California DMV Form DL 142 is a one-page request used to voluntarily cancel or surrender a driver license or identification card. An adult can use it to cancel their own license or ID, and a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult can use it to cancel a minor child’s driving privilege. You fill it out, attach the physical card if you still have it, and submit it to the DMV in person or by mail.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 13100, a cancellation is “terminated without prejudice,” meaning it is not a suspension or a revocation and carries no penalty; you can reapply for a new license later if you choose.1California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code 13100
How to Fill Out the DL 142
The form is divided into sections, and you only complete the ones that apply. Everyone fills in the identifying information at the top and signs at the bottom. Beyond that, use the voluntary surrender section for your own license or ID, or the minor-child section to cancel a minor’s license.
Identifying Information
At the top, enter the name exactly as it appears on the card, the address, the license or ID card number, and the date of birth.2California Department of Motor Vehicles. DL 142 – Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or Identification Card Indicate where the card is by checking one of three boxes: “lost/destroyed,” “attached,” or “other.” If you check “other,” explain on the back of the form. When the card is still in your possession, attach it.
Voluntary Surrender
To cancel your own document, check the box for either “Driver License” or “Identification Card” and write in a brief reason on the blank line provided. A short phrase such as “relocated to another state” or “no longer driving” is enough.
Signature
Print your name, sign, date the form, and list your current address in the signature block. No notarization is required. A separate line at the bottom is reserved for a DMV employee’s signature and office number; leave it blank.
Canceling a Minor’s License
The minor-child section is for a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. It asks two yes-or-no questions: whether the license is currently in the minor’s possession, and whether there has been a change in custody.2California Department of Motor Vehicles. DL 142 – Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or Identification Card
You then certify under penalty of perjury that one of the following applies:
- You signed the minor’s license application.
- You gave written consent for the license to be issued, even though you did not sign the application.
- You now have custody of the minor, even though you did not sign the application or give written consent.
Check the one statement that fits. Only someone in one of those three categories has standing to cancel a minor’s license with this form. If none applies, contact the DMV to ask about other options.
Where to Submit It
You can bring the completed DL 142 to any California DMV field office. Office staff will process and sign it while you are there, so bring the physical license or ID card for them to collect.
If you would rather mail it, send the form and the physical card (if you still have it) to Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001. Certified mail gives you a delivery receipt if you later need to prove when the DMV received it.
After the DMV Processes the Cancellation
Once processed, the license or ID number on file is terminated. Because Section 13100 cancellations are without prejudice, there is no waiting period and no reinstatement process; you can apply for a new license whenever you want by going through the standard application, tests, and fees as a new applicant.1California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code 13100
After cancellation, driving on the canceled license carries the same consequences as driving without a license. If you change your mind before the request is processed, contact the office where you submitted the form as soon as possible to ask whether it can be withdrawn.