INF 1301A Form – The INF 1301A Form is the official California DMV document titled Request for National Driver Register (NDR) File Check on Current or Prospective Employee. Employers use it to obtain critical driving record information from the federal National Driver Register before hiring or retaining drivers. Whether you’re a trucking company, railroad operator, or any employer screening commercial drivers, this form provides access to NDR data that helps ensure road safety and regulatory compliance.
Below is a complete, up-to-date guide based on the official California DMV PDF (revision 7/2013, still current) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) resources.
What Is the INF 1301A Form?
The INF 1301A is a California Department of Motor Vehicles form specifically designed for requesting a National Driver Register (NDR) file check. Also known as the Request for National Driver Register (NDR) File Check on Current or Prospective Employee, it allows employers to query the federal NDR database for information on current or prospective drivers.
The NDR, maintained by the NHTSA, is a centralized pointer system that identifies drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, canceled, denied, or who have been convicted of serious traffic offenses (such as DUI). It does not store full driving records but “points” to the states that hold detailed information.
Why Employers Need the Request for National Driver Register Check?
Employers of drivers — including trucking companies, bus operators, and railroad companies — must verify driving histories to meet federal and state safety standards. The INF 1301A form enables a quick, low-cost NDR check that reveals any recent problem-driver flags from other states.
Key benefits include:
- Preventing hiring of drivers with unresolved suspensions or revocations in other states.
- Supporting compliance with regulations such as FAA Pilot Records Database (PRD) requirements for air carriers.
- Reducing liability and enhancing workplace safety.
The form is not for general public driving record requests — those use different DMV forms like INF 1125.
Who Can Use the INF 1301A Form?
- Employers: Driver employers and railroad companies requesting checks on current or prospective employees.
- Employee Authorization Required: The driver must sign Section 3 and have their signature notarized. Without notarization, the request is returned unprocessed.
Individuals cannot use INF 1301A to request their own record. Instead, they submit a notarized letter directly to the NDR (free of charge).
How to Download the INF 1301A PDF
You can download the official, fillable INF 1301A PDF directly from the California DMV website here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/04/INF-1301A-R7-2013-ASB-WWW.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official DMV portal to ensure compatibility with current processing rules.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the INF 1301A Form?
Follow these instructions exactly — type or print clearly to avoid processing delays:
- Section 1 — Employer Information
Provide your company name, attention line, full mailing address, and business telephone. - Section 2 — Driver Information
Enter the driver’s full legal name, other names used, mailing address, optional phone numbers, driver license number and state, optional Social Security number, date of birth, sex, eye color, height, and weight.
Note: The driver must be licensed in the state initiating the search. - Section 3 — Driver Certification
The employee signs and dates the form. The signature must be notarized. - Identification Verification (Official Use Only)
The employer verifies the driver’s identity with acceptable documents (photo DL, passport, etc.) and notes it on the form.
INF 1301A Submission Instructions and Fees
- Fee: $5 per request (check or money order payable to “DMV” — do not send cash).
- Mailing Address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Public Operations, MS G199
PO Box 944247
Sacramento, CA 94244-2470 - Results are mailed only to the employer or authorized third-party service provider listed on the form.
- Processing time is not specified by DMV; allow sufficient time for mailing and review.
What Information Does the NDR Check Provide?
The NDR report will state either:
- No matching record exists, or
- A probable match exists in one or more states.
It includes only information reported within the past 3 years (36 months) from the inquiry date. Older actions, even if still in effect, are not shown. Employers must then contact each listed state directly for full driving records.
Railroad companies receive an additional 36-month lookback under Federal Railroad Administration rules.
Privacy, Rights, and Important Warnings
- Drivers are entitled to review the NDR report provided to their employer.
- Unreported violations discovered during the check may affect employment or trigger state licensing actions.
- All requests are subject to the federal Privacy Act; information is used only for authorized purposes.
INF 1301A vs. Individual NDR Requests
| Request Type | Form Used | Fee | Notarization | Where to Send | Results Sent To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Check | INF 1301A | $5 | Yes (driver) | CA DMV Sacramento | Employer only |
| Personal Check | Notarized letter | Free | Yes | NHTSA National Driver Register, Washington DC | Individual |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the INF 1301A form still current?
Yes — the official DMV PDF (REV. 7/2013) remains the active form as of 2026.
Can I submit the form online?
No — it must be mailed with payment.
Do I need to notarize the form?
Yes — the driver’s signature must be notarized or the request will be rejected.
What if the driver has records in multiple states?
The NDR will list each state; you must request detailed records from each one separately.
Is this form required for all driver hires?
It is commonly required for commercial driver positions and is mandatory for certain FAA-regulated air carriers under PRD rules.
For the most accurate and current information, always refer to the official California DMV website or the NHTSA National Driver Register page. Download your copy of the INF 1301A Form PDF today and complete your NDR check efficiently.