Whether you’re applying for a job with the DMV or you’re trying to obtain your license, you may be required to submit to a background check.
The DMV wants to make sure you’re a good candidate for the open position, and they don’t want to give licenses to people with certain criminal histories.
With that being said, it is pertinent to understand that you’re going to get background checked when visiting your local DMV.
Why will this happen? What is the DMV, and why does it background visitors? Within this guide, you’ll learn more about both topics.
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What Is the DMV?
First and foremost, you should learn more about the DMV or the Department of Motor Vehicles. In the United States, the DMV is a state government agency that is responsible for registering vehicles and distributing driver’s licenses.
Whether you’ve just reached the appropriate age or you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to apply for a license with the DMV. During your visit, you may need to agree to a background check.
Will The DMV Run A Background Check?
When you visit a DMV to get a new license or renewal, you’ll likely be required to get a background check. The agency wants to make sure that you qualify.
They also want to make sure that you don’t have any issues, such as a warrant. If you have a warrant, a visit to the DMV may lead to major issues. Either way, the DMV is likely going to run a background check on all visitors.
Why Does The DMV Do Background Checks?
It is the DMV’s responsibility to make sure that some people are kept off of the roads. If you’ve been arrested for multiple DWI incidents, there is a good chance that you won’t be able to get a license.
Your current license will be revoked, and you’ll have to wait a long time before you can get a new license.
The DMV makes sure that you don’t get a license during this time. If you’re caught driving without a license, you’ll get in trouble.
With that being said, the DMV runs background checks to make sure they don’t give licenses to people who aren’t supposed to have them.
In addition to this, the DMV will check for warrants. If you have a felony warrant, the DMV will likely call local authorities and have you arrested.
Ultimately, the DMV has plenty of good reasons to perform background checks on its workers.
Can You Fail A DMV Background Check?
If you have a criminal record, the DMV will find out when they run a background check on you. You can’t fail a background check. Instead, the agency will learn about your criminal history.
However, there is a chance that what they find will prevent you from getting a license from the DMV.
What determines whether you’ll receive a license? Well, it ultimately depends on what they find. If the DMV finds that you have serious driving violations, they might not be able to issue you a driver’s license.
You can’t fail a DMV background check, but the results could prevent you from getting a driver’s license. If you’re worried about that, you should check your background check before visiting the DMV.
How Long Does It Take For A DMV Background Check?
When you need to get your driver’s license, you need to get it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, background checks can take a long time.
If you purchase a background check online, you’ll likely have to wait a few days or longer. However, some agencies can obtain background information much sooner.
When visiting a DMV, you know you’re going to have to wait a long time. They don’t get in a hurry when processing orders and issuing licenses.
However, you’ll find that they can get background check information much sooner.
They’ll be able to determine whether you can get a driver’s license or not shortly. If you’re trying to obtain a job, it’ll take you a bit longer. The agency will contact you once they’ve received your background check.
Why You May Lose Your License
If you want to retain your driver’s license, you need to obtain the law. Failing to do so could result in your license being suspended. Then, you won’t be able to get another license.
For starters, you should never drink and drive. If you fail to pay child support, commit certain drug-related offenses, or default on your student loans, you could lose your ability to get a license.
Summary
DMV offices across the country often run background checks on visitors. It is important to make sure you can get a driver’s license so the agency will check your background. They’ll work diligently to make sure that you’re eligible.
If you’re not, they’re not going to give you a license. If you’re trying to get a job with the DMV, you’ll be background checked as well. The DMV will decide what to do depending on the results of your background check.
FAQs on DMV Background Check [year]
How Far Back Do DMV Checks Go?
When you are background checked by the DMV, the report will not be comprehensive. It won’t cover your entire lifespan. Instead, the agency will most likely check for criminal records dating back 7 years.
What Does A DMV Background Check Show?
If you’re applying for a license, the background check will primarily focus on your driving history. It can provide information about the applicant’s driver’s license, license status, standing, and restrictions.
They may also check any criminal charges you have relating to your driving record.
Do They Do A Background Check For Real ID?
When attempting to get a Real ID, there is a good chance that you’ll have to submit to a background check. State governments are required to conduct background checks on applicants.
DMV Background Check For Employment
To work at the DMV, you have to be an upstanding citizen with a spotless criminal record. Individuals working at these agencies handle a lot of crucial information. As a result, the DMV will perform a background check on new workers.
