Submitting False Documents to the DMV

What does the DMV consider to be false documents?  –  There is no question that the California Driver License is among the most valuable government issued privileges that a person can possess. Possession of the California Driver License establishes that the card holder has legitimately proven his/her true identity and proper residency in the State of California. Most importantly, the California Driver License proves that the holder has demonstrated that he/she possesses the requisite knowledge and skill to operate a motor vehicle on our public roadways.

No wonder that the California Driver License is a highly valued and extremely powerful document that many seek to possess. In addition to those California residents who legitimately qualify to hold the driver license, there is a certain segment of our community who seek to obtain the driver license through fraudulent means.

Some simply cannot pass a written test, despite their best efforts. Some may not be able to pass the driving test when accompanied by a DMV examiner. Others may not legitimately live in California and still others may be running away from their true identity. We must also not be blind to the fact that some perfectly honest people are misjudged, or mistakes are made by DMV personnel.

Whatever the reason, if a person submits any false or misleading documents during the process of qualifying for a California Driver License, renewal of an existing driver license, qualification for a special certificate, or and upgrade to a higher class of license; they have committed an act of fraud.

Some examples of false documents are: False or fraudulent driver licenses or identification from other states, False or fraudulent passports or consulate cards from other countries, False birth certificates, False social security cards, False rent receipts or utility bills,False statements of residency,False statements of custody, False certificates of completion from a DUI program, False proof of insurance.

Virtually any document, writing, record or statement which presents false or fraudulent information, which is presented to the DMV with the intention that it be accepted as true, is considered a false document.

What will happen if I submitted a false document to the DMV?

• What is the nature of the document submitted?
• What was the intended purpose of submitting the document?
• Did the person submitting the document know it to be false or fraudulent?
• Does the accused person currently hold a California Driver License?

We have to be clear here. The DMV is an enormous bureaucracy staffed by thousands of employees; and sometimes mistakes are made. Innocent people are sometimes accused of fraudulent activity. Sometimes documents are misinterpreted or misunderstood. Often, however, a person will actually attempt to obtain a driver license but legitimately submitting false documents to the DMV in an attempt to circumvent the application process.

Whether a mistake has been made or whether a person has legitimately committed an act of fraud, they are entitled to be defended and protected. Any person accused of fraudulent activity at the DMV should immediately telephone the DMV Defense Experts at California Drivers Advocates for a free and confidential consultation. In most instances, responding to the DMV’s allegation of fraud requires the involved person react in a timely manner. The moment you learn that the DMV has focused on you for an act of fraud, a clock begins ticking and you must act quickly.

If the accused person already holds a California Driver License at the time the act of fraud was committed, the California DMV will move to suspend or revoke the driver license for a minimum of one-year.

If the accused person does not possess a California Driver License at the time the act of fraud was committed, the California DMV will reject the application for a driver license and will prohibit the applicant for re-applying for one year.

How can I protect myself?

If you have received an “Order of Suspension/Revocation” that tells you the DMV suspects you have committed an act of fraud or submitted a false document, the DMV is not warning you that they MAY take action against you. Once you receive the Order of Suspension/Revocation from the DMV, this tells you their investigation is complete and they have begun the process of denying, suspending or revoking your driver license. This IS going to happen unless you act to prevent it.

The order will also advise you that there is a limited period of time during which you must respond to protect yourself (normally 10 to 14 days).

If you have received the “Order of Suspension/Revocation” pick up the telephone and contact the DMV Defense Experts at California Drivers Advocates (CDA). We have handled every type of administrative hearing conducted by the DMV; and in every Driver Safety Office in the State.

In the beginning, there are critical steps that must be taken to protect your rights. Don’t make the mistake of attempting to take on the DMV alone. Don’t make the mistake of confronting the DMV with a representative who is ill prepared or lacks experience. Call us today, we can help.