The National Driver Register (NDR) is a nationwide repository of information on drivers maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It contains approximately 42 million records. It allows Registries and DMVs to share information on problem drivers identified in each state, such as those convicted of OUI. Drivers are identified in the NDR through name, birth date, Social Security number, gender, height, weight, and eye color.
DMVs are required to enter data into the NDR within 31 days after the state DMV is notified of a conviction for DUI, drunk driving, OUI, or another disqualifying offense. In Massachusetts, courts are required to notify the Registry whenever someone is convicted of a crime which would trigger a license suspension. The Registry is required by law to enter that information into the NDR. At minimum, the Registrar must send the driver’s legal name, date of birth, and gender. It may also send a driver’s height, weight, and eye color to assist the other states in identifying the correct person.
Whenever a person applies for a license, or renews a license, the RMV is required to check the NDR to see if the person’s license or right to drive has been suspended or revoked in any other state. Also, governmental agencies such as the Coast Guard, FAA, the Federal Railroad Administration and private companies can access the NDR. DMVs search the NDR based on last name, first initial, and date of birth.
One of the primary goals of the NDR is to insure that the suspensions and revocations are entered into the system in a timely manner. However, millions of suspensions or revocations were not recorded in the NDR until at least 1 year after the conviction entered. Likewise, records were not removed from the NDR in a timely manner, which prevented drivers from reinstating their licenses, when they should have been allowed to do so.
The NDR was implemented to prevent someone with a revoked or suspended license from going to a different state to get a new license. When a person is blocked in the NDR he or she is referred to the state where the block has originated to have it removed. If you are dealing with a NDR indefinite suspension or revocation, a lawyer may be able to help you get your license renewed or reinstated. Call for more information.