Non-Domiciled CDLs: New Lawsuit Fights DMV Actions in California

Class Action Filed Over California Non-Domiciled CDLs and License Cancellations

A new class action has been filed in California to stop the cancellation of thousands of Non-Domiciled CDLs. The lawsuit argues that drivers were not given fair notice or a real chance to fix paperwork issues before the state moved to take away their commercial licenses. Many of these drivers rely on their CDLs to work and support their families, so the case has gained strong attention in the trucking community.

Why the Lawsuit Was Filed Over Non-Domiciled CDLs

In late 2025, the California DMV sent cancellation notices to thousands of commercial drivers. These letters said the drivers’ Non-Domiciled CDLs were not valid because the expiration dates on their licenses did not match their work authorization or immigration status documents.

The lawsuit says these problems were caused by errors in the DMV’s own process. It argues that drivers followed all state rules and still received sudden cancellation notices. The filing also says drivers were not offered a fair way to correct minor paperwork issues before losing their CDL status.

Drivers named in the case include bus drivers, tow truck owners, transit operators, and school bus drivers. All say they face serious financial harm if they lose their Non-Domiciled CDLs, since these licenses allow them to work.

What the Lawsuit Hopes to Achieve

The class action asks the court to stop the DMV from cancelling the Non-Domiciled CDLs. The filing seeks court orders that would:

• Prevent California from revoking the licenses
• Require the DMV to allow drivers to correct errors
• Protect drivers from losing work while the process continues

The lawsuit argues the DMV must fix its process and give drivers a clear, fair path to update their records without losing their jobs.

Advocacy groups involved say the state’s actions threaten the jobs of thousands of immigrant workers who followed the rules given to them by the DMV.

How This Connects to Federal Actions on Non-Domiciled CDLs

The lawsuit comes during a larger national review of Non-Domiciled CDLs. In September 2025, FMCSA issued an interim emergency rule that created stricter rules for how states must issue these licenses. Federal officials said the new rule was needed to protect highway safety and ensure proper identity checks.

During this review, FMCSA found that California had issued more than 17,000 Non-Domiciled CDLs that did not meet federal standards. This finding increased pressure on the state to take action.

In October 2025, a federal appeals court placed the interim rule on hold while legal challenges continue. Even with the rule paused, the earlier federal findings about California’s licenses remain part of the ongoing dispute.

Drivers and Advocates Say the Process Is Unclear

Groups supporting the lawsuit say many drivers tried to contact the DMV but did not get clear answers. Some drivers reported that DMV staff asked them to surrender their licenses in person, even when their documents matched their work authorization dates.

Advocates argue that the state should not cancel Non-Domiciled CDLs when drivers relied on the DMV’s own instructions. They also say the DMV has not explained how it identified which licenses were out of compliance.

What Happens Next for Non-Domiciled CDLs

The case will move forward in Alameda County Superior Court. At the same time, the federal government is still reviewing thousands of public comments on the interim rule. FMCSA is working on a final rule that may update or replace the current requirements for Non-Domiciled CDLs.

Today, several things remain uncertain:

• Whether California will be allowed to extend its timeline
• Whether the court will block the cancellations
• How FMCSA will change the rules in its final version
• What steps will drivers need to take to keep their Non-Domiciled CDLs

The outcome of this lawsuit and the federal rulemaking process will shape what happens next for thousands of commercial drivers in California. It may also affect how states across the country issue and manage Non-Domiciled CDLs in the future.