Important Notice to All CDL Drivers in California
If you received a notice of cancellation from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA-DMV) in 2025 or 2026, or believe one was sent to you but you did not receive it, you must act NOW.
Please carefully review the steps below and take action immediately.
- 1. Apply Immediately, even if you submitted an application prior to March 3rd but the DMV did not process it.
You may apply:
- * Online
- * In person at a DMV office
If you need help finding the website or filing, call the UNITED SIKHS Helpline.
If You Apply Online
Complete the application.
Save confirmation numbers.
Take screenshots of every page.
If the system does not allow submission, take screenshots showing the error. Keep copies of everything.
- 2. If the DMV Will Not Accept Your Application (In Person)
If you go to the DMV and they refuse your application:
Ask for a written paper that says they refused your application.
Ask them to write the reason.
If they refuse to give you anything in writing:
Write down:
- * Date
- * Time
- * DMV office location
- * Employee name (or description)
- * Exactly what they told you
If possible, bring a witness.
Keep all notes and documents.
You must create proof that you tried to comply.
3. If the Dates on your CDL Match — GO to the DMV and Request RESCISSION
Look at:
- * The date on your CDL
- * The date on the DMV notice
If the dates MATCH, say clearly:
“I am requesting RESCISSION of the Notice of Cancellation.”
Rescission means you are asking the DMV to cancel their cancellation notice and reissue you a corrected license.
Ask for proof that you made this request.
Keep copies.
If they refuse, submit a new application.
If they refuse to allow you to submit the new application, document.
- 4. If Your CDL Was Downgraded or Cancelled
Before March 6:
Apply online or in person.
Document everything.
Keep all paperwork.
- 5. Bring ALL Required Documents
Under California and federal law, you must bring documents to prove:
- A. Identity (Who You Are)
Bring:
- * Valid U.S. Passport
- * Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- * Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- * Valid foreign passport with valid U.S. immigration document showing a pending application (ie, for asylum) or approved immigration status (TPS, Asylum, LPR, etc). • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- B. Social Security Number
Bring:
- * Social Security card
- * W-2 with full SSN
- * 1099 with full SSN
- * Pay stub with full SSN
- C. California Residency (Bring at least TWO)
Examples:
- * Utility bill
- * Rental agreement or mortgage document
- * Bank statement
- * Government letter
- * Pay stub
- * Insurance document
- D. Medical Certificate (Federal Requirement)
Bring:
- * Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- * Must be from a provider listed on the National Registry
- E. Lawful Presence (Federal Requirement)
Bring proof you are legally in the United States, such as:
- * U.S. Passport
- * Green Card
- * Valid visa with I-94
- * Approved immigration documents, proof application was submitted and is being processed.
- 6. The DMV May Ask for MORE Documents
The DMV may request additional immigration or identity documents.
If they ask for more documents:
Provide them if you have them.
If you do NOT have them, explain why.
Write down what documents they requested.
Ask for the request in writing.
If you are waiting for copies from immigration, say clearly:
“I have requested copies of my records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and I am waiting.”
Bring proof that you requested documents from USCIS with you.
- 7. Ask DMV to Check SAVE
If there is a problem with your immigration status, say:
“Please check my status in SAVE.”
(SAVE is a federal electronic system used by government agencies to verify a person’s immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security).
Ask the DMV to confirm they checked SAVE.
If there is a SAVE delay or mismatch:
Ask for written notice.
Ask what documents are needed. Keep copies of everything.
Ask DMV to give you a copy or screenshot of the SAVE screen.
- 8. If Your Application Is Rejected
If DMV rejects your application:
Ask for the reason in writing.
Keep the rejection notice.
Write down what happened.
Keep copies of everything.
VERY IMPORTANT
You must create a clear record that shows:
- * You applied (online or in person)
- * You brought required documents
- * You provided additional documents if requested
- * You explained missing documents
- * You requested rescission (if dates match)
- * You asked DMV to check SAVE
- * You requested reinstatement
Documentation protects you.
If you need help filing online, understanding document requests, or contacting USCIS, call the UNITED SIKHS Helpline or other SIKH organizations, including the Gurdwara, immediately.
About UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is an international, non-profit humanitarian organization affiliated with the U.N., committed to empowering disadvantaged and minority communities across the globe. Its mission is to provide support and resources to those in need, advocating for equality, justice, and human rights. Through various humanitarian projects and advocacy efforts, UNITED SIKHS works to uplift vulnerable communities, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the world.
For media inquiries or to support UNITED SIKHS’ legal advocacy efforts, please contact:
Gurleen Kaur
Director of Media and Public Relations
📧 gurleen.kaur@unitedsikhs.org | media@unitedsikhs.org
To contribute to our legal advocacy and humanitarian work, please visit:
