Veh. Code, § 2501

(a) The Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol may issue licenses for the operation of privately owned or operated ambulances used to respond to emergency calls, armored cars, fleet owner inspection and maintenance stations, and for the transportation of hazardous material, including the transportation of explosives. Licenses issued under this section shall be issued in accordance with this chapter and regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant thereto. Licenses issued by the commissioner shall expire one year from the date of issue, and may be renewed upon application and payment of the renewal fees if the application for renewal is made within the 30-day period before the date of expiration. A person whose license has expired shall immediately cease the activity requiring a license, but the commissioner shall accept applications for renewal during the 30-day period following the date of expiration if they are accompanied by the new license fee. A license shall not be renewed when the application is received more than 30 days after the date of expiration.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) and this chapter, licenses shall not be required under this chapter for ambulances owned or operated by a fire department of a federally recognized tribe or operators of those ambulances.