Within 30 days of a new driver’s start date, get an MVR from every state where the driver held a license or permit in the past 3 years. Each record must cover the driver’s prior 3 years of driving history, and a copy of each goes in the driver qualification file (49 CFR 391.23).
For a CDL holder, one check can’t wait 30 days. Before the driver operates a CMV, use the CDLIS MVR from the current license state to verify and document the type of driving they self-certified and their medical certification (49 CFR 391.23(m)).
This applies to drivers covered by FMCSA’s driver qualification rules in Part 391; some drivers have limited exceptions (49 CFR 391.2 and subpart G). Evergreen’s MVRs are for CDL holders.
Step 1: Find every state
Use three sources, because each can miss something:
- The application. It must list the addresses where the driver lived during the past 3 years and each unexpired commercial license or permit the driver holds (49 CFR 391.21).
- A CDLIS search. For a CDL holder, it can identify commercial licenses issued by other states. CDLIS is built around commercial licenses, so it may not reveal a regular license the driver held somewhere else before getting a CDL.
- The driver. Ask directly about every license or permit held in the past 3 years, including any regular license.
Step 2: Order a record from each state
Order an MVR from each state on your list, covering the past 3 years. Each state sets its own form and process for requests (49 CFR 391.23(b)); a screening company handles that for you, or you can order from each state directly, as our state guides explain.
If a state doesn’t send a record, document your good-faith effort to get it. A screening company needs the driver’s authorization first (in writing, except under the FCRA’s trucking exception); see MVR consent for CDL drivers.
Step 3: File the records
Put a copy of each state’s MVR in the driver qualification file (49 CFR 391.51). For a CDL holder, file the CDLIS MVR from the current license state too: it’s how you document the medical certificate, and you must check it before the driver operates a CMV.
Example (hypothetical)
A driver applies with a Texas CDL. The application shows they lived in Oklahoma until 18 months ago and held an Oklahoma CDL there. You need a Texas MVR and an Oklahoma MVR, each covering the past 3 years.
Ordering the Texas MVR with CDLIS should surface the Oklahoma CDL. If it does, Evergreen runs the extra MVR automatically and bills it later at cost; if it doesn’t, order the Oklahoma record anyway. Totals for each state are on MVR cost by state.
After hiring
The hiring MVR doesn’t replace the annual check. At least once every 12 months, get a new MVR from each state where the driver held a commercial license or permit during that time, and review it (49 CFR 391.25). See DOT annual MVR review requirements, and record each review on our free annual MVR review form.
Questions
How far back must the hiring MVR go? It must cover the driver’s prior 3 years. State records vary in length; see how far back an MVR goes.
Does the MVR cover previous employers? No. Investigating the driver’s safety performance history with DOT-regulated employers from the past 3 years is a separate requirement under 49 CFR 391.23.
What disqualifies a driver? The federal list of disqualifying offenses and periods is in 49 CFR 383.51. See what disqualifies a CDL driver.
Order an MVR for a new driver, or upload a CSV for several drivers.
Federal rules checked against eCFR on November 3, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.