License Suspended 14 Years

[gb492009]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I just moved back to the U.S. after 14 years of being overseas (active duty). In the state of California in 1995 I received a DUI. 3 Months after the DUI I deployed and payed money to the court and my lawyer, since that all has been fine. I move to Washington 2 weeks ago, bought a car and went to get insurance. GEICO tells me that my license has been suspended. I want to get a Washington license since I will be here for 3+ years. What do I need to do? I don't want to circumvent the system, but I never received a letter or notice or anything. I have had 2 background investigations since and nothing has came up. I have a Japanese translation license. This is frustrating to find out after being gone for so long. Any INFO would be helpful Thanks.

[licensegrl]

It is possible that you are suspended in CA. The suspension period has obviously run out but you may have never paid them a resinstatement fee as you were out of the Country. It is also possible and highly likely that the good folks at Geico have no idea how to interpret the "information" they have about your driving record. Most insurance companies will use third party companies to obtain a so called "driving record". Many times these are not accurate and should never be considered accurate or official as they are not from the DMV.

In short, when you have a question about your license always contact the DMV. Never beleive what some other interested party tells you your license status is. When you want to know if you glass coverage or fire, theft and collision......then ask the insurance company. They know about insurance. The DMV knows about your license. End of story.