A-Check America is a third-party background screening company, not a government agency
If you see "A-Check America Background Investigation" on your license status or in correspondence from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, it means the DMV has hired A-Check America to conduct a background check as part of the process to reinstate your license or verify your identity. A-Check America does not decide whether your license stays suspended — your state DMV does. A-Check America gathers information and reports back to the DMV, which then makes the final decision.
This investigation typically happens when you have a suspended license and want to restore it, or when the DMV needs to confirm your identity before issuing a Real ID or renewing your license. The company pulls records from databases that include criminal history, driving records, and sometimes financial or employment information, depending on why your license was suspended in the first place.
You will not receive a bill from A-Check America. The DMV pays them directly. However, you may be asked to provide documents or information to complete the investigation, and you are responsible for responding to those requests on time.
Key Takeaways
- A-Check America is a private company hired by your state DMV to investigate your background as part of license reinstatement or verification.
- You cannot contact A-Check America directly to change the outcome — all decisions about your license come from the DMV.
- If A-Check America contacts you, respond promptly with any documents or information they request, because delays can extend your suspension.
- The investigation usually takes two to four weeks, but the timeline depends on how quickly you provide requested documents and how backed up the DMV is.
- If you disagree with the results of the investigation, you file an appeal or request a hearing with your state DMV, not with A-Check America.
Why the DMV orders a background investigation
The DMV uses background investigations for several reasons. If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, criminal conviction, or failure to pay court-ordered fines, the DMV needs to confirm that the underlying issue has been resolved before reinstating you. If you are explore for a Real ID or a commercial driver's license, the DMV may order an investigation to verify your identity and check for disqualifying criminal history.
Some states also order investigations when a driver has multiple suspensions or a pattern of violations, to may support the person requesting reinstatement is actually the person on the license and that no fraud is involved. The investigation protects both the DMV and the public by confirming that the person behind the wheel is who they claim to be and does not have a disqualifying record.
What happens during an A-Check America investigation
A-Check America will search public records databases for information about you, including criminal history, civil judgments, and sometimes employment or financial records. They may also contact you directly by phone, email, or mail to request documents such as a birth certificate, proof of address, Social Security card, or court documents showing that you have paid off a debt or completed a sentence.
You may also be asked to verify information in person at a DMV office or at a third-party location that A-Check America uses. This is especially common if you are explore for a Real ID or if there are discrepancies in your records. The company will tell you what documents to bring and where to go.
The investigation is not a test you can pass or fail in the traditional sense. A-Check America is straightforward gathering facts and reporting them to the DMV. The DMV then decides whether those facts mean your license can be reinstated or whether additional steps are needed.
How to respond if A-Check America contacts you
If you receive a letter, email, or phone call from A-Check America, read it carefully and note the important date for responding. Do not ignore it. Missing a important date can result in your reinstatement being delayed or denied, even if you would otherwise be may be able to access to drive again.
Gather the documents they ask for and send them by the method they specify — usually certified mail, email, or in person at a local office. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you sent it. If you are asked to appear in person, bring a photo ID and all requested documents.
If you do not understand what A-Check America is asking for, call your state DMV directly and ask them to explain. The DMV can tell you what the investigation is about and what documents will satisfy the requirement. Do not assume A-Check America will follow up with you if you miss a important date — it is your responsibility to stay on top of the process.
Timeline for investigation and reinstatement
Once A-Check America receives your documents, the investigation typically takes two to four weeks. However, this timeline can stretch if the company needs to verify information with courts, employers, or other agencies. If you are missing documents or if there are discrepancies in your records, the process can take longer.
After A-Check America completes the investigation and sends their report to the DMV, the DMV reviews it and makes a decision. This can take another one to three weeks, depending on the DMV's workload. In total, you should expect the process to take one to two months from the time you first contact the DMV about reinstatement.
Some states allow you to check the status of your reinstatement online through the DMV website. Others require you to call or visit in person. Check your state's DMV website for the status-check tool, or call the DMV directly if you have not heard back within the expected timeframe.
What to do if the investigation is delayed or you disagree with the result
If more than four weeks have passed since you submitted documents and you have not heard from A-Check America or the DMV, contact your state DMV directly. Ask for the status of your reinstatement and whether A-Check America has completed the investigation. The DMV can tell you if documents are missing or if there is a hold-up on their end.
If the DMV denies your reinstatement based on the A-Check America investigation, you have the right to request a hearing or appeal. The denial letter will explain how to file. You will present your case to a DMV hearing officer, who will review the investigation results and any new information you provide. This is your chance to dispute inaccurate information or explain circumstances the investigation may not have captured.
You cannot appeal directly to A-Check America. The appeal goes to your state DMV. However, if you believe A-Check America made a factual error — for example, they reported a criminal conviction that was expunged or dismissed — you can provide court documents to the DMV showing the error, and the DMV will ask A-Check America to correct it.
How A-Check America investigations affect insurance and driving
While your license is suspended pending the A-Check America investigation, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license can result in criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. Do not attempt to drive until the DMV officially reinstates your license.
Once your license is reinstated, your insurance company may or may not know about the suspension, depending on how long it lasted and whether it was reported to the insurance industry database. Some suspensions — particularly those for unpaid child support or court fines — are reported to insurers and can affect your rates or coverage. Contact your insurance company after reinstatement to confirm your policy is still active and to ask whether the suspension will impact your premiums.
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic violations or insurance lapses, you may need an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) to reinstate your license and to prove to insurers that you are now insured. The DMV will tell you if this is required in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while A-Check America is investigating?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if A-Check America finds information that is wrong or outdated?
Provide the DMV with court documents or official records that correct the error — for example, a court order showing a conviction was expunged or dismissed. The DMV can request that A-Check America update their report. This process can add one to two weeks to your reinstatement timeline.
Do I have to pay A-Check America or the DMV to complete the investigation?
A-Check America does not charge you directly. However, your state DMV may charge a reinstatement fee when your license is restored. This fee varies by state and by the reason for suspension, typically ranging from $50 to $300. The DMV will tell you the fee amount when you begin the reinstatement process.
What if I move to a different state before the investigation is complete?
Contact your original state's DMV when ready and tell them your new address. A-Check America will mail documents to the address on file, so updating it prevents delays. You may also need to contact the new state's DMV to find out whether you can transfer your reinstatement or whether you must start the process over in the new state.
How do I know if A-Check America is really contacting me?
Verify any contact by calling your state DMV directly and asking whether an investigation is pending. Do not call a number provided in an unsolicited email or letter — look up the DMV's official phone number on the state government website. Scammers sometimes impersonate government agencies, so confirm through official channels before providing personal information.