DMV Is Not Currently Issuing Nondomiciled 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 will cancel 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 license. 

To keep driving a regular car, the driver must apply for a new license.  Although DMV is not currently issuing non-domiciled CDL/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
• Pay the nonrefundable application fee 
• Take a vision test 
• Take a photo 

What License Do I Apply For? 

You have the option of applying for a CDL or a regular Class C, noncommercial DL.  Because the DMV cannot process two license applications at the same time, you may only apply for one of these licenses at a time.  There are differences you should be aware of in deciding how to proceed: 

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)	Class C Noncommercial Driver’s License (DL)
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)PLEASE NOTE: The DMV is not currently allowed to issue non-domiciled CDLs because of a directive from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Accordingly, if you apply for a new CDL now, your application will be placed on hold, which will delay DMV’s determination regarding your lawful entitlement to be issued a CDL.    We do not know when the DMV will be allowed to issue non-domiciled CDLs again. Once DMV determines it can act on the applications, it will finish its evaluation of any applications impacted by the delay in accordance with applicable law.    If DMV finds that you do not qualify for a CDL but do qualify for a regular DL, you will be given the regular DL.	Class C Noncommercial Driver’s License (DL)If you do not want to apply for a new CDL, or you want to wait to apply for one, 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.   The DMV cannot process two license applications at the same time.  If you first apply for a noncommercial DL and later want a CDL, you must wait until the noncommercial DL is issued before applying for the CDL.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)While your CDL application is being processed, you cannot be issued a noncommercial card. After you turn in your completed CDL application, the DMV will issue you a temporary noncommercial driver’s license that is good for 60 days.	Class C Noncommercial Driver’s License (DL)After applying, you can check your 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