I have been without a license for over 10 years but am finally in a position where I might afford to reinstate. My issue is that I have suspensions/revocation on NY and AL driver licenses.
I made the mistake of getting a new license in AL in 1988 while in college instead of reinstating my NY license and surrendering to get my AL license. I then went on to get traffic violations against the AL license which led to the suspension. I often did not pay tickets or appear for summons as I was irresponsible and was often too broke to pay any fines.
When I returned to NY after college (1991) I realized it would be simpler to reinstate my NY license than deal with the AL, which I did. I maintained that license for the most part but eventually it was suspended for failure to appear on summons which I could not afford to pay.
I have sought legal advice on how to deal with these issues and reinstate or otherwise obtain a hardship license. One attorney actually urged me simply to obtain a new license in a different state, which of course failed because of the NDR search.
Another attorney advised I reinstate my NY license as it would be simpler than deal with both, but I suspect that in the process an NDR search would be done and I would still be forced to deal with the AL license.
What I expect is that the only true way to rectify this mess is to deal with all the issues, at least one of which requires a court appearance because a bench warrant was issued for failure to appear. I would point out none of my violations were for anything more severe than speeding, no DUIs or anything criminal such as leaving the scene of an accident.
Many of these violations are very old (some almost 20 years) and I suspect some difficulty in discharging some of the very old items as records may have been purged.
Apart from general advice, I am wondering how and when any statute of limitations would apply.
Thanks in advance.

