Annual MVR Pull: Motor Vehicle Record Requirements for Carriers
CFR Reference: 49 CFR 391.25 | Max Fine: $13,000
Federal law requires motor carriers to obtain and review the Motor Vehicle Record for every CDL driver at least once per year. Missing MVRs are among the most common audit findings and can cost up to $13,000 per driver in fines.
What It Is
An MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) pull is a request to a state's DMV for a driver's official driving history. The record shows license status, endorsements, restrictions, traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions. Under 49 CFR 391.25, motor carriers must obtain the MVR from every state in which the driver held a license during the preceding year and review it for disqualifying offenses.
Who Needs It
Every motor carrier operating CMVs in interstate commerce must pull MVRs for all drivers in the Driver Qualification File. This includes owner-operators (who must maintain their own DQ file), fleet carriers, and any employer of CDL holders. The requirement applies regardless of fleet size.
Deadline & Frequency
MVRs must be pulled and reviewed at least once every 12 months. Most carriers use the driver's hire anniversary date. The MVR must be obtained, reviewed by a carrier official, and a note of the review placed in the DQ file. If a driver held a license in more than one state during the year, an MVR from each state is required.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Determine which states to request from
Ask each driver (via the annual certification of violations) in which states they held a license during the past 12 months. Most drivers will have only one state. Pull an MVR from each state identified.
- 2
Order the MVR from each state DMV
Most states allow electronic MVR requests through their DMV website or authorized third-party providers. Costs range from $5-$25 per record depending on the state. Third-party services like SambaSafety, Cisive, or DISA can automate multi-state pulls.
- 3
Review the MVR for disqualifying offenses
A carrier official (safety director, fleet manager, or owner) must review the MVR and look for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 391.15: DUI/DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, a felony involving a CMV, multiple serious traffic violations, or railroad crossing violations. Any disqualifying offense means the driver cannot operate a CMV.
- 4
Document the review in the DQ file
Place the MVR in the driver's qualification file along with a dated note that a carrier official reviewed it. The note should identify the reviewer, the date of review, and whether any action is required. Retain for the duration of employment plus 3 years.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Fines up to $13,000 per driver for failure to obtain and review the annual MVR.
- One of the most common findings in FMCSA compliance reviews and audits.
- Can contribute to a Conditional safety rating, which may jeopardize operating authority.
- If an accident occurs and the carrier failed to pull MVRs, it creates significant legal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an MVR pull cost?
- Costs vary by state, ranging from $5 to $25 per record. Third-party services may charge a per-record fee plus a platform subscription. Ordering directly from a state DMV is usually cheapest but may not be available electronically in all states.
- Can I use a third-party service for MVR pulls?
- Yes. Many carriers use services like SambaSafety, Cisive (formerly DISA), or HireRight to automate annual MVR pulls. These services can pull records from all 50 states and flag disqualifying offenses automatically. The carrier official must still review the results and sign off.
- What if the MVR shows a violation?
- Not every violation is disqualifying. Minor traffic violations (speeding under 15 mph over, lane change violations) do not disqualify a driver. Major violations (DUI, hit-and-run, using a CMV in a felony) are disqualifying under 49 CFR 391.15. The carrier must evaluate each violation against the disqualification standards and document the decision.