If you get a ticket in California and live in Texas, you don’t have to worry about paying that pesky ticket, right? Wrong. States have a centralized system that tracks problem drivers and license points from state to state. So, if you get a ticket in one state and neglect to pay it, that information will be on your record the next time you renew your driver’s license.
- States share information about problem drivers through the National Driver Register or NDR.
- If your driver’s license gets suspended in one state, that information will be available to other states if you move.
- The NDR maintains records based on personal identifying information such as name, birth date, driver’s license number and state.
Does your driving record follow you from state to state?
Yes. The National Driver Register (NDR), which is part of the Department of Transportation’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis at the NHTSA, tracks drivers across the U.S. The NDR maintains records based on driver information such as name, birth date, driver’s license number, and reporting state.
If your license in one state gets suspended, revoked or canceled, the NDR and Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) will track this information. Your new state checks the NDR when you apply for or renew a driver’s license, so any state you move to will see if you had citations or points on your license in your previous state.
The NDR maintains the PDPS, a computerized data system that contains information about drivers whose licenses were revoked, suspended, canceled, or denied or people convicted of serious traffic-related offenses. If you’re concerned that you’re a problem driver, you can complete a request for your status at the PDPS.
Will my car insurance rate change if I move?
If you’re moving, your car insurance rates may increase or decrease, depending on your new location. That’s because car insurance companies assign different levels of risk, depending on the amount and cost of car insurance claims in that area.
To see if your car insurance will go up if you move, use this moving calculator tool that shows an increase or decrease in insurance cost from one ZIP code to another. Before you move, inform your insurance company that the move is coming up and start shopping around to ensure you’re getting the lowest insurance rate in your new hometown.
You can also see the average rate for nearly every ZIP code in the country using CarInsurance.com’s average car insurance rates tool. In addition, you’ll see the highest and lowest rates fielded from significant insurers for each ZIP code, which shows how much the price can vary for the same policy.
Can moving to a new state increase my insurance premiums if I have a poor driving record?
Yes. Insurance rates are based on your driving record and where you live. Some states are no-fault states and some are tort states, which also affects insurance rates in a state. Additionally, if you move from a smaller municipality to a larger city, you’ll pay higher rates.
Can I avoid points on my license by moving to another state?
Forty-one states and the District of Columbia have points systems, so unless you move to Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wyoming, states with a points system will suspend or revoke your license if you get too many points in a specific time period.
Will a DUI conviction in one state show up in another state?
Yes. States share information about drivers through the National Drivers Register, or NDR. When a person applies for a driver’s license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state licensing agency must check the National Driver Register to determine if the applicant has been identified as a problem driver in another state. From there, state officials are directed to another state DMV system for details on the traffic conviction or license status.
“In most cases, a DUI conviction will show up in another state, especially if the states participate in information-sharing agreements,” says Lauren Mckenzie, senior agent for A Plus Insurance in Liberty, S.C.
Can I resolve outstanding tickets in my old state after I move?
Drivers should always resolve any tickets—states share information about problem drivers. The Non-Resident Violator Compact requires member states to suspend the driver’s license of those who get traffic tickets for moving violations in other states and fail to resolve them.
Final thoughts
Moving isn’t an opportunity to circumvent violations on your driving record. Drive safely and avoid risky driving behaviors in order to maintain the cheapest car insurance possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a state suspend another state’s license?
Yes. Another state can suspend your driving license for various reasons, such as receiving too many speeding tickets, driving under the influence, or leaving the scene of an accident.
Can you get a license in another state if your license is suspended?
If your license is suspended or revoked in one state, you cannot get a new driver’s license in another state until the suspension ends.
What states do not transfer driving records?
Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are the states that don’t share driving records.
Does my driving record start fresh when I move to a new state?
In most cases no, your driving record does not start fresh when you move to a new state. While states set their own laws for how long a violation stays on your record, insurance companies will pull your driving record when you renew your policy or apply for a new one. The Driver License Compact is an interstate agreement that allows states to share details about traffic violations and license suspensions/revocations.
How long does it take for a new state to obtain my driving record from my previous state?
According to the NDR, state DMVs responsible for issuing driver licenses must send information on all revocations, suspensions, and license denials within 31 days of receiving the convictions from the courts to the PDPS.
How can I familiarize myself with my new state’s driving laws and regulations?
Visit your new state’s DMV website and look for information for new residents. Nevada, for example, has a New Resident Guide on its site, as does Nebraska and Pennsylvania.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA. “National Driver Registry FAQ.” Accessed April 2024.
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