Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Checks
For any role that involves operating a vehicle, an MVR check is an essential component of the hiring process. SaffHire retrieves official driving records directly from state motor vehicle agencies to give employers a complete picture of an applicant's driving history.
Get a QuoteWHAT IS AN MVR CHECK?
Understanding Motor Vehicle Records
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is a search of an individual's official driving history as maintained by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing authority. The record is tied to the applicant's driver's license number and reflects the history associated with that license in the issuing state.
MVR checks are requested by employers as part of the pre-employment screening process for positions that involve driving a company vehicle, operating heavy equipment, transporting passengers or cargo, or any other role where a valid driver's license and a clean driving history are required. The information returned reflects the applicant's official record as of the date the search is conducted.
REPORT CONTENTS
What an MVR Report Contains
License Status
Confirms whether the driver's license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked at the time of the search.
License Class & Endorsements
Identifies the class of license held (Class A, B, C, CDL) and any special endorsements such as passenger transport or hazardous materials.
Moving Violations
Lists traffic citations and moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield, and running red lights.
DUI / DWI Convictions
Reports any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
At-Fault Accidents
Some states include at-fault accident records in the MVR report, providing additional context about the applicant's driving history.
License Restrictions
Notes any restrictions on the license, such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or vehicle type limitations.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why MVR Checks Are Important for Employers
Employers who hire drivers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that the individuals operating their vehicles have a safe and valid driving record. Negligent hiring liability - the legal theory that holds employers responsible for harm caused by employees they should have known posed a risk - applies directly to driving roles.
An MVR check allows employers to identify applicants with patterns of unsafe driving behavior before they are placed behind the wheel of a company vehicle. A single DUI conviction, a history of speeding violations, or a currently suspended license are all factors that may disqualify a candidate for a driving-intensive role - and all of these are surfaced by an MVR check.
For companies operating commercial fleets, MVR checks are also frequently required by insurance carriers as a condition of coverage. Maintaining an ongoing MVR monitoring program - not just pre-employment checks - is increasingly common among fleet-dependent organizations.
HOW EMPLOYERS USE MVR CHECKS
Assessing Driving History and Safety
Employers use MVR reports to evaluate whether an applicant's driving history aligns with the requirements of the position. Most organizations establish written motor vehicle record policies that define acceptable and unacceptable driving histories for covered roles. These policies typically specify the lookback period, the types of violations that are disqualifying, and the number of points or incidents that trigger further review.
Common evaluation criteria include the number of moving violations within the past three to five years, the presence of any DUI or DWI convictions, whether the license is currently valid and unrestricted, and whether any at-fault accidents are on record.
SaffHire delivers MVR reports in a clear, standardized format that makes it straightforward to apply your organization's motor vehicle policy and document your hiring decision for compliance purposes.
WHO NEEDS MVR CHECKS
Industries That Rely on MVR Screening
Transportation & Logistics
Healthcare & Home Care
Delivery & Courier Services
Construction & Trades
Sales & Field Service
Government & Public Safety
Screen Your Drivers with Confidence
Contact SaffHire to add MVR checks to your screening program and protect your organization from the risks of negligent hiring.
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