The PDPS: Out-of-State Residents Facing a Driver’s License Hold for an Illinois DUI

The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) is a national database that enables states to share information about drivers who have encountered serious licensing actions, including DUIs, suspensions, and revocations. When a DUI suspension or revocation occurs in Illinois, the violation is reported to the PDPS. If another state later reviews the database, typically during a license application or renewal, an Illinois hold can block the issuance of a new license or the renewal of an existing one until the matter is resolved.

What Information Is Reported to the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS)?

The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) collects DUI convictions, license suspensions, license revocations, drug- or alcohol-related driving offenses, and major traffic violations. It also records administrative actions such as failures to appear in court or unpaid traffic fines that result in a suspension.

A driver’s license in another state can be placed on hold when Illinois reports an unresolved suspension, revocation, or serious violation to the PDPS. Before a new license can be issued or renewed in a different state, the hold must be cleared by resolving the underlying issue in Illinois. Working with an experienced Illinois license reinstatement attorney is often critical to successfully navigating this process.

How the PDPS System Works

When an individual applies for or renews a driver’s license, the State of Inquiry checks the applicant’s name and date of birth against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). If a match is found, the PDPS identifies the State of Record, which is the state that previously took action against the person’s driving privileges. The licensing state may then deny the application or renewal until the issue is resolved with the State of Record.

Scope of PDPS Reporting by States

All fifty states and the District of Columbia participate in the National Driver Register (NDR), a nationwide database that tracks drivers with serious licensing issues. The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) is the tool used by the NDR to share this information between states. Each state submits the following details to the PDPS:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Driver license number
• Reporting state

States are required to report updates to the PDPS within thirty-one days of any licensing action.

A hold on a driver’s license in the PDPS can create challenges when attempting to obtain or renew a license in another state. Often, there is a driver’s license reinstatement process to remove a PDPS hold in Illinois. An experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney can work to lift the hold and restore driving privileges.

Checking Status in the PDPS Database

Under the Privacy Act, individuals have the right to request a check to see if their name is listed in the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). This system tracks serious licensing issues such as DUIs, suspensions, and revocations, and the information is shared across states. Requests for PDPS status must include identifying information and can be submitted in two ways:

By Mail:

To submit a request by mail, send a notarized request or signed declaration to:
The National Driver Register (NSA-220)
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

Online:

1. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.gov/content/ndr
2. Provide an email address to begin the process.
3. Upload the completed request form along with all required identifying information, such as full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.

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PDPS Status Definitions

The PDPS assigns one of the following status labels based on the information submitted by the reporting state. These statuses help determine whether a driver’s license application or renewal will be approved or denied:

• No Match – This status means there is no record of the individual in the PDPS. There are no reported licensing issues, and the driver may proceed with normal license renewal or application.
• Licensed (LIC) – This status indicates that the individual has a valid driver’s license in the state that reported the record. The driver is legally allowed to drive in that state.
• Eligible (ELG) – This status means the individual’s driving privileges are currently valid and there are no restrictions on driving. However, there may still be unresolved issues that need to be addressed in the reporting state.
• Not Eligible (NOT) – This status indicates that the individual’s driving privileges are invalid, suspended, or revoked in the reporting state. The individual may face difficulties renewing or obtaining a driver’s license until the underlying issue is resolved.

Important Considerations Regarding the PDPS Database

• Impact on License Issuance: If a state has submitted a record to the PDPS, a new state may deny a driver’s license application or renewal until the issue is cleared with the state that reported the violation.
• Offenses in Other States: A person may have their name listed in the PDPS for offenses committed in a state other than their state of residence. This means violations or suspensions in one state can affect a driver’s ability to obtain or renew a license in another state.
• No Complete Driving History: The PDPS does not provide a complete driving history. It only tracks serious violations like DUI convictions and major suspensions or revocations. Full driving records are maintained and managed by individual states.
• Privacy Protection: PDPS information is confidential and cannot be disclosed by phone. The data can only be provided through formal request procedures.
• Record Retention: The length of time a record remains in the PDPS is determined by state laws. There is no federal time limit for how long information can stay in the system, meaning it can vary depending on the state involved.
• State of Record: Any updates or changes to a driver’s status must be made by the state that originally reported the violation. If an individual has resolved the issue in their state, the state of record must update the PDPS to reflect the change.

Enlisting the Help of an Illinois Driver’s License Attorney

When a driver encounters a PDPS hold on their driving privileges, navigating the reinstatement process can be complex and challenging. An Illinois driver’s license reinstatement attorney plays a crucial role in helping individuals resolve these issues. Since the PDPS tracks serious violations such as DUI convictions, license suspensions, and revocations, a hold can prevent a person from obtaining or renewing a driver’s license in another state. The process for lifting a PDPS hold requires understanding the specific laws and procedures of Illinois, which can vary depending on the nature of the violation. A skilled attorney can explain the necessary steps to work to restore driving privileges.

If a PDPS hold in Illinois is affecting your driver’s license, we are happy to provide a free consultation. A consultation offers an opportunity to discuss the situation and provide individualized advice. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at (312) 761-8290 or email directly at jennifer@wirthlaw.org.

Further Reading: Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement

• Practice Area: Driver’s License Reinstatement
• Step-by-Step: The Illinois License Reinstatement Process
• Understanding DUI Revocations in Illinois
• The PDPS: Out-of-State Residents Facing a Driver’s License Hold for an Illinois DUI
• Types of Driving Relief after an Illinois Driver’s License Revocation
• Driver’s License Reinstatement after Reckless Homicide