Electronic Pull Notice (EPN) Program Guide for California Trucking
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The Electronic Pull Notice (EPN) program, also known as the Employer Pull Notice program, is a California compliance system that allows an employer to monitor driver records automatically. This notice program is required for many transportation businesses that operate commercial vehicles in the state.
Through the EPN program, employers receive ongoing information about their drivers, including suspensions, convictions, accidents, and other changes tied to a driver’s license. This helps ensure compliance, improve public safety, and reduce the risk of unsafe drivers remaining on the road while allowing each employer to manage driver records more effectively over time.
What Is the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program?
The Employer Pull Notice program is a system managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that automatically sends driver record updates to an employer.
These updates include:
- License suspensions
- Traffic convictions
- Accidents
- Changes to a driver’s license status
The employer pull notice program allows commercial businesses and government organizations to monitor the driving records of employees who operate a vehicle. By receiving automatic updates, an employer can quickly identify problem drivers and take action before safety risks increase.
This system is widely used across industries in transportation and is considered an important part of maintaining a compliant operation.
For general program details, the California DMV provides an overview of how the Employer Pull Notice program works.
The Purpose of the EPN Program
The main purpose of the EPN program is to improve public safety.
It does this by:
- Providing automatic updates on driver records
- Allowing employers to act quickly when issues appear
- Helping remove unsafe drivers from the road
Because employers receive ongoing updates, they can respond faster to risks like suspensions or serious convictions.
This ongoing monitoring is a key part of maintaining compliance in the transportation industry.
EPN Enrollment Requirements
EPN enrollment is required for many employers operating in California.
To stay compliant:
- Employers must enroll any driver who operates a vehicle for their business in order to remain compliant
- Employers must monitor driver records on an ongoing basis
- Employers must maintain proper documentation of all notices and actions
Starting April 1, 2026:
- Employers must submit documents electronically through the DMV portal
- Fax and paper submissions are no longer accepted
This electronic system helps save time, improves verification methods, and ensures all required documents are processed accurately and on time.
To remain compliant, employers are required to enroll every driver who operates a vehicle under their business. This includes full-time employees, part-time drivers, and any person who may drive as part of company operations.
How the EPN Program Works
Once enrolled, the DMV assigns your business a requester code and confirms your business as an authorized participant in the program. This code is used to manage your drivers within the system.
The EPN program automatically generates and sends driver records when certain actions occur.
These include:
- Suspensions
- Convictions
- Accidents
- Other changes to a driver’s license
Employers also receive annual reports for each enrolled driver, along with added updates when activity occurs.
This system ensures that employers continue to receive updated information without needing to manually request records. This process allows an employer to continuously check driver status without needing to manually request records each time.
EPN Compliance and CHP Audits
EPN compliance is actively enforced in California.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducts audits of companies enrolled in the program to ensure they are following all requirements and that employers understand and learn proper compliance procedures.
During an audit, CHP may check:
- Whether all required drivers are enrolled
- Whether records are reviewed on time
- Whether proper documentation is maintained
- Whether corrective actions are taken when needed
Employers enrolled in the EPN program receive automatic notifications of disqualifying actions. These must be reviewed and handled properly to remain compliant.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducts regular audits of companies enrolled in the EPN program. These inspections are used to verify that employers are properly monitoring drivers, reviewing records, and maintaining compliance with state regulations.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties and may impact a company’s ability to continue operating in California. These audits are designed to ensure that each business is properly enrolled, actively monitoring drivers, and maintaining records in a way that meets state compliance standards.
How EPN Improves Public Safety
The EPN program plays a direct role in public safety monitoring.
It allows employers to:
- Monitor driver behavior and license status
- Identify high-risk or unsafe drivers
- Take action before accidents occur
Because the system provides real-time updates, employers can respond quickly to issues that could otherwise lead to serious incidents.
The EPN program improves public safety by ensuring that employers receive real-time updates about driver activity. When a driver has a suspension, conviction, or other issue, the employer is notified and can respond immediately.
This ongoing monitoring helps remove unsafe drivers from the road, reduce accidents, and ensure that transportation companies continue operating safely and responsibly.
EPN and California Compliance Requirements
The EPN program is only one part of a larger compliance system.
Many California carriers are also required to maintain:
- California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP)
- USDOT Number
- MC Number
- BOC-3 filing
- BIT Program participation
Each requirement is connected, and managing them together ensures your business remains compliant and ready for inspections at any time, helping you avoid costly penalties you may otherwise have to pay. Managing these requirements together allows companies to operate more effectively, maintain compliance across state and federal regulations, and stay prepared for inspections at any time.
Managing Notices and Records
EPN generates both annual and event-based reports.
When a notice is received, employers should:
- Review the information within 24 to 48 hours
- Verify the driver’s status
- Document the review process
- Take action if needed
For example:
- A suspension may require immediate removal from driving
- A minor violation may require training or monitoring
All actions must be documented to ensure compliance during inspections.
Common Compliance Mistakes
Many businesses struggle with EPN because it requires ongoing attention.
Common issues include:
- Not enrolling all drivers
- Failing to update driver records
- Ignoring notices
- Lacking a clear compliance method
EPN is not a one-time task. It requires continuous work to remain compliant.
Important: Other Meanings of EPN
In trucking, EPN refers to the Employer Pull Notice program.
However, the term EPN can also mean other things in different industries.
For example:
- The Electronic Payments Network is a financial clearinghouse that processes electronic transactions and handles high volumes of automated payments for private banks
- An Enterprise Private Network is a dedicated, secure network used by businesses to connect offices, systems, and internal operations
These meanings are unrelated to trucking compliance. When discussing transportation, EPN always refers to the Employer Pull Notice program.
How FCCR Supports EPN and Compliance
Managing EPN, along with other requirements, can be difficult for many carriers.
FCCR helps businesses:
- Build and create structured compliance systems
- Manage EPN enrollment and records
- Align EPN with DOT and FMCSA requirements
- Prepare for CHP audits
- Connect EPN with MCP, BOC-3, and other filings
We work as a compliance partner to help businesses stay organized, reduce risk, and manage requirements more effectively over time.
Get Help With EPN and California Compliance
EPN compliance requires ongoing attention, proper documentation, and accurate record management.
If your business is not set up correctly, it can lead to violations, audits, and increased risk.
FCCR helps trucking companies handle EPN and full compliance requirements the right way.
We provide compliance solutions designed to help businesses stay organized, reduce risk, and manage requirements more effectively over time.
Contact FCCR today to get started and ensure your business is fully compliant with California and federal regulations.
FAQ
Yes. Employers are required to enroll any driver who operates a vehicle for their business and continue to monitor their records.
No. EPN supports compliance but does not replace FMCSA requirements. Employers must still maintain driver qualification files and annual reviews.
EPN provides automatic updates about driver records, including suspensions and convictions. This allows employers to act quickly and reduce risk.
CHP will verify enrollment, records, and compliance procedures. Missing or incomplete documentation can result in penalties.
Employers verify EPN compliance by ensuring all drivers are enrolled, reviewing records when notices are received, and maintaining proper documentation. Regular internal checks and organized recordkeeping help ensure the business remains compliant during CHP audits.
In trucking, EPN stands for Employer Pull Notice. Other meanings exist, but they are not related to transportation compliance.
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He is the Lead Content Specialist at FCCR, where he develops educational content focused on trucking compliance, DOT regulations, and FMCSA registration requirements. He works closely with compliance processes and industry systems to provide clear, accurate guidance for owner-operators and carriers.