Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) wants drivers with outstanding driving violations in other states to be aware that those violations may affect their Minnesota driving privileges starting October 11, 2011. 

 

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) requires all states to verify that a person applying for a driver’s license or learner’s permit has no unresolved sanctions (suspension, revocation, cancelation or withdrawal of driving privileges) or a history of serious violations in another state. 

 

This mandate prevents drivers from obtaining a license from more than one state or hiding convictions among several states and driving records. The cooperative exchange of problem driver information between states is helping to improve safety on the nation’s highways.

DVS checks with the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) for all class drivers. For commercial drivers, the Social Security Online Verification System (SSOLV), is also checked as required by federal regulations.

 

Beginning October 11, 2011, the application process for a Minnesota driver’s license or learner’s permit began to include a series of verification checks to reduce the likelihood of Minnesota issuing a driver’s license or learner’s permit to an ineligible driver.

This applies to applications for a Minnesota driver’s license, applications for a learner’s permit, individuals who want to change the name or address on their Minnesota license and to drivers who are looking to renew, upgrade or add an endorsement to their license.  

 

Drivers who are aware that their driving privilege in another state has been suspended, revoked, canceled or withdrawn are encouraged to resolve the matter before attempting to apply, renew, change or upgrade a Minnesota driver's license.  If the matter is not resolved, a driver will not be allowed to complete the application process to obtain a Minnesota driving credential (commercial or non-commercial) until the sanction in the other state is resolved. 

Contact information: DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us or call 651-297-3298.