Canadian Obtaining a Florida DL - Lessons Learned

[Sam and Ben 2]

I had a very different though equally frustrating experience at a Florida DMV. I came here on a K1, had a SSN in my married name and had applied for my AOS before I went to the DMV.. I showed up with all my immigration documentation and marriage certificate in hand and the lady had no problem trading in my Canadian DL for a new Florida license.

The catch was that the only legal document that I had that proved that I was allowed to live in the US (according to her) was my work autorization card which had been issued in my maiden name (my bad, I applied for my AOS using my name... it was fixed at my interview and GC will be issued in my married name..) ALSO my work autorization was only valid for one year.

As a result of such, she refused to give me a license in my married name even though I had my SSN and marriage certificate stating my married name AND she only gave me a temporary license that expires the same day as my work authorization.

I would have torn all my hair out and used it to choke her if I hadn't been so relieved about just surrendering my license instead of being forced to take a road test.

Humph.

I'm sure the level of job competency varies from office to office. I'm sorry that you had to get yours in your maiden name... Only thing that saved me was the fact that I had applied for AOS in my married name.

Least once you have your green card in hand, you can change all of that.

[ScratchIt 12]

I'm sure the level of job competency varies from office to office. I'm sorry that you had to get yours in your maiden name... Only thing that saved me was the fact that I had applied for AOS in my married name.

Least once you have your green card in hand, you can change all of that.

Same here, applied in Fort Walton Beach, FL office and had zero problems. Cool thing about Fort Walton Beach is that the Social Security Office is next door. Sort of 1 stop shopping. Bad thing is USCIS offices are in New Orleans and Jacksonville and we had to go to 1 for prints and the other for adjustment. We're hoping that Mobile will get and office soon.

[Quail 0]

Same here, applied in Fort Walton Beach, FL office and had zero problems. Cool thing about Fort Walton Beach is that the Social Security Office is next door. Sort of 1 stop shopping. Bad thing is USCIS offices are in New Orleans and Jacksonville and we had to go to 1 for prints and the other for adjustment. We're hoping that Mobile will get and office soon.

I went to the FWB DMV too!... and the bio appointment at New Orleans and interview at Jacksonville hahah.. what a small world:)

[Sam and Ben 2]

The office I visited was in Winter Springs, FL, for anyone wondering.

Luckily, the USCIS office and SSA office are only about a half hour away each, and about ten minutes apart.

[Malrothien 6]

I wish the stupid DMV was open on Saturday. :|