Driving Abstract, Renewing CDN License and Other Legalities

[Sam and Ben 2]

So, even though I haven't gotten the green light to move, I'm busy trying to keep track of all the little things that need to be taken care of here on the home front.

A major concern of mine is the all-encompassing issue of driving.

I'm moving to Florida. I've read their dmv website, and I'm confused about the difference between applying as a Canadian or applying as a non-immigrant. Obviously, applying as a Canadian seems much easier (and fairly guaranteed, considering their required documentation), whereas a non-immigrant requires the actual EAD and SSN. (And I see a bit of an issue in the fact that my SSN will be in my maiden name, yet my EAD NOA/EAD itself will be in my married name.)

Though I can't find the section on that site now, it did have stipulation about how you could drive on your Canadian license for a period of time so long as you weren't classified as a "resident". Can't find it now, but I assume that receiving government mail (ex. NOAs from AOS, etc) would classify one as a resident. And even if I could drive on my Canadian license, I obviously can't drive without insurance, but I assume I can't be insured until I have a Florida ID, right?

My big issue is that my Ontario Driver's License expires in March of 2010. That's cutting it rather close. By my count, I could have my EAD by that point if lucky, but more likely, it'll still be a month or so pending. If I require the EAD to get my license, I see no way to get around not renewing (and eating another expense).

Along with that, I was wondering if obtaining a driver's abstract from my local dmv would be of any use when applying for insurance down the line? Will US insurance companies even blink an eye at that, or am I stuck being considered a fresh driver no matter what?

I know there are a fair few Canadians who have made the trek/are making the trek to Florida and hopefully someone can at least help direct me to a better place. I've searched the forums here and can't seem to find anything concise about Florida... and their own websites seem confusing as ever.

Just another thing to worry about... heh. Hopefully someone can offer some help. Anything would be appreciated.

[LiLMermaid 2]

So, even though I haven't gotten the green light to move, I'm busy trying to keep track of all the little things that need to be taken care of here on the home front.

A major concern of mine is the all-encompassing issue of driving.

I'm moving to Florida. I've read their dmv website, and I'm confused about the difference between applying as a Canadian or applying as a non-immigrant. Obviously, applying as a Canadian seems much easier (and fairly guaranteed, considering their required documentation), whereas a non-immigrant requires the actual EAD and SSN. (And I see a bit of an issue in the fact that my SSN will be in my maiden name, yet my EAD NOA/EAD itself will be in my married name.)

Though I can't find the section on that site now, it did have stipulation about how you could drive on your Canadian license for a period of time so long as you weren't classified as a "resident". Can't find it now, but I assume that receiving government mail (ex. NOAs from AOS, etc) would classify one as a resident. And even if I could drive on my Canadian license, I obviously can't drive without insurance, but I assume I can't be insured until I have a Florida ID, right?

My big issue is that my Ontario Driver's License expires in March of 2010. That's cutting it rather close. By my count, I could have my EAD by that point if lucky, but more likely, it'll still be a month or so pending. If I require the EAD to get my license, I see no way to get around not renewing (and eating another expense).

Along with that, I was wondering if obtaining a driver's abstract from my local dmv would be of any use when applying for insurance down the line? Will US insurance companies even blink an eye at that, or am I stuck being considered a fresh driver no matter what?

I know there are a fair few Canadians who have made the trek/are making the trek to Florida and hopefully someone can at least help direct me to a better place. I've searched the forums here and can't seem to find anything concise about Florida... and their own websites seem confusing as ever.

Just another thing to worry about... heh. Hopefully someone can offer some help. Anything would be appreciated.

I'd just get a Florida license as soon as you get here. I've also read the license site as well as know a few 'snowbirds'. Getting a Florida license is easy for Canadians. As for the driving abstract and insurance....I've talked to people here who have crappy driving records while mine is pretty much spotless and they pay less for insurance. Not sure if a driving record from Canada would do any good but you could have your fiance call his insurance company and ask. I highly doubt you'd be considered a 'fresh driver' because if you were...you'd have to go through all the testing and stuff first. Know what I mean?

[Sam and Ben 2]

I'd just get a Florida license as soon as you get here. I've also read the license site as well as know a few 'snowbirds'. Getting a Florida license is easy for Canadians. As for the driving abstract and insurance....I've talked to people here who have crappy driving records while mine is pretty much spotless and they pay less for insurance. Not sure if a driving record from Canada would do any good but you could have your fiance call his insurance company and ask. I highly doubt you'd be considered a 'fresh driver' because if you were...you'd have to go through all the testing and stuff first. Know what I mean?

