What is an MVR check and what does it show?

4 min read · Updated August 2026

Short answer

A motor vehicle record check pulls a candidate's driving history from the state DMV, showing license status and class, endorsements, moving violations, accidents, suspensions, and DUI convictions. Most return within minutes to one business day.

What an MVR contains

  • License number, class, status, and expiration.
  • Endorsements and restrictions, including CDL endorsements.
  • Moving violations and points assessed.
  • Accidents reported to the state.
  • Suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements.
  • DUI and other driving-related convictions.

Who needs one

Any role where driving is a job function — delivery, field service, sales territories, transportation, and any employee assigned a company vehicle. Insurers frequently require MVRs on file, and DOT-regulated roles have their own additional requirements.

Driving records change continuously. Annual re-checks, or continuous monitoring, are the standard for fleet-based programs.

Frequently asked

How far back does an MVR go?

Typically three to seven years depending on the state and violation type. Some states report DUIs for ten years or longer.

Is a DUI on a criminal check too?

Usually yes — a DUI conviction appears on both the driving record and the criminal court record.

Keep reading

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