Driving Records and Vehicle Reports

Under certain circumstances, you are entitled to receive information contained within databases that keep records about what has transpired in the life of yourself, others, or even a motor vehicle. If you are requesting your own information, you can access those records easily; if you are requesting information about others, you will need to meet set criteria and you may not receive complete information.

Background Checks

The information available through a background check is gleaned from public records and a variety of specialty databases. Because much of the information is open public information, you could theoretically conduct the same search yourself. However, that search would likely take you many weeks or even months to get the results you are looking for. Third-party providers take all the legwork out of getting those records in a fraction of the time—for a reasonable fee.

What is revealed through a background check varies by company, but what you are likely to receive includes:

• Name, address, phone number, age, marital status (if public records exist).
• Education and employment information.
• Military and court records.
• Limited criminal information.
• Vehicle registration and driving records.

Criminal Records

Also known as criminal background checks , the information contained within a criminal record check will be more extensive than the basic information you might receive if you run a background check. These searches are used when you need a more inclusive review of a person’s criminal record. The information is found through court records, police records and other criminal databases.

The information available may vary according to the service you order from, but most good providers will include:

• Name, age, known aliases, type of convictions, prison terms and identifying physical characteristics.
• Some will include any pending warrants.

Remember that certain states have banned the release of information regarding arrests; only conviction information can be released.

Vehicle History Reports

To those shopping for a used car, these reports can also be critical. Ordering a Vehicle History Report could give you information that would help you decide whether a vehicle is worth considering for purchase.

Vehicle History Reports can tell you if:

• There has been fire, flood or accident damage.
• The odometer has been rolled back or is suspect.
• The vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title.
• The vehicle has been put to hard use, such as being used as a taxi or police car.

But sellers can also benefit from ordering a Vehicle History Report for the car they are advertising. If you never ordered one when you first bought the car, you will at least know what others will see about the vehicle; you’ll also boost confidence in those thinking of buying from you—by providing them with a Vehicle History Report, you will show them that the car (nor you) have anything to hide.

Driving Records

All states maintain files on every driver licensed in that state. These records keep a running record of whether your driver’s license is currently valid, how many points are against your license, and sometimes, even what types of accidents you have been involved in.

Primarily, drivers order their driving records to check the status of the driver’s license or to get a copy for a potential employer.

All states allow drivers to access their own driving records; in certain circumstances (such as a safe driving record being a requirement for hiring and continued employment) other people can request a copy of your driving record. Some states also allow parents to order driving records of their under 18 children.

Many states provide several ways to order your driving record: in person, by mail, via e-mail or by telephone. The majority of states also allow third-party providers to access your driving record information.

Many people decide to order through a third-party provider because they can expedite the process—and the cost of the report is still reasonable. Finally, as is the case for all the types of records listed on this page, it is a good idea to order your driving record periodically, just to make sure it is accurate. Mistakes can happen—and in the case of your driving record, your insurance rates might go up, or, you could be passed over for a new job opportunity. If you do find a mistake on your driving record, you have recourse to get that corrected.