That's where my confusion lies, though.

With the new ID requirements (as of Jan 1), you have to show two pieces of proof of residence, even as a Canadian. Bank/financial correspondence counts as one, and the only other I imagine I'll have asap will be government documentation (NOA for EAD or AP). I'm worried that the latter negates my ability to easy transfer my license as a 'Canadian', as opposed to as a 'non-immigrant/immigrant'.

Seems overly complicated to me. Why can't it just be a "you enter the country, have x days to apply for ssn, have x days following receipt of ssn to apply for dl, have a nice day."

Far as the insurance, you're right - I'll have Ben call his provider and ask if it makes any difference whatsoever. I just assumed that proof that I have a clean record, as opposed to having no record at all, would be beneficial.

Edited November 10, 2009 by Sam and Ben

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I'd just get a Florida license as soon as you get here. I've also read the license site as well as know a few 'snowbirds'. Getting a Florida license is easy for Canadians. As for the driving abstract and insurance....I've talked to people here who have crappy driving records while mine is pretty much spotless and they pay less for insurance. Not sure if a driving record from Canada would do any good but you could have your fiance call his insurance company and ask. I highly doubt you'd be considered a 'fresh driver' because if you were...you'd have to go through all the testing and stuff first. Know what I mean?

That's where my confusion lies, though.

With the new ID requirements (as of Jan 1), you have to show two pieces of proof of residence, even as a Canadian. Bank/financial correspondence counts as one, and the only other I imagine I'll have asap will be government documentation (NOA for EAD or AP). I'm worried that the latter negates my ability to easy transfer my license as a 'Canadian', as opposed to as a 'non-immigrant/immigrant'.

Seems overly complicated to me. Why can't it just be a "you enter the country, have x days to apply for ssn, have x days following receipt of ssn to apply for dl, have a nice day."

Far as the insurance, you're right - I'll have Ben call his provider and ask if it makes any difference whatsoever. I just assumed that proof that I have a clean record, as opposed to having no record at all, would be beneficial.

I don't know all the details in Florida - but does applying as 'Canadian' imply that you're a retiree who lives there for just part of the year in Florida?

You are an immigrant (or will be) when you go for your FLorida license, no? There are plenty of folks who moved to Florida who I'm sure can answer this question though

[Sam and Ben 2]

Honestly, I can't imagine any other reason a Canadian in that way would be able to apply except for a retiree situation. But even then, considering you're not supposed to have more than one license, and you could simply drive using your Canadian license while visiting... I don't know why you'd bother if you weren't moving there permanently?

I will already be an immigrant (or "non-immigrant"... whatever the difference for K1 is, really), with an SSN (hopefully) in hand or at least in process.

[cdn_gewels 0]

I'm interested in the answer too! My Ontario DL expires in July 2010... I'm only moving down to FL in February and getting married in April!

I actually found a "contact us" option on the official Florida site. I wrote all the details of my situation (similar to yours Sam) so hopefully I'll hear an official reply back soon! I wrote yesterday and they say it takes 2 days to get a reply back.

[Sam and Ben 2]

I'm interested in the answer too! My Ontario DL expires in July 2010... I'm only moving down to FL in February and getting married in April!

I actually found a "contact us" option on the official Florida site. I wrote all the details of my situation (similar to yours Sam) so hopefully I'll hear an official reply back soon! I wrote yesterday and they say it takes 2 days to get a reply back.

Oh, excellent. I never even thought of contacting them by email.

I saw the phone number there, but really didn't feel like dealing with someone over the phone who didn't know what they were talking about. Perhaps the email will at least be directed to someone who knows something pertinent.

Thanks for that, I'm going to give it a try too. Do let me know if they respond though, hopefully we get consistent answers!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Also find out if they require the license to be valid for a certain amount of time.

I know in NYS, my Ontario DL had to be valid for at least 6 more months for them to do an exchange. If was going to expire in a month or two, I would've had to start from the beginning again there.

So, I also had to renew my license only a few months before moving... which was worth it in the end...

[Sam and Ben 2]

Also find out if they require the license to be valid for a certain amount of time.

I know in NYS, my Ontario DL had to be valid for at least 6 more months for them to do an exchange. If was going to expire in a month or two, I would've had to start from the beginning again there.

So, I also had to renew my license only a few months before moving... which was worth it in the end...

Oh, thank you for pointing that out.

[dutchmatt 1]

Every state is different and sometimes what you read online isn't exactly right. I would contact the Secretary of State in Florida and ask them you question directly. I'm moving to Chicago at the end of the month (hopefully) and I was told that as an Ontario DL holder I would looked at as if I am an out-of-state-applicant. So, all I need is my SSN, some immigration docs and proof of residence. No green card, no EAD ect.

