Hey folks,

I've been a permanent resident for 18 years. About 3 months ago I lost my wallet which contained everything from my ID card, to DL, to social security card, to my green card (don't ask me how I could've made such a capital mistake!).
In any event, it has been 8 years since I was issued an ID in the state I reside -- and I'm now unable to renew even my ID because the threshold for renewal is 5 years. While they can identify me in the system, they're not willing to duplicate me an ID.
I'm now without any type of identification of my person... go figure! Anyway, I have reasons why I didn't seek naturalization in the past... I didn't feel I had a need of it, and verbally one couldn't tell.

Here's the deal, I understand that I can apply for a lost green card; though, I'm thinking it'd be wiser to just go for the citizenship. However, here are my concerns:

Can I submit an application for US citizenship, bypassing the renewal of my permanent card? And if I do, will I be asked the physical green card during the (interview) process?

Second, is it true that one must have had 3 consecutive, recent years of income tax filing to be admissible?
While I do not owe the IRS, per say, I haven't file an income tax in the last 2 years. I have filed up to 2008 -- after which -- during the economy crash, I lost my job and began making a mere living from the good ol' Internet -- It wasn't necessarily a sole proprietorship!

Third, I have some questionable government college debts which I plan to make right (with a payment plan) before I engage in this procedure. Will this be brought up and proven an issue even if I'm making payments?

Lastly, I've had some driving-without-insurance charges -- as a result of which my license is suspended -- but no served time or convictions or other criminal records...

Please advise me as to which one of these will be a hinder in this quest for citizenship so that I may rectify it before I begin. Any and all inputs are dearly appreciated.

Regards,

DocDoc.