The Unlawful Use of a Driver License Not Issued to You

Why is it unlawful to use someone else’s driver license?   –   The California driver license is easily one of the most valued documents issued by the State of California. Once a person has properly proven legal residency in California and that they possess the skill and ability to drive, they may be issued the California driver license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When the driver license is issued to a qualified individual, it is issued with the express understanding that it only be possessed and used by that person to whom it was issued. The California driver license serves many functions. First, it is relied upon as a valid means by which a person may prove their true identity and their legal presence in the State of California.

This is important as proper identification can affect everything from employment applications to applying for credit. Proper identification and presence are required elements of qualifying for certain state benefits and programs. Finally, the driver license demonstrates that the holder is qualified to operate motor vehicles.

In some instances, however, a person may become involved fraudulent activity by possessing or unlawfully using another person’s driver license. This often occurs when a young person attempts to unlawfully purchase alcohol. They seek to establish lawful age by the use of a driver license issued to another person. Simply put, to possess, demonstrate, or use the driver license of another person is not lawful.

California Vehicle Code Section 14610 (a) (3) determines….It is unlawful for any person to display or represent any driver license not issued to him as being his license.”

What can happen if I use another person’s driver license?

First of all, the unlawful use of another person’s driver license for “false identification” may expose you to criminal prosecution. Additionally, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may deny, suspend or revoke a driver license if you are suspected of fraudulent activity. Essentially, this means that if you legally possess a driver license but unlawfully use the driver license of another person to commit fraud, your own driver license may be suspended or revoked. If you do not possess a driver license and seek to obtain one after an accusation of fraudulent activity the DMV may deny your application for a driver license.

Call California Drivers Advocates today, we can help!

If you have received an “Order of Suspension/Revocation” from the California DMV for fraudulent activity, you only have two options:

• Take no action and permit the suspension/revocation of your driver license for one year.
• Schedule and conduct a Fraudulent Activity Hearing at the Driver Safety Office closest to your home.

Depending on the facts involved, you may also be criminally prosecuted so how you contact and deal with the DMV can be quite sensitive. The DMV Defense Experts at California Drivers Advocates (CDA), have been representing California drivers and residents in the area of fraudulent activity for many years. We can represent your best interests at the DMV, and if necessary, coordinate our efforts with your criminal attorney if you are being prosecuted in court