[Malrothien 6]

The Canadian license is a 1 year valid license for Canadian snowbirds.

[Jenni and Bo 0]

I'd just get a Florida license as soon as you get here. I've also read the license site as well as know a few 'snowbirds'. Getting a Florida license is easy for Canadians. As for the driving abstract and insurance....I've talked to people here who have crappy driving records while mine is pretty much spotless and they pay less for insurance. Not sure if a driving record from Canada would do any good but you could have your fiance call his insurance company and ask. I highly doubt you'd be considered a 'fresh driver' because if you were...you'd have to go through all the testing and stuff first. Know what I mean?

I just want to put in my experiences here in NC - though as it has been mentioned, every state is different.

I actually just got my full license about months ago due to my SSN not being in my married name, and them not changing the name on my SSN card until I received my GreenCard...(I think the lady was full of it, but it's all good lol), I was told at the DMV as long as I had insurance, I could drive with my Canadian one in the meantime.

Woo, rambling, here was my point lol

I just got added on this billing cycle to my husbands insurance as a secondary driver, but because I had never had an 'American' license, they put me on the insurance as a 'new' driver=inexperienced driver. This was going to be 500$ extra! So we called them, and luckily my wonderful insurance rep in Miramichi had given me (before I left) my driver's abstract from the Canadian DMV, a clean claims letter from my insurance provider, a copy of my driver's training certificate and a letter from herself saying that I was in excellent standing, no accidents, no claims, no points taken off. Our insurance company here said they would definitely take all of that information, as well as a copy of my NB license (to show when I was first licensed in Canada) and put me as an 'experienced' driver on our insurance and drop it back down to 100$. And because in this state you have to do the written and eye test to get your license, you really are considered a 'new' driver. Some states even make you do the driving test, just depends on what their state laws say

Not saying all insurance companies will do this, but I couldn't see it hurting at all to get a copy of this info before you leave Hope this helps!

[Krikit 1,164]

The visa and I-94 in your passport automatically voids the license option for Canadians in Florida. You will have to wait until you receive your NOA on the AOS and apply as a resident. You can, however, apply for the resident card. Once you receive your NOA, bring all your documentation (passport, NOA, Canadian driver's license), along with your resident card, and apply for your new license. They will accept your Canadian driver's license as valid so the only test you will have is for vision. The process varies between offices. My first license was valid for only a year. Then, when I received my greencard, they gave me a new license good for six years. (And a big congratulations on becoming a resident. ) However, I know of one person who received their initial license for 10? years, and I think another was good for 3. I was able to keep my Canadian license (there would have been an uproar if they'd taken it) while others had their Canadian license snipped in the corner, or taken completely.

I think that was all of your questions. Let me know if I missed one.

[Sam and Ben 2]

The visa and I-94 in your passport automatically voids the license option for Canadians in Florida. You will have to wait until you receive your NOA on the AOS and apply as a resident. You can, however, apply for the resident card. Once you receive your NOA, bring all your documentation (passport, NOA, Canadian driver's license), along with your resident card, and apply for your new license. They will accept your Canadian driver's license as valid so the only test you will have is for vision. The process varies between offices. My first license was valid for only a year. Then, when I received my greencard, they gave me a new license good for six years. (And a big congratulations on becoming a resident. ) However, I know of one person who received their initial license for 10? years, and I think another was good for 3. I was able to keep my Canadian license (there would have been an uproar if they'd taken it) while others had their Canadian license snipped in the corner, or taken completely.

I think that was all of your questions. Let me know if I missed one.

Thank you, thank you! I figured you'd know the answer on that one, but didn't know if you'd be around much due to the monitor issues.

Thank you for the response.

Hope you don't mind, I do have a few further questions...

Is the NOA from AOS the only one accepted, or will they allow me to use the NOA for my EAD (which I believe comes sooner)?

Is there any benefit to me getting a Florida State ID?

And I take it, I can be added to my fiance's/husband's insurance using my Canadian license, then?

Looks like either way, I best be renewing that license of mine, heh.

Thank you again for responding, Krikit.

[trailmix 77]

Also, we did obtain our 5 year Alberta driver's abstracts for our auto insurance company - as I could not get a letter of experience from my other insurance company - because the can't manage to mail it out despite the fact I have asked for it 3 times.

At first they accepted the abstract, then they called and said no - then I called them back and explained that it is a government document and it should suffice, they accepted it.

So basically, if your new insurance company won't accept it, do try to get a letter of experience from your current car insurance company.