For Immediate Release
Date: November 19, 2007
Contact: David Griffith
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Department Encourages Missourians to Allow Extra Time for Driver License Transactions

National System Outages May Cause Some Delays

        JEFFERSON CITY – Recent problems with National Driver Registry could cause delays here in Missouri. The National Driver Registry (NDR), through which all driver license applications must be checked, has been experiencing delays and temporary service outages. This problem is affecting all Missouri Department of Revenue license bureaus as well as those throughout the United States and Canada.  Missourians renewing or applying for a driver license are encouraged to allow extra time to process their applications.

        The national registry is a computerized database of information of drivers who have had their licenses revoked or suspended, or who have been convicted of serious traffic violations such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. State motor vehicle agencies provide the national registry with the names of individuals who have lost their privileges or who have been convicted of a serious traffic violation and have outstanding fees. When a person applies for a driver’s license, the state verifies to see if the name is on the national registry file. If a person has been reported to the national registry as a problem driver, the license may be denied.

        While Missouri has been using the system since September 20th, 2005, several states have just recently started verifying driver information through the registry. According to the national registry, the usage has doubled the amount of transactions in the past three years from 40 million per year to 80 million per year, causing a strain on the system.

        During these outages, no new or renewal license transactions can be processed. This problem does not affect Missourians seeking to renew or apply for new license plates.

        The Missouri Department of Revenue is currently involved in discussions with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) for updates on the situation and possible solutions.

        Until these issues are resolved, the Missouri Department of Revenue apologizes for this inconvenience and urges all driver license applicants not to wait until the last day to renew or apply for a new license since it is possible that your transaction may not be able to be immediately processed.

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