DUI Essentials: The Interstate Driver’s License Compact and National Driver Register

What is the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC)?

The Interstate Driver’s License Compact, also known as the Driver’s License Compact (IDLC) is an agreement between 45 states to exchange information about a person’s driving record.

How Does The Agreement Work?

If you committed a DUI/DWI offense in the state of New Mexico but live in Arizona, the information about your arrest, charge and any subsequent conviction you incurred will be reported back to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department.

Why Is this Important?

This is extremely important to know as a driver because most state treat second or third DUI offences much more seriously than a first-time offense, especially if they were committed less than five years’ apart.

Which States are Members of the IDLC?

The only states that are not current members of the DLC are Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Are All Traffic Offenses Reported?

Originally only serious offences such as DUI or vehicular manslaughter are reported, but speeding tickets or careless driving offenses are also now included. So if you were stopped for speeding in Texas, the points may indeed show up on your California Driver’s license. The only reason why an offense may not be reported back to a home state is if the state does not have a statute for a particular offense. You should check with your state’s MVD if you are unsure.

What is the National Driver Register (NDR)?

The NDR is a centralized database administered by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). It contains information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked or suspended, or who have been convicted of serious traffic violations such as DUI. State motor vehicle agencies provide NDR with the names of individuals who have lost their privileges or who have been convicted of a serious traffic violation.

How Does this Affect Me?

When a person applies for a driver's license,the State Motor Vehicle Departmentwill check to see if the name is on the NDR database. If a person has been reported to the NDR as a problem driver, the license may be denied. You should note that having your driving privileges suspended or revoked in one state does not necessarily mean that they will be suspended or revoked in another. This depends on whether the states have a reciprocal driving suspension agreement in place, as is the case for California and Arizona for example.

How Can I Obtain a Copy of My Driving Record?

You can request a copy of your driving record from your state’s MVD either in person or online. You may want to wait a month or two after the offense to verify whether it has shown up on your record.

There are also some record requesting services online, but these normally charge around $40, whereas an MVD is free of charge.

Protect Your Rights

If you are unsure about how a DUI conviction or charge will affect you in your home state, the best thing to do is contact an experienced attorney who will be able to give you the right information.

Contact an experienced DUI attorney today by completing the short form on our homepage.