations on record indefinitely but mark older ones as "archived" so they appear differently on reports.
Suspensions and revocations stay on your record for the duration of the suspension plus a set period after it ends. If your license was suspended for six months, the suspension itself shows for six months, and then the record of that suspension may remain visible for several more years.
You cannot remove a violation from your record straightforward because time has passed, but you can check your state's specific retention rules on the DMV website. Some states allow you to petition for early removal of certain violations under specific circumstances, such as if you've had no violations for a set number of years.
What happens if your MVR shows violations
If your MVR shows violations, the employer's next step depends on their hiring policy and the severity of what's on the record. Some employers have strict policies — for example, no drivers with a DUI in the past five years — and will automatically disqualify you. Others review violations on a case-by-case basis and may still hire you if the violations are old or minor.
If you're concerned about what an employer will see, you can be proactive. After you've reviewed your own MVR, you might mention relevant context in your interview or process — for example, "I had a speeding ticket in 2021, but I've had a clean record since then." This shows honesty and gives the employer context they might not have from the report alone.
If the employer rejects you based on your MVR, they must tell you so and provide you with a copy of the report they used. If you believe the report contains errors, you can dispute it with the DMV and ask the employer to reconsider once corrections are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my MVR before an employer pulls it?
Yes. You can order your own MVR record from your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person. This shows you exactly what the employer will see. Most states charge $5 to $15 and deliver the record within a few business days. Checking your own record first lets you spot errors and prepare for any questions.
Does an MVR check show criminal history?
No. An MVR check shows only driving-related information: violations, accidents, license status, and driving-related convictions like DUI. Criminal convictions unrelated to driving do not appear on an MVR. A separate criminal background check would be needed for that.
How long does a violation stay on my MVR?
Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, though this varies by state and the type of violation. DUI convictions often remain for seven to ten years or longer. Check your state's DMV website for the specific retention period for your violation type.
What if my MVR has an error on it?
Contact your state's DMV and request their dispute or correction process. Submit documentation proving the error — court dismissal letters, police reports, or DMV correspondence. The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or deny your request. You can usually appeal a denial.
Can I get hired if my MVR shows violations?
It depends on the employer's policy and the severity of the violations. Some employers have strict rules and will disqualify you; others review violations individually. If you're concerned, you can be honest about older violations in your interview and explain what's changed since then.