The PDPS Database: Federal Reporting of Revoked, Suspended, and Cancelled Drivers.

After a driver’s license revocation, a person may wonder if their revocation is visible to out-of-state licensing agencies. A revoked driver may believe that it is easier to obtain a driver’s license in a new state, rather than attempt to clear the revocation in their home state. However, due to the PDPS database, a revocation in one state should be visible to all other state driver’s licensing agencies.

After a driver’s license revocation, a person may wonder if their revocation is visible to out-of-state licensing agencies. A revoked driver may believe that it is easier to obtain a driver’s license in a new state, rather than attempt to clear the revocation in their home state. However, due to the PDPS database, a revocation in one state should be visible to all other state driver’s licensing agencies.

What is the PDPS database?

The federal government maintains a computerized database known as the “Problem Driver Pointer System,” (PDPS). The database is maintained through the National Driver Register (NDR), a subdivision of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The PDPS database identifies persons who have had their driving privileges revoked, suspended, cancelled, or denied. The PDPS “points” a state inquiring about a driver’s status to the reports of revocation made by another state or states.

As of August 2020, all states were participating in the PDPS reporting system.

How is the information used in the PDPS database?

Generally, the PDPS database prevents a revoked driver from obtaining a driver’s license in another state (or renewing a license) if they are revoked in a different state. Some exceptions do apply. However, the data allows a licensing state to deny an application unless the issue with the reporting state has been resolved.

How can I change my status in the PDPS database?

The PDPS has four different status outputs when a search is completed on a licensing applicant:

1. No Match. The applicant does not have any record on the PDPS;

• Licensed. The applicant has a valid driver’s license and no current holds on their ability to obtain a license;

• Eligible. The applicant is eligible to apply for a license. This occurs where the applicant had a prior suspension or revocation, but it has been cleared; or

• Not Eligible. The applicant’s privilege to drive in a state has been revoked, suspended, cancelled, or refused.

If a person has a “not eligible” status in the PDPS database, they should inquire with the state that reported the revocation to the federal database. For example, if Illinois reports a driver’s license revocation to the PDPS database, the proper forum to try to clear it up is Illinois (not through the federal government’s registry.)

We strongly recommend consulting with an experienced driver’s license reinstatement lawyer prior to attempting to clear a suspension or revocation. If a revocation is based in Illinois, our office will be happy to provide a free consultation. We can be reached at 844-WIRTH-LAW or on our website at www.frontlinelegal.com.