When a mistake can involve 80,000 pounds of steel on a public highway, the rules get serious fast. Background checks for CDL drivers follow a federally regulated onboarding process. CDL employers are required to verify identity, criminal history, driving behavior, and prior DOT-regulated employment before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle.
Below is how each part of a CDL background check works and what information it provides.
SSN Trace, Address History, and Alias Search
This search validates the applicant’s Social Security number and returns address history and name variations associated with it. The data comes from credit-header sources, not credit reports, and does not include financial information.
The address history typically covers at least seven years and is used to determine which counties need to be searched for criminal records and which name variations should be included. Courts do not store records by SSN, so this step is necessary to make criminal searches accurate.
Nationwide Criminal and Federal Watchlist Searches
National databases are used to screen the applicant against aggregated criminal records and federal watchlists. These include nationwide criminal databases, the national sex offender registry, and federal exclusion lists such as OFAC, OIG, GSA, and SAM.
These searches are designed to surface potential issues tied to public safety or federally regulated work. Any criminal record identified at this level must be confirmed through county court searches before it can be considered final.
County Criminal Searches (7-Year Address History)
County criminal searches are run in every jurisdiction where the applicant lived during the past seven years. Each search is conducted directly through county court systems or local record access.
This step identifies misdemeanor and felony convictions, along with case dispositions and sentencing details. County courts are the primary source for criminal records and provide the most reliable results.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
The motor vehicle record is pulled directly from the state DMV. It shows the driver’s license status and class, issue and expiration dates, moving violations, suspensions, revocations, and serious offenses such as DUIs.
For CDL positions, the MVR is one of the most important reports used to assess driver safety and insurance eligibility.
CDLIS (Commercial Driver’s License Information System)
CDLIS verifies the driver’s commercial license at a national level. The search confirms that the applicant holds a valid CDL, identifies the issuing state and license class, and ensures the driver does not hold multiple CDL licenses.
Federal regulations allow a driver to hold only one CDL nationwide, and CDLIS is used to prevent license duplication or fraud.
DOT Verification of Employment (VOE)
DOT verification of employment involves contacting previous DOT-regulated employers to confirm dates of employment, accident history, and any drug or alcohol testing violations.
This information helps employers confirm compliance with federal safety regulations and assess a driver’s past performance in safety-sensitive roles.
FMCSA PSP Driver History Report
Many employers request a Pre-Employment Screening Program report through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The PSP report includes roadside inspection results, reportable crashes, and safety violations recorded by federal and state agencies.
This report provides insight into a driver’s enforcement and inspection history beyond what appears in criminal or employment records.
DOT Drug Testing (Urine Test)
Before performing safety-sensitive duties, CDL drivers must complete a DOT-compliant drug test. This is typically a urine test administered through a certified laboratory such as LabCorp or eScreen.
The test follows federal collection and reporting standards and is required prior to placing a driver on the road.
DOT Physical Examination
CDL drivers are required to pass a DOT physical before operating a commercial vehicle. The exam is conducted by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and is designed to confirm that the driver is medically fit for safety-sensitive work.
During the physical, the examiner reviews the driver’s medical history and performs a series of standard evaluations. These include vision and hearing tests, blood pressure and pulse checks, and an overall assessment of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal health. The examiner also screens for conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, and seizure disorders that could affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Drivers must meet minimum vision and hearing standards and demonstrate that any chronic medical conditions are properly managed. In some cases, drivers may be issued a medical certificate for less than the standard two-year period if ongoing monitoring is required.
If the driver passes the exam, they are issued a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, commonly referred to as a DOT medical card. This certificate must be kept current and on file, and drivers are not permitted to perform safety-sensitive duties if the medical certification expires or is revoked.
The DOT physical is separate from background screening and drug testing, but it is a required part of overall CDL compliance. Employers are responsible for ensuring drivers maintain valid medical certification while employed.
Why This Process Matters
CDL background checks are designed to meet federal requirements while giving employers a complete view of a driver’s safety, history, and eligibility. When each component is completed correctly and documented, employers reduce exposure to DOT violations, insurance issues, and negligent-hiring claims. In a heavily regulated industry, consistency and accuracy matter just as much as speed.