Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Search

A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) search—often called a driving records check or driver’s license verification—is a foundational risk management tool for any organization requiring employees to operate a vehicle. By providing a comprehensive view of an applicant’s driving history, this search allows you to make informed hiring decisions, assess risk, and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.

What Does the Search Cover?

Because the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates completely separately from the criminal court system, an MVR search often uncovers critical information that will not appear on a standard criminal background check.

Depending on the specific reporting laws of the issuing state, an MVR search typically reveals:

• License Status: Current standing (valid, expired, suspended, or revoked), issue/expiration dates, and the specific class of license.
• Traffic Violations: Moving and non-moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, or failure to yield.
• Major Offenses: Severe infractions including DUIs, DWIs, or vehicular manslaughter.
• Accident History: State-reported accidents and any associated driving record points.
• Restrictions & Endorsements: Details regarding Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL), motorcycle endorsements, or medical restrictions (like required corrective lenses).

How Does the Search Work?

We source these records directly from state DMV databases, ensuring you receive the most accurate, primary-source data available.

1. Direct Search: Using the candidate’s identifying information, we query the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where their current driver's license was issued.
2. Data Retrieval: We retrieve the official driving record exactly as the state DMV maintains it.
3. Record Delivery: The verified driving history and official license status are populated directly into your Verified First report for easy review.

Tip: Ensure the candidate's Driver’s License number and name are entered exactly as they appear on their physical license. Small discrepancies—such as transposed digits and variations in the name—are the most common reasons for processing delays.

States and Territories with Special Requirements

Some jurisdictions have specific documentation or unique processing requirements. Please refer to the guidelines below:

Pennsylvania

There are two ways to process Pennsylvania MVRs. We strongly encourage all clients to sign up for the Paperless Option to streamline processing.

• Paperless Option: After submitting the DL-9105 form and receiving state approval, PA MVRs will run automatically without additional forms. See our Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Reports article for setup instructions.
• Standard Option: If you are not enrolled in the paperless process, a DL-503 form is required for every order. The form must be completed (Sections B, C, and E) and signed within the last 21 days.

US Territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

A specific form is required for these searches. You can access the latest versions in our Forms Library.

• Puerto Rico: Requires the form, a valid SSN, and a copy of the candidate’s driver's license. The form must be dated within the last 90 days.
• Virgin Islands: The form must be submitted as a scanned copy. Photos of the form will not be accepted.

Canada

• Alberta: We are unable to run MVRs in this province due to privacy laws. The candidate must request their own driver's abstract and provide it to you directly.
• British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia: Forms are required (see our Forms Library). Please note that due to a policy change in British Columbia, digital forms are not accepted; a "wet" (pen-to-paper) signature is mandatory.

Washington

A signed release form is required. While Verified First does not need you to upload this form to initiate the search, you must obtain and retain the signed authorization from the candidate before placing the order.

Who Needs This Search?

While an MVR is a strict legal requirement for DOT-regulated commercial drivers, it is highly recommended for a wide variety of roles. You should run this search if you are hiring for:

• Commercial Drivers: Freight, logistics, passenger transportation, and delivery services.
• Corporate Fleet Drivers: Employees issued a company car (such as outside sales representatives or executives).
• Occasional Drivers: Employees who will drive their personal vehicles for work-related tasks, client visits, or company errands.

Note: If your applicant holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), please ensure you select the CDL-specific MVR product to ensure the search retrieves all relevant commercial data.

Why Make This Part of Your Screening Process?

• Identify "Hidden" Risks: As mentioned, many driving infractions—including certain DUIs or a revoked license—may not appear on a standard criminal background report. An MVR search explicitly closes this dangerous loophole.
• Ensure Insurance Compliance: If your employees are driving for work, your commercial insurance provider will almost certainly require MVR checks to maintain coverage and assess your corporate liability risk.
• Assess Overall Reliability: A candidate's behavior behind the wheel can offer a unique window into their general judgment. While a single speeding ticket might not disqualify a candidate, a heavily documented history of reckless driving and severe infractions can serve as a major warning sign regarding their professional accountability.

FAQ

Why is an MVR search flagged for review even when the records appear to match the applicant? This typically occurs due to a PII discrepancy. Even if the records look correct, any slight mismatch—such as a misspelled name, an inaccurate date of birth, or a typo in the driver's license number—triggers an automatic system flag. Common culprits include transposed digits in the DL number or a name that doesn't exactly match the state’s database.

Does Verified First require an authorization form to process Washington (WA) MVRs, and/or why was my candidate’s order processed without one? While a signed release form is legally required to run a WA MVR, Verified First does not require you to submit or upload this form to process the request. It is strictly the client’s responsibility to obtain and retain the signed authorization form prior to placing the order.

Why is the medical section missing from an MVR? A missing medical section is usually due to one of the following reasons:

• Incorrect MVR Type: The most common reason is that the standard MVR was ordered instead of the CDL option. To view medical information, you must select the CDL option. (Note: If a specific state does not offer a CDL option, their standard MVR will include the medical section if applicable).
• Pending Physician Submission: In some states, the medical examiner is required to submit results directly to the DMV before they appear on a report. If the medical section is missing on these reports, the applicant will need to contact their physician to ensure the results were successfully submitted.

Do we send 613s out for MVRs marked as ‘Review’? No, we do not send 613s out for MVRs. MVRs are not considered public record information because their unrestricted release could violate individuals' privacy and lead to potential harm. The information obtained from MVRs can only be used for the specific purpose for which it was released and cannot be shared without further authorization.

The information and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only and are based 
on current practice, industry related knowledge and business expertise. The information
provided shall not be construed as legal advice, express or implied. 

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email clientservices@verifiedfirst.com