A motor vehicle record (MVR) report provides an individual's driving history according to the government responsible for issuing drivers' licenses. In the United States, this responsibility is typically state or territorial departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) or similar agencies.
MVR reports have driving record information to help you assess the risks of potential and current employees.
Available MVR report types
MVR reports
MVR reports search driving-related records for all license types, including records that criminal searches can't find.
MVR reports include convictions like driving under the influence (DUI) that might not appear in criminal searches.
Commercial MVR reports
Commercial MVR reports are specialized for hiring drivers with commercial drivers' licenses (CDLs).
Commercial MVR reports include CDLIS searches and medical certificate data, and comply with FMCSA regulations.
Continuous MVR reports
Continuous MVR reports provide ongoing monitoring and are available only for renewal.
Cotinuous MVR reports check monthly for new records and generate a report of changes.
Order an MVR report
To order an MVR report, use the steps below:
- Confirm that you have the candidate-provided information below:
- Birth date
- License issuing government (state DMV)
- License number
- Select "Order background check."
- Complete the required fields, including the candidate's location, how the candidate of candidate information entry, and candidate contact information.
- Select Continue.
- On the "Select your package" page, search for the package or search that most closely meets your needs.
- Review and submit your order.
If you encounter issues ordering reports or don't see the MVR package you need to order, refer to Troubleshoot issues when ordering background checks.
Information included in MVR reports
Governments might differ in the information they report, but MVR reports usually include the information below:
- Full name
- Current license status (active, expired, suspended)
- Current license type (commercial or passenger)
- Current license class (A through D)
- Current license expiration date
- Current license issue date
- Current license first issued date
- Restrictions
- Endorsements
- Suspensions
- Violations
- Accidents (doesn't report fault)
- Medical certificates (if applicable)
Note
Each government, not Checkr, determines how many years of driver history MVR reports include.
MVR report turnaround time
- MVR reports usually complete within 24 hours.
- Most MVR reports complete within a few minutes.
Handling incomplete MVR reports
If Checkr can't find a matching MVR, it’s usually because the candidate incorrectly entered their personally identifying information. In this situation, Checkr automatically emails the candidate asking them to submit an image of their driver's license so that the search can continue.
MVR reports video overview
Play the Checkr Academy video below to learn the advantages and limitations of an MVR report.
State-specific requirements for MVR reports
Pennsylvania requires an affidavit to order MVR reports, which can delay MVR report orders. For more information, refer to FAQs about state-specific database searches (CORI, PATCH, and PennDOT).
Unavailable locations
MVR reports are unavailable for the locations below:
- American Samoa (AS)
- Guam (GU)
- Northern Mariana Islands (MP)
- US Virgin Islands (VI)
- US Armed Forces - Americas (AA)
- US Armed Forces - Europe (AE)
- US Armed Forces - Pacific (AP)