Driver's License Secondary Review at CA DMV

Understanding the DL 209A notice from CA DMV

A DL 209A notice from the California DMV indicates that the identity or residency documents you submitted during a visit to the DMV office require further review. For example, submitting a Spanish birth certificate without a certified translation or a name mismatch between IDs will trigger a secondary review. Some other issues that can trigger the DL209A notice are 

• Inconsistent or questionable documents (e.g., mismatched names, unclear birth certificates, expired visas).
• Lack of sufficient proof of California residency.
• Failure to pass the initial document verification at the DMV window.
• System flags or alerts during REAL ID verification processes

To initiate the driver’s license secondary review referral process, you must visit dmv.ca.gov/SRA or call (855) 421-10001. After the call, you will receive a letter via mail within 30 days stating the interview date, time, and location. 

What happens at the DMV interview

If you’re referred for a secondary review at the California DMV, you'll be scheduled for an in-person interview with a DMV analyst. This step is to verify your identity and eligibility for a California driver’s license. Here’s what to expect:

Review of identity and residency documents

The DMV analyst will carefully examine all the documents you bring, including birth certificates, passports, immigration records, utility bills, and lease agreements. The goal is to confirm that your documents meet state and federal requirements for identity, lawful presence, and California residency. Bring the original documents and ensure they match the information provided in your initial application.

Questioning and photo match

You may be asked questions to clarify details about your identity, background, or living situation in California. The analyst may also compare your appearance to your photo ID or previous DMV photos to confirm your identity. This is a routine step to prevent fraud and ensure consistency in the DMV's records.

The interview can take up to 1 hour

Come prepared for the DMV secondary review process, which can take 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case. You’ll meet privately with the analyst, so arrive early, bring all required documents, and be patient during the review.

You’ll receive the next steps by mail if successful

After the interview, you won’t get an immediate decision. If your documents are approved and your identity is confirmed, the DMV will mail you instructions for the next step, often to return to a field office to complete the application or receive your license. If additional documents are required, the DMV will notify you by mail as well.

Required documents for the secondary review interview

You need to bring all original or certified copies of civil documents used to support your application for a secondary review interview. This includes documents such as your passport, visa application confirmation page, and proof of payment, if required. Here’s a breakdown of other documents 

School documents

This includes documents from public or private institutions, including primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, colleges, or universities. All school documents must include your date of birth. If a foreign institution issues it, it must be sealed by the school and include your photograph at the age the record was issued.

Documents issued by or filed with the U.S. government or a government within the U.S. 

• Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal form (I-589)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (F-1 or M-1)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1)
• Court documents in which you are named as a party to the court proceeding
• Income tax returns
• US Driver’s license (valid or expired)

Marital status documents 

• Marriage certificate
• Domestic partner registrations
• Divorce decrees

Foreign documents

• Foreign passport
• Foreign national identification (ID) card
• Consular ID card
• Foreign driver’s license

ID card

It must include a photograph of the applicant issued by the U.S. government or a government within the U.S.

Birth document 

• Birth certificate
• Adoption records

Review the documents you will need before requesting a DMV secondary review appointment.

Do your documents need certified translations?

According to the CA DMV rules, documents issued in languages other than English must include a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English. This certified translation must be completed by a certified DMV translator or a translation company with experience in translating documents accepted by the DMV.  Some foreign documents that require translations are

• Foreign driver’s license translation
• Marriage/divorce certificates
• Birth certificates

Certified translations are accompanied by a certificate of translation accuracy, which includes the translator's or translation company's details, the date of translation, and an official stamp.  

Translayte offers certified translations accepted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Our certified translation services are easy to order, accurate and at competitive rates starting from $31.75 per page. 

Need DMV-approved certified translations? Request a quote to get DMV-compliant certified translations. 

What if I fail the interview?

If your DMV secondary review interview doesn't go as planned, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. Here’s what could happen, and what your options are:

Your application is denied

Suppose the DMV determines that you do not meet the eligibility requirements; your application may be formally denied.

A letter will be mailed to you stating that the driver's license secondary review referral process has ended. It might also contain:

• The reason for denial
• Whether the decision is final or can be appealed
• What steps, if any, can you take to reapply

You can request a hearing

If your application is denied, you may have the option to request a hearing. The letter from the DMV will provide instructions on how to proceed, including deadlines and the required documentation.

You can reapply later

If you're not eligible at the time of the interview, you're typically allowed to reapply once you have the correct or updated documentation. There’s no permanent penalty for failing the interview; simply ensure that you resolve the issues before submitting a new application.

Note: Serious discrepancies may lead to investigation. Ensure you don’t use invalid or conflicting documents to avoid such issues. During the process, remain calm, follow the guidance provided in your follow-up letter, and seek help if you’re unsure about the required documents. You can also speak with an immigration attorney or a DMV-authorised interpreter if needed.

Tips for CA DMV applicants undergoing secondary review

If you’ve received a DL 209A notice for secondary review, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smoother experience:

Wait at least 5 business days before calling

The DMV needs time to process your case internally before providing updates. Calling too early may result in being told to wait. Allow at least five business days after receiving your DL 209A before contacting the DMV for follow-up.

Keep your DL application receipt 

Your application receipt (often with a confirmation or ID number) will help DMV staff quickly locate your case when you call or visit. Keep it in a safe, easily accessible place and bring it to your DMV secondary review appointment. If you misplace the DL 209A, please contact DMV at 1-800-777-0133 for further assistance.

How to contact CA DMV

If you need to speak with someone about your case:

• Phone: Call the DMV Customer Service Centre nearest to you (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
• Online Portal: Visit the DMV website to check appointment availability, upload documents (if required), or find answers in the FAQ section.

Ask for language support 

The DMV offers multilingual support for non-English speakers. When calling or visiting, request assistance in your preferred language. Some DMV offices also have bilingual staff available or offer translated forms to help with your review.

Use a DMV-approved translator or translation company

If you must translate foreign documents, ensure that they are translated by a DMV-approved translator with experience in translating documents for DMV. You should use original documents or request a replacement if they are missing or damaged. You can contact your country's consulate in the US for information on how to obtain foreign documents needed for the DMV secondary review referral process. 

Information about the DMV INV division

The INV Division, short for the Investigations Division of the California DMV, is the department responsible for investigating cases involving fraud, identity verification, and misuse of DMV services or documents.

In the context of a secondary review, the INV Division plays a crucial role in verifying whether an applicant’s documents and identity meet the legal standards for obtaining a driver’s license.

The DMV’s Investigations Division has trained peace officers and analysts who handle:

• Verification of questionable documents submitted during a license application
• Interviews with applicants flagged for further review
• Fraud detection, including identity theft, false residency claims, or forged documents
• Collaboration with law enforcement and other government agencies when necessary

Note: Being contacted by INV does not mean you are accused of a crime. It simply means that your case requires more thorough verification to comply with California and federal law.

Need DMV-approved certified translations? Request a quote to get DMV-compliant certified translations.