California Drivers License

[Tom 0]

Hi,

Does anyone know when one's foreign spouse can obtain a drivers license?

Thanks,

-Tom

[Babsi 0]

you need a social security number and proof of residence...at least in Michigan, dont know if its different in California

[ohiobuck 0]

All I've learned with my husband is it seems to depend on your state. So go to your states DMV to find out their rules. In Ohio my husband was lucky, he can use his Moroccan drivers license for a year. And for K3 holders all he needs to get an Ohio drivers license is his passport, and I94 card. But I've heard from others in other states it wasn't that easy and they had to wait. Hope you are lucky and live in a state like Ohio tha tis easier to get a drivers license.

I also noticed the DMV workers sometimes are not experience and have no clue with Visa holders. So make sure they get the books out or comfirm with a Manager or someone that really knows. We had to get our answers from two departments. One told us what we needed to get an Ohio drivers license and the other department could tell us which countries drivers licenses could be used in Ohio and how long.

Wish you luck,

Paula

[Tom 0]

you need a social security number and proof of residence...at least in Michigan, dont know if its different in California

We have an expired K1 visa with the I94 stapled inside, and filed for the AOS before the K1 visa expired. Does one have to wait until the AOS is approved to obtain a drivers license, i.e. greencard in hand to show the DMV? Or can one provide some other type of documentation to obtain a drivers license? I'm not sure how to prove "proof of residence."

Thanks!!

-Tom

Edited June 25, 2006 by Tom

[hcj 0]

We got my husband's CA state ID card with his EAD. He already had a SSN also. I believe the "proof of legal presence" requirements for CA DLs vs ID cards are the same.

General requirements for CA DL here:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

This is a partial list of the proof of legal presence documents CA DMV will accept:

* Permanent Resident Card

* Temporary Resident Identification Card

* Valid foreign passport with a valid Record of Arrival/Departure (form I-94)

* Employment Authorization Card

* Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit

* "Processed for I-551" stamped in a valid foreign passport

* Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped "Processed for I-551 temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence"

* Notice of Action (I-797 Approved Petition)

IMO EAD is the most fool-proof one to use.

[Clownies 2]

I went to an InfoPass appointment yesterday in San Francisco, for a RFE of my AOS, and i took the opportunity to ask them about getting a DL: all you need is a work permit. (or a green card, if you can get it before the EAD)

[hello28 0]

I had the same questions. My understanding is first we need to get the driver's permit, and I think we can get that with her EAD card.

But to get the driver's liscense, I believe she needs her SSN card, not just her EAD. This is what I'm not totally clear about. Different DMV's in CA will give you different answers.

I'm hoping it's possible to get BOTH her permit and license in CA with only her EAD Card.