Originally Posted by Schrodie

I, too, got caught up in this registry fiasco. I'm sure this registry is rife with errors. In my case, I've been denied renewal of my TX DL on account of an unresolved ticket in IL dating back to 1990. Well, IL claims it's unresolved, but I know for a fact it was resolved in '92.

Back then IL and TX and several other states were on a "compact" and would exchange this kind of information among themselves. This "compact" was sort of like the precursor to the new Registry, but not every state participated in it. Thus, prior to 2005, someone could have had unfinished tickets in a non-reporting state and still get a DL in a "compact state". As a part of the REAL ID Act instituted in 2005, the database was expanded to include ALL 50 states.

Back to my case: when I was denied a TX DL 15 years ago, I had to resolve all outstanding issues with IL. I did so, and IL issued a clearance letter which I submitted to TX. I then successfully got my TX DL and even renewed it twice. After the second renewal and 14 years, I disposed of the letter along with several other "obsolete" documents-- not knowing that I was going to need it this Spring to renew myTX license for the third time. Imagine my shock when I was informed that my TX license was INVALID. I could have been pulled over at any time and arrested for this... but no one ever sent anything to inform me that my license was "revoked"/"suspended"/invalid. According to TX, my record is fine-- it's that new NDR that's not clear and which is precluding me from renewing.

It gets better (or worse). There is conflicting information in IL. One source says that I simply owe a nominal paperwork fee for something. Another source says I never appeared on the ticket at all, and that I MUST APPEAR IN PERSON (or have my lawyer appear on my behalf). My lawyer has gone in to court 3 times and on all 3 occasions, it was continued by the state.

I am getting the feeling that my lawyer and I are being stonewalled. The most recent court date was 12/07/2007 but that one was continued for another 30 days. Meanwhile, I can't drive legally or get an occupational license for work or other essential needs like grocery shopping or doctor visits. I hate to admit it, but I have no option BUT to drive illegally. There is no public transportation or even cab service in my area, and I have to be able to make a living and feed myself. The whole kicker is that this was only the second ticket I have ever gotten in my life (the first was a school zone ticket that I successfully beat based on the wording of the sign). I've only HAD two tickets, ever.

The question is, how do we resolve these errors without paying fines, appearing in court and in essence having to repeat everything that we resolved 10, 15, 20 years ago... and how long ARE we expected to keep all of our paperwork-- forever? Honestly, I feel like I'm in Nazi Germany. "Papers, pleazzze..."