Driving Records and Motor Vehicle Reports

Not so long ago, private investigators recommended checking driving records as a first step to investigating anyone, anywhere, for any reason. That changed in the early ‘90’s after the death of actress, Rebecca Schaeffer. A deranged fan hired a private investigator who found the young lady’s address through her California motor vehicle records. The stalker then shot and killed Ms. Schaeffer when she answered the front door.

In 1994, former President Clinton signed the Driver’s Privacy Act forcing states to restrict access to driving and motor vehicle records. Since that time, almost every state requires written permission from the individual or use of a specific state form.

 Most reports contain identifying information that can be crosschecked as well as moving and safety violations. These may include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address at the time of application or renewal (which may show other counties to check for criminal records)
• Physical description
• Type of license and any restrictions
• Whether a license was surrendered from another state (indicating another state sex offender database to check)
• List of traffic violations, suspensions, and/or revocations

If your volunteers or employees will be driving company vehicles

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