Unlawful Possession of an Altered or Fraudulently Obtained Driver License

Why is it unlawful to possess an altered driver license?

The California driver license is widely recognized as the primary source of identification in the State of California. The legal possession of a driver license means the owner has proven true identity, valid residency in the state, and the knowledge and skill to operate a motor vehicle. The driver license is an enormously powerful and trustworthy document. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only entity with the authority to add, delete or change information on the driver license and only after that information has been properly verified.

It is unlawful for any person to possess a driver license bearing false or altered information. To add, delete or alter information, whatsoever, that was not originally generated by the California DMV is illegal and punishable by administrative and criminal law.

Why is it unlawful to possess a fraudulently obtained driver license?

As stated above, the California driver license is among the most recognized and trusted identity documents in the State of California. The driver license is intended for issuance only to the person who has proven their true identity, their true residency in the state, and the ability to drive a motor vehicle.

The vetting process to obtain the California driver license includes the review of documents, conducting of background checks, written and performance testing, vision testing and in some instances a personal interview. Because the driver license carries so much weight in identification and privileges, it is intended to only be issued to an applicant who has properly navigated the qualification process.

It is unlawful for any person to possess a driver license that has been obtained through any illegitimate or fraudulently means.

California Vehicle Code section 14610 (a)(1), determines…..“It is unlawful for any person to display or cause or permit to be displayed or have in his possession any canceled, revoked, suspended, fictitious, fraudulently altered, or fraudulently obtained driver’s license.”

As with all unlawful acts, nothing happens to you unless you are discovered. On the other hand, if the California Department of Motor Vehicles learns that you have possessed an altered or fraudulently obtained driver license, they can suspend or revoke any valid driver license you do possess or they can refuse to issue you a driver license altogether. Also, any time fraud is involved, there is the possibility of criminal prosecution in the superior court.

If the DMV suspects your involvement in fraudulent activity, you are normally notified by US mail. Normally an accused person will receive an “Order of Suspension/Revocation” in the mail, which alerts them that the DMV has begun a legal process to punish their transgression. If you receive such an order in the mail, it is critically important that you react quickly and appropriately. You are entitled to defend yourself but you have a limited period of time to do so. Normally, the “Order of Suspension/Revocation” advises you only have 10 to 14 days to contact the DMV to set up an administrative hearing.

If you have received an “Order of Suspension/Revocation” for fraudulent activity, call the DMV Defense Experts at California Drivers Advocates (CDA). We have been protecting the rights of California drivers and residents for many years. There is very little that we haven’t seen and there is no type of DMV hearing we haven’t handled. Call CDA today, we will fight to protect you.

If you have been accused of any act of fraud, call CDA immediately

The DMV hearing process for fraudulent activity is an aggressive, determined effort by the DMV to remove you from the road or to prevent you from obtaining a driver license. If you hope to keep your current driving privilege, or if you hope to get one in the future, you have no option but to defend yourself.

The DMV Defense Team from CDA is comprised of former law enforcement officers, former DMV hearing officers, investigators and scientists. We’re ready to protect your rights and we have the training and skill to get it done. Call us today.