A motor vehicle report (MVR) is an official history of collisions, convictions, and other violations and DMV actions incurred by a driver over a specified period of time. Most state DMVs make these reports available to drivers and other parties online for a nominal fee. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online MVRs:
What kinds of reports are available?
In general, there are four types of MVRs.
- Full MVR
A full MVR can be requested by the individual or by attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and governmental agencies. A full MVR shows all convictions, violations, and collisions as well as any license suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications. The report will also reflect deferred prosecutions and failures to appear (FTA).
- Insurance MVR
An insurance MVR is used to create and renew insurance policies for commercial and noncommercial motor vehicles as well as life insurance policies. These reports can be requested by the individual and insurance companies or their agents. Information on the report includes a 3-year history of convictions, violations, collisions, and FTA.
- Employment MVR
An employment MVR is used to determine if a driver should be employed. You can request this report for yourself as can employers and prospective employers and their agents, volunteer organizations, transit authorities, and schools. An employment MVR will reflect all convictions, collisions, violations, suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, deferrals, and FTAs
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment MVR
- This MVR is used to assist in referrals to drug and alcohol treatment facilities. It’s requested by alcohol and drug assessment and treatment agencies and includes a 5-year driving history.
How long does information stay on your driving record?
It depends on the issue. The following gives a brief overview:
- Convictions and violations—5 years
- Alcohol-related convictions—Life
- Vehicular assault and homicide convictions—Life
- Deferred prosecutions—Life
- FTA—Until resolution or 10 years, whichever is earlier
- Collisions—Non-commercial vehicles, 5 years; Commercial vehicles, 10 years
- The report will also give information about the collision, including the number of vehicles involved, whether they were parked or moving, whether they were occupied, and whether the collision resulted in any injuries or fatalities. It will not include any information about fault.
- Departmental actions—5 years, though major withdrawals for commercial drivers will remain on the MVR for life.
Is the information on an MVR confidential?
Yes. Driving records are confidential and are provided only to parties that are legally authorized to obtain them. Anyone who legally obtains a copy of your MVR is prohibited from revealing any information contained therein to any third party for any reason.
For more information, visit your state’s DMV website.