Your license will be pulled after a certain time if you dont pay the fee in most states.
Also, I think I have one point wrong. There is likely some kind of time frame by which you can be an active lawyer, practice law, and have an unpaid fee.
If it is due Oct 1 and it is Oct 31 and you haven’t paid your fee you might still be able to practice. Not really sure on that point. His state may require an act of suspension rather than an automatic inability to practice law. this would make more sense.
I have to register every 3 years to practice my profession and pay the fee and that's no big deal. They send you the form if requested or you can do it on line.
Rudy is registered in NYS till 2022 when he will register again. See previous post. Click on his name and it will give more info.