MVR Guide To Conducting Background Checks On Drivers What You Should Know

What's an MVR?

A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is an account of your vehicle's history and your time behind the steering wheel. It's a form of documentation created by the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is a source of important information to various organizations like insurance companies and potential employers. It also contains information about your driver's license regarding previous traffic violations or other information that pertains to your driving skills.

What exactly is a MVR?

In most cases, it is that your MVR is essentially a "report card" about your driving skills. It contains personal information as well as information from police or court records. In addition, it is accessible to companies that are interested in knowing how proficient a driver you are, for instance, the insurance company.

The data is collected through your DMV and stored in an online database. You can get a copy of the DMV in each state, whether certified or not certified, for a nominal cost (generally not more than 15 dollars). States' DMVs often provide MVRs electronically, which are often less expensive than the original cost or free.

It's a good idea to ask for your MVR details before applying for an insurance policy on your auto or any other job requiring you to drive. It is important to review it to ensure that the information is true.

What does a MVR show?

Each state may have its own rules regarding what information should be included in an MVR. It is generally comprised of personal data that is seen on your driver's license. This could include the number of your license and expiration dates, your complete name and birth date, and any other limitations, like the requirement to wear glasses when driving and information regarding your weight, height, hair color, and weight.

Equally important is the part of the MVR which outlines your driving record. It contains information about your prior accidents, traffic infractions, DUI or DWI convictions or suspensions of driving or points accrued, and any other information from the police or courts relevant to your driving.

What exactly does a MVR do?

One of the most popular reasons to have MVR is to help MVR is to aid insurance companies in determining whether you're a risk-free policyholder. For example, if you're applying for insurance on your car, the insurance company will pull your MVR to look for past violations. If the driving record is clean, you're more likely to be granted a policy and could even get the best price.

However, when you've got some traffic tickets, a criminal record, or any other bad marks on the driving record, the insurer could decide it's too risky to take you on as a customer since your prior driving record indicates that you're likely to file a claim shortly. If the insurer is willing to cooperate with you, it might charge more due to the higher risk.

Another reason that MVR's are analyzed is when you are applying for a job, you'll be required to drive in your daily work. If you're employed in a profession that requires you to drive (such as local delivery services, trucking, or even mail delivery it's not uncommon for prospective employers to ask for your MVR to gauge the quality of your driving abilities.

Can I Get A Copy Of My MVR?

Yes, you're allowed to access your MVR. The procedure is different between states; however, it isn't complicated. It is necessary to reach out to the local DMV in every case. While certain states require that you make an application for your MVR via post or by phone, other states offer the option to request your motor vehicle's report online.

Georgia is one of them. Georgia permits online requests and will provide you with an uncertified copy of your MVR online. Alternately, you can opt to receive a certified paper copy sent to you by mail; it costs $6 with either choice. In contrast, New York costs $10 to request an official copy via either mail or by appointment and $15 when you want to request it via telephone.

How long will violations last on my MVR?

Your MVR record is usually not filled with data that goes back to your driving experience. Most of the information it has (such as traffic violations) is erased within three to five years, based on your state and the kind of license you possess.

In certain States, the more severe offenses might remain on your records for a longer period of time. In California, for instance, the occurrence of a DUI cannot be removed from the MVR until 13 years. Therefore, it is good to review your MVR regularly to make sure the information is accurate and current.

In determining the risk you could face as a policyholder, the insurance company will only take an amount of time into account. Some states do not allow insurers to look at any time beyond the number of years.

If you committed a mistake when you first obtained your driver's permit 15 years ago, it would likely not affect your insurance price. However, if any serious mistakes occurred within the last year, you can anticipate seeing that taken into consideration when calculating your rates.

The main takeaway

The motor vehicle report (MVR) documents your driving record. It may be utilized by insurance companies or employers considering hiring you to determine if you'd be a risk for them to insure or hire.

• The DMV in your state gathers the information to calculate MVR. MVR by obtaining police information as well as various other data sources.
• The MVR contains information from your driver's license and traffic violations, accidents, and driving-related convictions.
• Insurance companies and potential employers are two possible groups that could want to look over the MVR to assess your driving abilities.
• The information contained in the MVR generally is only valid for 3 to 5 years, subject to the state.

Motor vehicle reports (MVR) are reports that draw data from many sources, such as your license and DUI/DWI convictions, criminal records records, and the DMV and collate the information in one place. You can request the replica of your MVR at your local DMV for a nominal fee.

Insurance companies and businesses may review your MVR to assess the potential risk as a policyholder or prospective employee. This is why you must keep your MVR current in case of any issues that require expungement.