Drivers License Compact

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Driver’s License Compact (DLC) and Its Impact

Every state has its own rules for obtaining and maintaining a driver’s license. You might think that a traffic ticket or DUI arrest in one state wouldn’t affect your driving record in another, but that's not the case. Through interstate motor vehicle information sharing through the Driver License Compact (DLC), losing your license in one state could result in losing the right to drive in your home state. Your home state should notify you in advance of any action against your driving privileges.

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What is the Driver License Compact?

California, along with nearly 45 other states, participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC). The DLC was created to share information on serious driving offenses, like reckless driving and DUIs, across state lines. This compact ensures that driving crimes are reported to all member states, regardless of where the incident occurred.

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Currently, the only states not part of the DLC are Georgia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee. However, even these states use the National Driver Register (NDR) to track problem drivers as a condition of federal funding.

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How an Out-of-State DUI Can Affect a California Driver’s License

Situation	What Happens in the Other State	Possible Impact in California
DUI arrest (pending case)	Case reported through DLC/NDR	DMV review may begin
DUI conviction	Conviction reported	License suspension or restriction
Refusal to test	Administrative suspension	Reciprocal suspension possible
Active suspension elsewhere	License revoked in that state	CA may deny renewal or reissue
Cleared / dismissed case	No final conviction	May avoid CA suspension (case-specific)

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National Driver Register (NDR)

The NDR is a database of drivers convicted of serious violations such as DUI or vehicular manslaughter, as well as those with suspended or revoked licenses. When you apply for a driver’s license in any state, the NDR is checked. If you are flagged as a problem driver, your application may be denied.

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The NDR tracks personal information like your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and even social security number. Driving violations reported to the NDR typically remain in the system for ten years.

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Who Cannot Be Licensed?

Under the DLC, states generally will not issue a driver’s license to anyone with an active suspension or revocation due to:

Vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide
DUI (drugs or alcohol) while still on probation
Leaving the scene of an accident or failure to provide aid in an injury or fatal accident
A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle

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Driver License Compact (DLC) vs National Driver Register (NDR)

Topic	Driver License Compact (DLC)	National Driver Register (NDR)
Purpose	Shares serious traffic offenses between participating states	Federal database identifying drivers with serious violations
Who Uses It	Member states (about 45 states)	All states when issuing or renewing licenses
Covers DUI?	Yes	Yes
Non-Participating States	Some states are not members	Applies nationwide regardless of DLC status

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Protecting Your DLC Driving Privileges

Losing your Driver License Compact, also knowns as DLC license, can make everyday life difficult. In California, where driving is essential, public transportation is not always available or convenient. If you’re facing a suspension due to a DUI or other violation in another state, it’s important to take action. The DMV hearing process in California for DUI cases is separate from criminal court and focuses solely on determining whether your driver's license should be suspended. A DUI lawyer can represent you at your DUI DMV hearing and court proceedings, even if you live and are licensed out of state, to help protect your driving privileges.

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If you’re dealing with a potential license suspension or revocation, contact a skilled DUI lawyer immediately to explore your options and safeguard your right to drive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will an out-of-state DUI suspend my California license?

No. An out-of-state DUI does not automatically suspend a California driver’s license the moment it happens. However, once the other state reports the offense through the Driver License Compact or the National Driver Register, California may begin its own review. Depending on the facts of the case, the California DMV can impose a suspension, restriction, or require a hearing before taking action.

How long does California take to learn about an out-of-state DUI?

There is no fixed timeline. In some cases, California receives notice within weeks. In others, drivers are surprised months later when they try to renew their license or are stopped by law enforcement. Because reporting happens between agencies, delays are common, which is why many drivers do not realize their driving privileges are at risk until later.

What if my DUI happened in a non-DLC state?

Even if the DUI occurred in a state that does not participate in the Driver License Compact, California may still learn about it through the National Driver Register. States use the NDR as part of federal requirements when issuing or renewing licenses. As a result, a non-DLC state DUI can still affect your ability to keep or restore your California driving privileges.

Can I challenge a California suspension based on an out-of-state DUI?

Yes, in many cases you may have the right to challenge a California license suspension through a DMV administrative hearing. These hearings are separate from the criminal case in the other state and focus only on your driving privileges. Whether a challenge is possible depends on factors such as how the offense was reported and whether California law allows reciprocal action in your specific situation.

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