Particle.news
Download on the App Store

California to Revoke 17,000 Commercial Driver Licenses Following Federal Audit

Federal officials say some credentials were issued past drivers’ lawful stay periods.

Overview

  • California’s DMV has notified affected holders that their commercial licenses will become invalid within 60 days.
  • FMCSA has directed the state to submit a detailed report on the irregular licenses and to implement procedural corrections.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s September guidance narrows eligible visa categories for CDLs to H‑2A, H‑2B and E‑2.
  • The federal rules require immigration status checks in a federal database and limit CDL validity to one year or until work authorization expires.
  • A spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom says the licenses were issued to noncitizens with federal work authorization at the time, while reporting estimates only a small share of foreign CDL holders will qualify for future issuance or renewal under the new criteria.