LawWiki
HomeCodesSearchGlossaryAPIAbout
LawWiki

Plain English summaries of California law with zero-hallucination AI. Every summary is verified against official source text.

Product

  • Search
  • Codes
  • About

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer

© 2026 LawWiki. All rights reserved.

HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 2Art. 4§ 13551 License Suspension Surrender Rules

§ 13551 License Suspension Surrender Rules

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryReview recommended

§ 13551 License Suspension Surrender Rules

If the DMV takes away or pauses your right to drive, it applies to every driver’s license you have, and you must give all of them back. When the suspension ends, or if the DMV later finds it made a mistake, they give the license back or a new one if you still qualify.

Key Takeaways

  • •A suspension or revocation affects every driver’s license a person holds.
  • •All licenses must be turned in to the DMV (or a peace officer) unless already given to a court.
  • •The DMV holds the licenses during the suspension and can give them back or issue new ones after the suspension ends if the person is still eligible.
  • •If the DMV later decides the suspension was a mistake, it must return or re‑issue the licenses.

Example

Jane has a regular driver’s license and a commercial driver’s license. After a serious traffic violation, the DMV suspends her driving privilege.

Because the suspension covers all of Jane’s licenses, she has to hand both licenses to the DMV (or a police officer). The DMV keeps them while she is suspended. When the suspension period is over and Jane still meets the requirements, the DMV returns her licenses or gives her new ones. If the DMV later discovers the violation was wrongly recorded, they must also return or re‑issue the licenses.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13551 License Suspension Surrender Rules

(a)Whenever the department revokes or suspends the privilege of any person to operate a motor vehicle, the revocation or suspension shall apply to all driver’s licenses held by that person, and, unless previously surrendered to the court, all of those licenses shall be surrendered to the department, or, pursuant to Section 13388, 23612, or 13382, to a peace officer on behalf of the department. Whenever the department cancels a driver’s license, the license shall be surrendered to the department. All suspended licenses shall be retained by the department. The department shall return the license to the licensee, or may issue the person a new license upon the expiration of the period of suspension or revocation, if the person is otherwise eligible for a driver’s license. (b)The department shall return the license to the licensee, or may issue the person a new license, whenever the department determines that the grounds for suspension, revocation, or cancellation did not exist at the time the action was taken, if the person is otherwise eligible for a driver’s license.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

Related Statutes

  • § 13550 License Suspension After Conviction
  • § 13552 Nonresident Driver License Suspension
  • § 13553 Unlicensed Driver Penalties
  • § 13555 Probation Dismissal And Driving Privileges
  • § 13556 License Suspension Limits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 13551.
View Official Source