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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1Art. 3§ 12809 Driver License Denial Reasons

§ 12809 Driver License Denial Reasons

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12809 Driver License Denial Reasons

This law says the DMV can refuse to give or renew a driver's license if the person lies on their application, drives badly, or breaks certain drug or traffic laws.

Key Takeaways

  • •The DMV can say no to a license if you lie or hide important facts on your application.
  • •If you drive dangerously or can't drive well, the DMV can refuse your license.
  • •If you're convicted of transporting drugs using a car, the DMV can refuse your license for up to 3 years.
  • •You must give back a canceled nonresident minor’s certificate if the DMV asks for it.

Example

A person gets pulled over for speeding and the police find out they used a fake name on their driver's license application.

The DMV can refuse to renew their license because they lied on their application.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12809 Driver License Denial Reasons

The department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to any person: (a) If the department is satisfied that the applicant is not entitled to the license under this code. (b) If the applicant has failed to furnish the department the information required in the application or reasonable additional information requested by the department. (c) If the department determines that the applicant has made or permitted unlawful use of any driver’s license. (d) If the department determines that the person has knowingly used a false or fictitious name in any application for a license or has impersonated another in making application or in taking any test, or has knowingly made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact, or otherwise committed any fraud in any application. (e) If the department determines that the applicant is a negligent or incompetent operator of a motor vehicle. (f) If the applicant is convicted of any offense involving the transportation for purpose of sale, or the transportation for compensation, of a controlled substance under Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code, and the commission of the offense involved the use or operation of a motor vehicle. If, however, the driving privilege of the applicant is on probation for a cause related to the use or possession of a narcotic controlled substance, the department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to the applicant if the applicant is subsequently convicted of any offense involving the use or possession of a narcotic controlled substance, whether or not the commission of the offense involved the use or operation of a motor vehicle. The maximum period of time for which the department may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s license to any person pursuant to this subdivision shall be three years from the date of conviction. (g) If the applicant fails or refuses to surrender to the department, upon its lawful demand, a nonresident minor’s certificate which has been canceled. (h) If the applicant has failed to appear regarding a citation issued for vehicle abandonment as specified in Section 22523. (i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1989. (Repealed (in Sec. 2) and added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1267, Sec. 3. Effective September 26, 1988. Section operative July 1, 1989, by its own provisions.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

convictionapplicationprobationpossessioncommissionfraudhealthport

Related Statutes

  • § 12804.9 Driver License Exam Requirements
  • § 11104.3 Atv Instructor Qualification Requirements
  • § 4156.5 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permits
  • § 12801 Driver License Social Security Requirements
  • § 12801.7 Deported Persons License Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12809.
View Official Source