DMV Is Not Currently Issuing Non-Domiciled CLPs/CDLs
DMV previously notified some non-domiciled commercial drivers that their license will be canceled.
The notice explained that after reviewing the driver’s records, the DMV found the CDL was issued incorrectly. State law requires that the expiration date of a CDL must be on or before the expiration date of the legal presence documents provided to the DMV.
On March 6, 2026, DMV canceled the licenses of notified drivers, which includes cancellation of the noncommercial Class C driver’s license (DL). Once canceled, the license holder will not be able to drive.
In accordance with Vehicle Code section 13100, the cancellation of the license is without prejudice, and drivers have the right to immediately reapply for a license. Drivers who chose to give up their CDL before March 6, 2026, are also entitled to immediately reapply for a non-domiciled commercial license.
To keep driving a regular car, the driver must apply for a new license. Although DMV is not currently issuing non-domiciled CDLs/CLPs because of a directive from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DMV is able to issue regular Class C licenses to eligible drivers who previously held a non-domiciled CDL.
How to Apply
Once you decide what license to apply for:
- Complete an application online; select commercial or noncommercial Class C in the application
- Schedule an appointment to visit your nearest DMV
- Surrender the DL in your possession
- Bring your notice(s) from DMV and your proof of identity and residency documents
What License Do I Apply For?
You have the option of applying for a CDL or a regular Class C, noncommercial DL.
| Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) | Class C Noncommercial Driver’s License (DL) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)The DMV is not currently allowed to issue non-domiciled CDLs because of a directive from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We do not know when the DMV will be allowed to issue non-domiciled CDLs again. If you apply for a new CDL now, your application will be placed on hold. Once DMV determines it can act on the applications, it will finish its evaluation of any applications placed on hold | Class C Noncommercial Driver’s License (DL)If you do not want to apply for a new CDL, or while your CDL application is on hold, you can apply for a regular DL instead. For more information on eligibility and to ensure you have the documents needed, please review the Driver’s License page. After applying, you can check your noncommercial DL application status using the DL Card Status. |
More Information
For more information about the newly imposed federal requirements, visit fmcsa.dot.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 and 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.