California to Revoke 17,000 Commercial Licenses Amid Federal Scrutiny

Thu Nov 13 2025 03:25:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move, California is set to revoke 17,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to immigrants after a U.S. Transportation Secretary raised concerns regarding their validity. Governor Gavin Newsom insists the decision is based on state law violations, despite the controversy.

California plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver's licenses granted to immigrants, following heightened scrutiny from federal authorities over the legitimacy of these licenses. Governor Gavin Newsom declared that the impending revocations stem from violations of state law rather than federal pressure. The U.S. Transportation Secretary suggested this action signifies California's acknowledgment of improper practices, while the governor's office maintains that the licenses were issued in accordance with federal guidelines. Immigrant driver licensing standards are also subject to stricter federal regulations, heightening concerns about transportation safety.

California plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses given to immigrants after the Trump administration raised concerns about people in the country illegally receiving licenses to drive semitrucks or buses. However, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the revocations are due to violations of state law, without providing specific details.

The Democratic governor's office noted that these unspecified violations were tied to laws implemented before the recent tightening of rules by the Trump administration following a nationwide audit on commercial driver’s licenses after a driver in the country illegally caused a fatal crash in Florida.

Previous tragic incidents in Texas and Alabama concerning truck crashes have also brought scrutiny on these licenses, including a recent incident in California that resulted in three fatalities. Concerns have mounted over the issuance of commercial licenses to those without legal status.

California state transportation authorities did not immediately clarify the reasons behind the revocation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy labeled California’s decision a recognition of improper issuance after the state previously defended its practices. Duffy emphasized the importance of ensuring that noncitizens do not hold commercial licenses.

In a reaction to the announcement, Newsom's office asserted that all affected drivers had valid work authorizations from the federal government, suggesting the licenses were lawfully issued under existing guidelines.

Duffy has implemented new regulations that greatly narrow which immigrants can obtain commercial driver’s licenses, further complicating the landscape for prospective immigrant drivers in California. The implications of these changes underline concerns regarding safety and regulatory compliance within the trucking industry.