If My Driver’s License is Suspended in the State Where I Used to Live, Can I get a License in California? (CVC 14601)
Generally, the answer is NO, and your driving on a suspended license California lawyers at Wallin & Klarich explain why.
The U.S. Interstate Drivers License Compact is an agreement between the 45 participating states to share information about drivers and their DMV records that include infractions, convictions, driver’s license suspensions, license restrictions, revocations, DUI charges, accidents, eligibility for license reinstatement, and more.
The main purpose of the National Driver Register database is to share information on drivers who have committed a serious infraction or violation in a state other than where they are licensed to drive. The DMV of each member state checks the National Driver Register database each time a person applies for a driver’s license.
The Drivers License Compact is an agreement between states to consider only one driving record per driver, and that record will follow the licensee from state to state, rather than a new record being created if an out of state license is issued.
Both the Nonresident Violator Compact and the Drivers License Compact Member states communicate with each other if a licensee of one state receives a ticket in another state.
The Interstate Compact & California DUI License Suspensions
The Interstate Compact is covers California license suspension actions and California DUI convictions. If a resident of one state or holder of an out-of-state license has his or her driving privilege suspended or gets convicted of DUI in another state, the driver’s home state can be notified. Your home state may honor and reciprocate and take action to suspend the driver’s license of its resident.
It is critical to know that a suspension of your driving privilege one state may result in a suspension of your license here in California. No matter where you live, you probably want to avoid, if not at least minimize, any driver’s license suspension action.
For more information regarding any legal issues due to driving on a suspended license in Southern California, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. Our team of professionals has over 40 years of experience helping individuals facing all types of criminal matters, including issues with DMV. Please call us at 888-749-0034.
I would like to know wat steps I need to take to get my license back I have never had them but got tickets for driving while suspended
Hi Melody,
Please contact our office at (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation so we can begin to help you.
Thank you
my license got suspended in another state because of someone else driving my car, is there a way to get a license in California ?
Hi Michelle,
If your license is suspended in another state, your record will likely follow you to another state under the Drivers License Compact. It depends on the state where your license was suspended.
My license was suspended in New Jersey for nothing to do with driving I’ve never had my driver’s license I had my permit I lost it for fines unpaid have nothing to do with driving 41 years old now still never had my driver’s license I’m going to leave the state to find somewhere where I can get a license I would like help to find out what states do not allow other states I heard there’s only four in five states that do so I need to know what the other states are so I can move out there and get my license because I can’t live without license tired of driving without it
Hi Michael,
There is an agreement in place between most states where if your license is suspended in one state, you will not be able to get a license in any of the other states. You will have to discuss with a lawyer in New Jersey how you may be able to get your license back in your home state.
Best of luck to you.
If my license is suspended in Michigan would i be able to get one in California
Hi Michael,
Michigan is one of the five states that are not a part of the Driver’s License Compact, so it is possible that you may be able to get your license in California. The best thing to do is contact the California DMV about obtaining your license.
Hello,
I had a pending traffic ticket in New York where I used to live. I moved to California and received a new CA license. I didn’t hear back about the ticket in NY until recently when I was notified that my NY license has been suspended for failure to pay the ticket. MY NY license has already been voided over a year ago so I’m not too concerned unless this also means my CA license is suspended?
Hi Marissa,
Under the Interstate Driver’s License Compact, an out-of-state vehicular offense will affect your driving record as if it had been committed in your home state. So, if your license is suspended in New York, the DMV in California will be notified and your California license could be suspended. You should attempt to take care of your traffic ticket as soon as possible.
Best of luck!
DL suspended in nj for several driving while suspended.Cant i just simply get an undocumented alien license when i move to california or Nevada. Then when time is up get my regular california or nevada DlL
Hi Joe,
As part of an agreement between states, having your license suspended in another state will impact your ability to get a license in California. Watch our video about this here:
https://www.facebook.com/wallin.klarich/videos/10153543626464159/
Then contact our law firm so we can discuss how we may be able to help you obtain your driver’s license in California.
We look forward to your call!