How to get a driver's MVR in Ohio: a guide for fleets
Order a certified driving record from the Ohio BMV, online or on form BMV 1173. Each record costs $5. Ohio law lets an employer of a CDL holder get the record; for other drivers, use the driver's notarized consent on BMV form 5008. Federal rules require an MVR from each state the driver was licensed in over the last 3 years within 30 days of hire, then one every year.
- Which record to order
- Who can get it
- How to order
- Federal MVR rules for fleets
- How insurers use it
- A checklist
- FAQ
Every driver you add brings a driving record with them, and both FMCSA and your insurer will want to see it. In Ohio that record comes from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Here is which one to order, what it costs, and the federal rules on when to pull it.
Which record to order
| BMV record | What it shows | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Driving record abstract | 3 years of moving violation convictions, accident involvement reports and suspensions | $5 |
| Driving record history | Everything of that kind the BMV keeps on the driver | $5 |
| Driver license history | Issue dates of current and past licenses | $5 |
| Unofficial copy | 2 years, viewable online by the driver only | Not a certified record |
Source: Ohio BMV record types and form BMV 1173. The $5 abstract fee is set in ORC 4509.05.
Who can get it
- Ohio limits who can get personal information from driving records (ORC 4501.27). BMV 1173 asks you to check the reason that applies.
- CDL drivers. An employer, or its agent or insurer, can get information on a CDL holder. BMV 1173 says these requests return at least 10 years if available, plus medical card information. Include your company's tax ID.
- Other drivers. Attach the driver's written consent on the notarized BMV form 5008.
- If a background screening company pulls the record for you, federal law requires a separate written disclosure and the driver's written permission first (15 USC 1681b(b)(2)).
- Records from other states come from each state's own licensing agency.
How to order
- One at a time. Request a certified record online, or mail BMV 1173 with $5 per record. Deputy registrar license agencies can also furnish the abstract, and may add a service fee (ORC 4509.05).
- Ongoing. A fleet that pulls records often can ask the BMV for a driver record account. The BMV asks for a request on company letterhead that describes your business, how you will use the records, and the privacy law exception that qualifies you (Ohio BMV).
Federal MVR rules for fleets
- Within 30 days of hire. Ask each state where the driver held a license or permit in the last 3 years for their record, and put the copies in the driver qualification file (49 CFR 391.23).
- Every 12 months. Get each driver's record again and review it, then note who reviewed it and when (49 CFR 391.25).
- Clearinghouse. Run a pre-employment query before the first safety-sensitive work, then a query at least once a year (49 CFR 382.701).
How insurers use it
- Ohio law lets insurers use driving records for rating and underwriting (ORC 4501.27), and for a CDL holder the BMV furnishes the record to an insurer for $5 (ORC 4506.08).
- Each insurer sets its own rules on violations, accidents and experience. A driver it will not accept can leave a truck parked, so ask before you make an offer. See hiring drivers for a small fleet and what underwriters look at on a trucking fleet.
A checklist
- Get the signed application and the driver's license details.
- Pull the Ohio record, and records from any other state in the last 3 years.
- Run the Clearinghouse query before the first trip.
- File the records in the driver qualification file within 30 days.
- Set a yearly date to pull and review every driver's record.
FAQ
How much does a driving record cost in Ohio?
The Ohio BMV charges $5 for each certified record (ORC 4509.05). A deputy registrar that pulls it for you may add a service fee. For a CDL holder, Ohio law sets the same $5 for records furnished to an employer, a prospective employer or an insurer (ORC 4506.08).
Can an employer get an employee's driving record in Ohio?
Yes, with the right basis. Ohio law lets an employer, or its agent or insurer, get information on a CDL holder (ORC 4501.27(B)(2)(j)). For other drivers, BMV form 1173 accepts the driver's written consent on the notarized BMV form 5008.
How many years does an Ohio MVR show?
The driving record abstract covers 3 years of moving violation convictions, accident involvement reports and suspensions. The driving record history lists everything the BMV keeps. BMV form 1173 says requests from an employer of a CDL holder return at least 10 years if available, plus medical card information.
How often does a trucking company have to check MVRs?
Within 30 days of hire, get a record from each state where the driver held a license in the last 3 years (49 CFR 391.23). Then get and review each driver's record at least once every 12 months, with a note in the driver file (49 CFR 391.25). Clearinghouse queries are separate: before hire and once a year (49 CFR 382.701).
Will my insurer pull MVRs too?
Often. Ohio law lets insurers use driving records for rating and underwriting (ORC 4501.27(B)(2)(g)). Each insurer sets its own driver rules. Ask before you hire.
Does Helm sell insurance in Ohio?
No. This guide is general information.
This guide is general information, not advice on any policy. For your own drivers, check with the agencies linked below.
Sources
- Ohio BMV: Types of BMV records (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- Ohio BMV 1173: Record request form (PDF) (form dated Jan 2023)
- Ohio Revised Code 4509.05: Certified abstract of driving record (effective Jul 1, 2017)
- Ohio Revised Code 4506.08: CDL fees and driving record requests (effective Apr 12, 2021)
- Ohio Revised Code 4501.27: Disclosure of personal information (effective Jun 1, 2000)
- 49 CFR 391.23: Investigation and inquiries (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- 49 CFR 391.25: Annual inquiry and review of driving record (last amended Sep 29, 2022)
- 49 CFR 382.701: Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (last amended Jul 7, 2021)