Important Updates
DMV Ceases Issuing Nondomiciled CLPs/CDLs
On September 26, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a preliminary determination of non-compliance letter to DMV relating to the issuance of non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
In accordance with the direction provided by the FMCSA, the DMV has ceased issuing nondomiciled CLPs/CDLs. If your CLP or CDL status changes, you will receive a letter and/or email advising of one of the following:
- Non-domiciled CLPs and pending non-domiciled CDL applications will be cancelled.
- Non-domiciled CDLs issued out of compliance with state law and federal regulations at the time of issuance will be cancelled.
- Valid/unexpired non-domiciled CDLs issued in compliance with state law and federal regulations at the time of issuance will remain valid until the expiration date.
60‑Day Extension for Approximately 17,000 Nondomiciled CDLs
On December 30, 2025, the DMV extended the cancellation date for approximately 17,000 nondomiciled CDLs by an additional 60 days while the state continues to work with representatives of the FMCSA to resolve concerns with the CDL licensing process prior to March 6, 2026.
This extension provides additional time for the DMV and FMCSA to identify a solution that allows affected drivers to continue working and serving California communities. Impacted drivers will receive letters shortly informing them of the extension.
What You Can Do Now
| Your next step | Will I be charged an additional fee? | |
|---|---|---|
| If you do not have permanent residency or U.S. citizenship: | Your next stepApply for a noncommercial driver’s license by the date on your letter by visiting a DMV office. | Will I be charged an additional fee?The fee will be waived with a copy of your letter. |
| If you have permanent residency or U.S. citizenship: | Your next stepApply for a commercial driver’s license by the date on your letter by visiting a DMV office. | Will I be charged an additional fee?The fee will be waived with a copy of your letter. |
| If you are a driver domiciled in Mexico or Canada, and you do not participate in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: | Your next stepApply for a noncommercial driver’s license by the date on your letter by visiting a DMV office. | Will I be charged an additional fee?The fee will be waived with a copy of your letter. |
For office visits, make an appointment y complete an online application prior to your appointment.
More Information
For more information about the newly imposed federal requirements, visit fmcsa.dot.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
DMV is extending the cancellation dates of January 5, 2026 and February 13, 2026 to close of business, March 6, 2026. However, drivers domiciled in Mexico or Canada, unless they participate in the DACA program, will retain their original cancellation dates of January 5, 2026 and February 13, 2026, respectively.
No. DMV has also cancelled your noncommercial driver’s license. You must apply for a noncommercial driver’s license to be able to drive a regular vehicle. You can begin your noncommercial application y schedule your office visit online.
No. You will not be required to retake either exam. You only need to complete the application online, bring the application email confirmation, your legal presence documents, your CDL, and the letter you received to a DMV office to finish the process to get a noncommercial driver’s license.
Yes. You will need to visit a DMV office to turn in your CDL, provide your legal presence documents and to complete the application started online. A DMV office visit will be required to apply for a noncommercial driver’s license or provide proof of acceptable permanent resident status to obtain a CLP or CDL. Be sure to bring the letter from DMV if you received one.
California DMV is currently only issuing domiciled CLPs or CDLs. Federal guidelines require an individual to provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency to obtain a CDL. For more information regarding the FMCSA list of acceptable proofs of citizenship or permanent residency requirements for CDLs, refer to 49 CFR § 383.71.
You may call the DMV at (916) 306-5153.