Guide To Louisiana MVR & Driving Record Checks

Motor vehicle records (MVRs) are a valuable tool for employers who want to maintain the safety of their employees and customers. A Louisiana MVR provides information about a driver’s history which can help employers make informed decisions about who to hire and how to manage their fleet of vehicles.

Get Fast, Accurate MVR Checks With GoodHire

Get Started

What Is A Louisiana MVR?

A Louisiana motor vehicle record (MVR), also known as a driving record, provides information about an individual’s driving history within the state of Louisiana. This may include license type and status, ticket and accident history, and vehicle-related offenses, like DWIs. Issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), this document serves multiple purposes, including employment screening, insurance underwriting, and personal use.

Louisiana MVRs offer insights into a candidate’s driving behavior and qualifications, which can help employers make informed decisions regarding hiring practices, fleet management, and ensuring the safety of their employees and customers.

Why Should Employers Order Louisiana MVR Reports?

Many employers choose to conduct MVR checks in Louisiana during the screening process to help identify potential areas of risk in a candidate’s driving history, especially for positions that involve operating company vehicles or machinery. Conducting Louisiana driving record checks can also help your organization prevent increases to commercial auto insurance premiums. 

For some roles, a Louisiana MVR may be a legal requirement for employment based on the organization’s background check policy or city or county regulations. For example, the city of New Orleans requires a Louisiana motor vehicle report as a prerequisite for employment for school bus drivers and non-emergency medical drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also mandates employers conduct motor vehicle record checks during the hiring process and annually thereafter if the organization operates vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles that seat nine or more passengers, or vehicles that carry hazardous materials.

Commercial driving positions federally regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are also required to undergo a DOT background check, which includes a driving record check from the previous three states where a candidate held a license or permit. 

How To Get Louisiana Driving Records

Obtaining Louisiana driving records online can be done directly through the Louisiana OMV searchable database or by partnering with a consumer reporting agency (CRA). Many employers choose to partner with a third-party provider, like GoodHire, to streamline the process. MVR checks with GoodHire are often completed the same day, helping you to speed your hiring. Plus, our user-friendly platform makes it easy for you to order additional background screenings for informed hiring decisions.

Get Fast, Accurate MVR Checks With GoodHire

Get Started

What Information Shows Up On A Driving Record?

A Louisiana driving record may show the following information:

• Status of the individual’s driving privileges
• CDL status if individual has a commercial driver’s license
• Accident statement, though involvement does not indicate the individual was at fault or given a citation
• Offenses on record, such as tickets or accidents

What Federal Laws Apply In Louisiana?

The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law that protects driver license, vehicle registration, and driving record information privacy. To comply with the law when obtaining an MVR report, Alabama employers must typically gain written permission from candidates. However, the law does make exceptions, such as for commercial driver licenses.

Employers that are unsure which Louisiana MVR laws apply may want to follow the strictest guidance available and consult with legal counsel to mitigate the risk of legal liability.

Get A Louisiana MVR Check With GoodHire

GoodHire offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution for obtaining Louisiana driving record checks. In addition to MVRs, GoodHire also offers 100+ screening options, including criminal background checks, employment and education verification, drug testing, and more. Plus, our built-in workflows and compliance tools can help your organization create a more fast, accurate background check process. Get started.

Get Fast, Accurate MVR Checks With GoodHire

Get Started

About the Author

Follow Me

Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.