“MVR Information” on a Job Application — Meaning & Context

Filling out job applications is a high-stress activity on its own, and this can increase that stress.

If you’ve just been asked for information for an MVR, you may wonder what it means and what the scope of information that can be gathered on you is.

Once again, here at Linguaholics, we’ve got your back. Keep reading to find out more.
 

What does it mean when a job application asks for “MVR information”?

“MVR” stands for motor vehicle records, and some jobs will check your driving record before hiring you. Companies regulated by the Department of Transportation are required to do MVR checks, but others might voluntarily conduct them as well. The information that can be obtained varies by state.
 

What is MVR information?

An MVR may be referred to in other ways. It might be called a driver’s license check or a driver’s license verification.

The information that can be obtained about you from a MVR varies based on what state you are in.

It includes all the standard information that is on your license, such as the type of license you have, any restrictions and the issue date and expiration date.

The report will also say whether you have had license suspensions or points on your license.

It will include accident reports and any vehicular crimes you have committed along with traffic violations you are responsible for.

These records may go back anywhere from three to 10 years depending on what state you are in.

Keep in mind that you will not necessarily be disqualified from your job if you have only minor violations and a few points on your license, especially if you are not applying for a driving job.

Most employers are looking for bigger problems. If you have something like a charge for driving under the influence on your record or a license suspension, these could be issues.
 

What information do you need?

A potential employer should not need very much information to run this check. Some may only need your name, your driver’s license number and the state that issued your license.

You could also be asked for your Social Security number.

In the section where you are asked to provide information to run the MVR check, there might also be a section to include the expiration date of your license.

Alternately, you could be asked for the license issue date or your date of birth.

The form might also ask for the current date.

If there is simply an unspecified field for “date,” it may be best to check in with the company you are applying with to find out what they are asking you for.

Otherwise, if you are unable to contact anyone or get a clear answer, you could indicate your license expiration date by putting “EXP” followed by the date.

This would at least let the company know what date you are providing, and they can get back in touch with you if they need a different one.

The MVR section of your job application might vary in how it looks. At minimum, it will probably ask for this information:

Driver’s license number:
State:

There might also be a section titled “Motor Vehicles Records Consent.” Again, what is included there will vary from form to form, but the language might look something like this:

I authorize [EMPLOYER] to obtain an MVR from any states in which I have held a driver’s license. I understand that this may be done through a third-party agency. I also understand that [EMPLOYER] will keep this on file as ongoing authorization for additional MVR checks as is necessary.

Driver’s Signature:
Consent Date:

You might also receive a separate page of information about your rights as far as doing this kind of check and retaining the information goes.

If you are applying online, there may be a drop-down menu that allows you to select a state and a box that you put your driver’s license number in.
 

Who performs the MVR check?

Usually companies go through third-party vendors to obtain the MVR.

In some situations, they might ask you, the potential employee, to get a copy of your MVR, but since this can involve a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles, companies are aware that this could eliminate a lot of otherwise good candidates who don’t have time for this.

Therefore, they usually opt to have another company that specializes in these kinds of checks do it for them.
 

What are the regulations around MVR checks?

If you work for a motor carrier that is under the regulatory requirements of the Department of Transportation, your employer is required to run an MVR every year.

Even if your employer does not fall under this regulation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that MVRs be performed on employees who need to drive as part of their job.