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MVR Background Check

Safe hiring starts on the road. An MVR check for employers gives you a clear view of an applicant’s driving history, helping you protect your organization, your employees, and the public.

MVR Reports for Employers

If getting behind the wheel is a requirement in the job position your company is hiring for, a thorough motor vehicle record report on an individual is a must. An MVR background check helps ensure that your drivers are qualified to protect your employees, the public, and your reputation.

MVR Report information includes:

No matter what your background check requirements, Justifacts has a comprehensive motor vehicle record report package designed to fit your unique employment screening needs. Our structured MVR background check process gives employers the clarity they need to reduce liability and promote safer driving practices. A report includes:

  • History of traffic violations and license suspensions/revocations
  • License Validity
  • License class
  • License restrictions
  • License issue/expiration dates

Nationwide MVR Reports & CDL Screening

Justifacts provides reliable MVR reports for employers in every state, and we supply instant access to driving records from the states that furnish immediate results. For clients with CDL drivers, we access National Driving Registry (NDR) reports for approved employers and Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) reports, which instantly return a history of previous licenses issued to a specific driver.

DOT Compliance & Drug Testing Support

Justifacts offers a comprehensive set of tools for employers with DOT-regulated drivers, including drug testing program management, electronic DOT MIS reporting, online event scheduling, compliance tracking, and data management. All testing is conducted through SAMHSA-certified labs and collection sites to support ongoing DOT compliance.

DOT PSP & FMCSA Records Access

In addition, we are an approved provider of DOT Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), allowing us to support instant electronic access to a driver’s crash and inspection history from the FMCSA’s (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).
 

Who Needs an MVR Check?

Motor vehicle record checks are appropriate for any role where driving is part of the job — whether as a primary duty or occasionally. Common roles and industries include:

Transportation and Logistics

Commercial truck drivers, delivery drivers, fleet operators, and dispatch personnel. CDL holders and DOT-regulated carriers are subject to mandatory MVR requirements.

Healthcare

Home health aides, patient transport drivers, medical equipment delivery personnel, and mobile healthcare workers — roles where driving is integral to care delivery.

Utilities and Field Service

Technicians, inspectors, and service personnel who travel to job sites. Any employee who drives a company vehicle or a personal vehicle for work purposes creates employer liability.

Construction

Equipment operators, delivery personnel, and site access roles that involve operating company or rented vehicles.

Government and Public Administration

Any role using a publicly owned vehicle or driving on behalf of a government agency typically requires MVR documentation as part of hiring and fleet management policy.

Additional Industries

As a general rule: if an employee drives for work — whether in a company vehicle or their own — an MVR check provides documentation of due diligence and supports a negligent hiring defense if an incident occurs.

<h3> When Is an MVR Check Required vs. Recommended? </h3>

When Is an MVR Check Required vs. Recommended?

MVR checks are required for DOT-regulated employers and recommended for any role that involves driving.

  • DOT-Regulated Employers: Federal law requires MVR reviews for CDL drivers during pre-employment screening and on an ongoing annual basis.
  • Non-DOT Employers: While not typically required by law, MVR checks are a best practice for employees who drive on company business. Screening drivers can help reduce risk and support safer hiring decisions.

Many employers also maintain a written MVR review policy that defines which violations are relevant for specific positions and helps ensure consistent hiring practices.

<h3> FCRA Compliance and MVR Lookback Periods </h3>

FCRA Compliance and MVR Lookback Periods

MVR checks for employment purposes require candidate authorization under the FCRA. Justifacts handles this electronically as part of the screening process.

Most states provide 3 years of driving history, though some provide more. DOT-regulated roles require at least 3 years of history.

MVR reports may include traffic violations, license suspensions or revocations, DUI/DWI history, and license status information.

Employers should maintain a written policy that defines which driving violations are relevant for each role and apply that policy consistently.

When an MVR Returns a Violation or Flag

A driving violation does not automatically disqualify a candidate. MVR results should be evaluated based on the role, the severity of the violation, and the employer's written policy.

  • Job Relevance: Is the violation related to the driving responsibilities of the position?
  • Role Requirements: CDL drivers and safety-sensitive positions often require stricter standards.
  • Company Policy: Consistent, documented evaluation criteria help reduce risk and support fair hiring decisions.

If an MVR result may affect a hiring decision, employers must follow the FCRA adverse action process. Justifacts' built-in Adverse Action tool helps manage the required notices, timelines, and documentation.

Why Employers Choose Justifacts for MVR Screening

Fast Turnaround Times

Most MVR reports are returned within hours, helping employers keep hiring and onboarding on schedule.

  • < 1 Day average turnaround for most states
  • ~1.5 Days average turnaround for Pennsylvania and Delaware
  • 50 States covered

Beyond Basic Driving Records

Justifacts supports standard MVR searches, CDL screening, DOT compliance tools, PSP access, and FMCSA record access through a single provider.

  • CDLIS and NDR searches
  • DOT compliance support
  • PSP and FMCSA records access

Frequently Asked Questions

Most states provide 3 years of driving history as the standard lookback for employment purposes. Some states provide more. DOT-regulated roles require at least 3 years per federal regulation. Your Justifacts account manager can confirm the available lookback period for the states relevant to your workforce.

Yes. Although driving records are available in all 50 states, they are not classified as public records, and access policies vary by state. Some states require additional waivers before records can be released — including Washington, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico. Additional waivers are also required for PSP and NDR reports. Justifacts manages the waiver process for applicable states.

No, points are typically used for insurance purposes and are not included in MVR reports requested for employment purposes.

Yes. Justifacts offers both the FMCSA Clearinghouse search and a manual driver investigation search for DOT-regulated employers. For more information on drug testing services and DOT compliance tools, see our drug testing page.

Yes, it is recommended. Employer liability extends to any work-related driving, regardless of frequency. If an employee drives a company vehicle or uses their personal vehicle for work purposes, an MVR check provides documentation that due diligence was performed and supports a negligent hiring defense in the event of an incident.

An MVR report typically includes: history of traffic violations and license suspensions or revocations, license validity and class, license restrictions, and license issue and expiration dates. Driving points are generally excluded from employment MVR reports.

Protect Your Business With Reliable Motor Vehicle Records

Protect Your Business With Reliable MVR Background Check Services

Access fast, compliant MVR reports for employers to evaluate driving history, reduce liability, and hire confidently for driving positions.

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