Your driving record contains information such as DUIs, traffic accidents, violation points, license status and any fines applied to your license. Many employers check your motor vehicle report (MVR)as part of an overall background check, or as a specific reference for jobs that require you to drive a company vehicle. It is always a good idea to check your own MVR to see if there is any inaccurate information, or if there are any fines you need to pay.
Where To Get Your MVR
Each state has different rules regarding your MVR, but each state offers the same ways for getting a copy of your driving record. You can receive your MVR from any of the following organizations within your state:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Office of the Secretary of State
- State Department of Revenue
- Department of Public Safety
- Motor Vehicle Division (if your state has one)
Each department should have its own website or have a link from the main state website where you can find the information you need to get a copy of your MVR.
Getting Your MVR For Free
The truth is that every state charges a small fee to get a copy of your MVR. The fees vary based on the state, but they generally fall under $20.00 per MVR. Many states charge a fee that is less than $10.00. The cheapest way to get your MVR would be directly from your state agency. A good place to start in every state is with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Subscription Services
There are companies that offer subscription services to provide MVRs for a monthly fee. If you are an individual looking for your own MVR, then these types of services are not going to be a good investment. But if you run a company that does background checks which include MVRs, then a subscription service could be a good choice.
If you choose to use a subscription service, then be sure to check out the service before you sign up for it. Some services offer less than reliable results and others have been known to try and steal your personal information. If you can find the right service, it can be a great benefit for you.
There can be instances where having a copy of your driver’s license can be a great help. If you own a company, then you might need to do regular background checks on potential employees that would include driver’s records. While you cannot get a driver’s record for free, you can get them directly from your state agency for a very low cost.
Jim Treebold is a North Carolina based writer. He lives by the mantra of “Learn 1 new thing each day”! Jim loves to write, read, pedal around on his electric bike and dream of big things. Drop him a line if you like his writing, he loves hearing from his readers!