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A motor vehicle report (MVR) is a record of your driving history. It includes details about moving violations, accidents and other traffic offenses. Understanding your MVR is important. The information in your MVR can affect your car insurance premiums, employment opportunities and driving privileges.
What Does MVR Mean?
A motor vehicle report is a document that includes details about your driving history. Typically, your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV)—or a similar agency—maintains motor vehicle reports.
Your motor vehicle report will include:
- Personal information, including your name, address and date of birth
- License status, such as valid, suspended or revoked
- Traffic violations
- Accidents, including at-fault and no-fault accidents
- License suspensions
- Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions
- Failure to maintain insurance
- Points on your license, if your state uses a point system.
What Is an MVR Check?
An MVR check is a review of your driving record. Most individuals can't check your MVR without your consent. However, exceptions include:
- Employers: for jobs with driving responsibilities
- Certain government entities: for law enforcement or compliance
- Insurance companies: for claims or calculating premiums
How Long Do Violations Remain on Your Driving Record?
Violations can stay on your report for several years depending on your state and the severity of the offense.
- Minor violations: Traffic and moving violation offenses, like speeding or running a stop sign, typically remain on your record for three to five years.
- Serious violations: DUI, drug-related charges or reckless driving can stay for seven to 10 years or more. In Florida, for instance, a DUI remains on your driving record for 75 years.
Some violations may be excluded from your MVR, depending on the state. For example, you may have the option to attend a driver improvement course to avoid having points added to your driving record. Exclusions vary, so checking your state's policies can help you learn whether you can remove certain violations.
How Does Your MVR Affect Car Insurance?
Insurance providers may use your MVR to evaluate your driving risk and calculate your car insurance premium. You'll fall into one of three risk categories based on your driving record.
- Low-risk or preferred drivers have a clean MVR with no accidents, violations or claims within the past three to five years. These drivers typically qualify for the lowest car insurance premiums.
- Moderate-risk or standard drivers may have minor violations. Premiums are higher compared to low-risk drivers.
- High-risk or nonstandard drivers have significant violations, multiple accidents or a history of major insurance claims. High-risk drivers have the highest premiums and may be denied coverage.
How to Get a Motor Vehicle Report
It's a good idea to check your MVR periodically for accuracy and to stay updated on your driving history. To get your MVR:
- Determine the correct agency. Find out which agency handles MVR requests in your state. It may be the department of motor vehicles, department of driver services or a similar agency.
- Decide which method to use to request your report. Most states offer multiple ways to request your MVR. Options typically include online, in person or by mail.
- Pay the access fee. Most states charge a fee to access your MVR. Payment options vary depending on the method of request. Payment options often include credit or debit card, check, cash, cashier's check or money order.
- Submit your request. Complete the required forms to request your MVR. You'll typically need to provide your name, driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth and address.
- Review your MVR. If you request your MVR online or in person, you can view it right away. Mailed reports may take up to two weeks to arrive. Once you receive your MVR, review it for errors or outdated information. If you spot errors, contact the agency to resolve them.
Consider checking your MVR report at least once a year, before applying for a job or renewing your insurance. Issues like incorrect violations or outdated information could lead to higher insurance premiums, missed job opportunities or a suspended license.
The Bottom Line
Your MVR is more than just a record of your driving history. It affects your insurance rates, employment eligibility and driving reputation. Stay proactive by regularly checking your MVR and addressing errors.
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