Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Problem Driver Pointer System?
As part of the National Driver Register, the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) maintains a record of all individuals whose driving privilege is sanctioned in another state(s). Your State uses PDPS to determine if drivers, who are looking to obtain a driver’s license have any outstanding driver sanctions in other states.
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Why does my State check my driver license record with other states when I am only licensed to drive in one State?
As required by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA), all States must check driving records in other states as part of this federal mandate to ensure unsafe drivers are removed from the road and prevent these unsafe drivers from masking driver sanctions by moving from state to state.
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Who is affected?
Anyone who has an outstanding driver sanction(s) in another state(s) will be affected by this federal mandate. All States will check the National Driver Register before issuing any individual a commercial or non-commercial driver’s license product.
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How will I know if I’m affected?
Your State will perform a courtesy check of NDR both six months and three months prior to the expiration of your driver’s license. If a sanction(s) is found, they will mail a notification letter to you (both at six months, and if necessary, three months prior to your driver’s license expiration) providing the name of the state(s) where there is a sanction(s) on your driving record, along with your driver’s license number relevant to the sanction and the state’s contact information so that you can follow up with that state(s) to get the sanction(s) resolved. Most States are doing this to give you advance notice in order to clear up any out-of-state sanction(s) in advance of renewing your driver’s license.
For all other commercial and non-commercial driver’s license products, including replacements (duplicates) and learner’s permits, the NDR check will be performed prior to the issuance of the product. If you have been sanctioned in another state(s), you will be unable to obtain a driver’s license until you reconcile that sanction(s). Therefore, it is imperative that you contact the state(s) where you have the sanction(s) immediately.
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When will my State implement these new licensing requirements?
Effective immediately, prior to the issuance of any commercial or non-commercial driver’s license product, all States will be checking NDR to see if the driver has any outstanding driving sanction(s) in another state(s).
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If I had a sanction in another state 20 years ago, how far back is my driving record checked in the NDR for sanctions in other states?
There is no time limit. Any sanction on your driving record in another state(s) needs to be cleared before any State can issue you a driver’s license product, including a learner’s permit.
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What do I need to do if my driver’s license is sanctioned in another state?
You must contact the state(s) in question to reconcile the sanction(s). Once your driving record has been cleared in the other state(s), that state will update NDR and you will be able to obtain a driver’s license, including a learner’s permit.
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How long will it take?
Time will vary depending on the sanction(s) you have to reconcile in the other state(s).
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How much will it cost? Do I have to pay a restoration fee?
There is no additional cost the driver will need to pay. If another state(s) requires any fees to restore your driving privilege, you will need to comply with their restoration procedures.
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I received a notification letter from my State stating that I have a sanction in another state, but I also received me a renewal application, does this mean I am still able to renew?
You must first reconcile your sanction with the other state(s). You were mailed a renewal application in anticipation of you taking the necessary steps to clear your driving record in the other state(s). If you submit your application while your driving privilege is still sanctioned in another state(s), you will be unable to renew your driver’s license. All States will not renew your driver’s license until NDR shows your driving record is clear in all states.
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If I have an issue in another state, can I get a “work license” (Occupational Limited License or Probationary License) from Pennsylvania?
Each State makes their own determination about issuing ‘work licenses’ or ‘probationary licenses’
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If it takes a while for the other state to get this information to me, is some type of extension available?
No.
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When the other state tells me that my driving record has been cleared in that state, is there a way I can check to confirm that information?
You should ask the other State to send you a ‘Clearance Letter’. Then send a copy of that ‘letter’
to the State where you wish to obtain a license.
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Can I still renew my driver’s license after reconciling the sanction(s) I had in another state(s)?
Usually this will be possible, check with your States driver license department.
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