MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)

An MVR is a state-issued report of a driver's license status, violations, accidents, and endorsements, used to evaluate driver risk in commercial motor carrier and broker contexts.

MVRs are pulled by motor carriers and (in limited contexts) brokers for high-risk loads. The MVR shows license class, endorsements, restrictions, recent violations, and accident history.

Brokers cannot generally pull MVRs on third-party drivers without specific authorization. For owner-operator vetting, the carrier-driver's MVR is sometimes requested as part of the carrier packet.

Why this matters for freight brokers

For high-risk loads (hazmat, oversize, high-value), requesting MVR confirmation as a condition of tender tightens the broker's vetting record. Defensive in negligent-hiring litigation where driver behavior is the proximate cause.

Related terms

• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) — A CDL is the license required to operate commercial motor vehicles above defined weight and passenger thresholds. CDLs include class designations (A, B, C) and endorsements for specific cargo types or vehicle configurations.
• Hazmat endorsement (CDL H endorsement) — The hazmat endorsement is the CDL designation required to operate commercial vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, obtained through a TSA background check and a written knowledge test.