Question 1

What is an MVR check and why do employers need one?

Accepted Answer

An MVR (motor vehicle record) check is a screening that pulls an individual's official driving history from a state DMV. It reveals license status, traffic violations, accidents, DUI/DWI convictions, and license restrictions. Employers use MVR checks to verify that candidates are legally and safely qualified to drive on behalf of the company, reduce negligent hiring liability, and comply with DOT/FMCSA regulations that require driving record reviews at hire and annually.

Question 2

How long does an MVR check take?

Accepted Answer

Most MVR checks return results within minutes. CHCKED connects directly to state DMV databases, so the majority of states return instant or near-instant results. A small number of states may require 1–3 business days due to manual processing at the state level.

Question 3

How far back does an MVR check go?

Accepted Answer

Lookback periods vary by state. Most states report 3 years of driving history, while others like Colorado (7 years), Florida (up to 11 years), and Texas (up to lifetime) maintain longer records. When a CRA orders the MVR, the FCRA generally limits reporting to 7 years for most positions.

Question 4

Do DUIs show up on criminal background checks?

Accepted Answer

Not always. In many states, DUI and DWI convictions are recorded on the driving record but may not appear in criminal court databases. This is one of the primary reasons employers need both an MVR check and a criminal background check.

Question 5

How much does an MVR check cost?

Accepted Answer

An MVR check through CHCKED costs a low base rate plus the applicable state DMV fee, passed through at cost with no markup. State fees range from $2.00 (California) to $27.50 (Oklahoma), with most states falling between $5–$15.

Question 6

Are employers legally required to run MVR checks?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the role and industry. The FMCSA requires employers of CDL drivers to check MVRs at hire and annually under 49 CFR §391.25. Many state regulations also mandate MVR checks for school bus drivers, rideshare drivers, and other safety-sensitive positions.

Question 7

What is negligent entrustment and how does it affect employers?

Accepted Answer

Negligent entrustment is a legal theory that holds an employer liable when they allow an unfit driver to operate a vehicle and that driver causes harm. The average negligent entrustment lawsuit settlement exceeds $1 million. Running an MVR check is one of the most cost-effective ways to demonstrate due diligence and reduce this exposure.

Question 8

What makes CHCKED's MVR reports different from other providers?

Accepted Answer

Most MVR providers return raw state violation codes that require a codebook to interpret. CHCKED translates these codes into standardized, plain-language risk scores that are easy to read and consistently formatted across all 50 states. CHCKED also passes state fees through at cost with no markup, includes automated FCRA adverse action workflows, and lets you bundle MVR checks with criminal, identity, and employment screening in one platform.

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