A DL check is a background report that pulls information directly from your state's driver's license and driving record
When an employer, landlord, or insurance company runs a "DL check," they are requesting your driving history from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This report shows your license status, any suspensions or revocations, traffic violations, accidents on record, and sometimes your address and date of birth. It is not the same as a criminal background check — it contains only information related to your driving.
The person or organization requesting the check needs your permission to pull it, though you often give that permission by signing an process or consent form. Some states allow third parties to request your record directly from the DMV; others require you to request it yourself and provide it to them. The cost and what information is included varies by state.
Key Takeaways
- A DL check shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions — but not criminal history or insurance claims.
- Employers often run DL checks for jobs involving driving, and landlords may run them as part of a tenant screening process.
- You have the right to know what information appears on your driving record and to correct errors before they affect a decision.
- The information included and the process for obtaining a report differ by state, so contacting your DMV directly is the fastest way to understand what will be reported.
Who orders DL checks and why
Employers are the most common users of DL checks. Any job that involves driving — delivery driver, truck driver, taxi driver, school bus driver, or even a sales position requiring a company vehicle — will almost certainly trigger a DL check. Some employers also run them for positions with no driving requirement, as a general background screening tool.
Landlords and property management companies sometimes order DL checks as part of tenant screening, though this is less common than criminal background checks. Insurance companies may pull your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or renew a policy. Government agencies, courts, and licensing boards (for professional licenses) also request DL information for specific purposes.
What information appears on a DL check
A standard DL check includes your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your address as it appears on the license, your date of birth, and your license number. It will show traffic violations — speeding tickets, reckless driving, DUI, driving without a license — and the dates they occurred. Most reports also include accidents you were involved in, though what counts as "on record" varies by state.
What does not appear: criminal convictions unrelated to driving, civil lawsuits, insurance claims, or information about your insurance coverage. Some states include points or suspensions resulting from violations; others do not. A few states allow you to see what a third party will see, while others show you more detail than employers or landlords receive.
How to check your own driving record before someone else does
You can request your own driving record from your state's DMV before an employer or landlord pulls it. This is the best way to know what will show up and to catch errors. Most states allow you to order a copy online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 — and processing takes anywhere from same-day (online) to two weeks (by mail).
When you receive your record, read it carefully. Check that all violations and accidents listed are accurate, that dates are correct, and that any resolved suspensions are marked as resolved. If you find an error — a ticket you paid that still shows as unpaid, an accident you were not involved in, or a violation from the wrong date — contact your DMV when ready with proof of correction (a paid receipt, court documents, or insurance records). Corrections can take weeks or months, so do this as soon as you know you will need a DL check.
What happens if information on your DL check is wrong
Errors on your driving record can cost you a job, a rental, or higher insurance rates. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information. The process varies by state, but generally you will need to contact your DMV's records department, provide proof that the information is wrong, and request a correction in writing.
If you were ticketed for a violation you did not commit, you will need proof that the ticket was dismissed or that you were found not guilty — a court document showing the outcome. If a violation was paid off but still shows as unpaid, bring your receipt or a bank statement showing the payment. If an accident is listed incorrectly, contact the other driver's insurance company or the police department that filed the report to request a correction to the official record.
Once you submit a correction request, ask the DMV how long it will take and whether you can get written confirmation when it is complete. If a DL check is pulled before the correction is finished, you can provide the employer or landlord with a copy of your correction request and the supporting documents to explain the discrepancy.
DL checks and your privacy
Your driving record is public information in most states, meaning anyone can request it — though some states limit what information third parties can see. An employer or landlord does not need your permission to request your record in many states, but they do need to tell you that they are doing so, usually through a disclosure on an process or consent form.
If you are asked to sign a form authorizing a DL check, read it carefully. Some forms are broad and allow the organization to pull your record multiple times or share it with other parties. You have the right to know what is being pulled and why. If you refuse to authorize a DL check for a job, the employer can legally decline to hire you; the same applies to landlords and rental decisions.
How long violations stay on your driving record
The length of time a violation, suspension, or accident remains on your record depends on your state and the type of violation. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. DUI convictions often remain for seven to ten years or longer. Suspensions and revocations stay on your record until they are lifted, and some states keep them indefinitely.
Even after a violation "falls off" your record — meaning it no longer appears on a standard DL check — it may still be visible in court records or through other background search methods. If you are explore for a job or rental and a violation is no longer on your DMV record, you do not need to disclose it unless the process specifically asks about your entire history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what an employer will see when they run a DL check on me?
Not always. Some states show you the same report a third party receives; others show you more detail. The fastest way to know is to request your own driving record from your DMV and compare it to what the employer or landlord receives. If they are different, ask the organization what information they saw.
How long does a DL check take?
If you order your own record online, you may receive it when ready or within one to three business days. When an employer or landlord orders one, it typically takes three to seven business days. Some states are faster; others take longer. Ask the organization ordering the check when they expect to receive it.
Will a DL check show traffic tickets I paid?
Yes, paid tickets remain on your driving record. Paying a ticket does not remove it; it only shows that you resolved it. The violation itself stays for the time period set by your state — usually three to seven years for minor violations.
What if I was found not guilty of a traffic violation?
If you were acquitted or the ticket was dismissed, the violation should not appear on your record. If it does, contact your DMV with a copy of the court document showing the dismissal or not-guilty verdict and request that it be removed.
Can a landlord deny me housing based on a DL check?
Yes, in most states a landlord can use information from a DL check as part of their tenant screening decision. However, they cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics like race or disability. If you believe a denial was discriminatory, contact your state's housing authority or a fair housing organization.