ID Card (Status before green card???)

[tkkurz 0]

Hello,

I am relatively new to VJ and am confused by all of the vocabulary and abbreviations I see, but I have a fairly simple question. My wife, from Colombia, carries around her passport as her most reliable form of identification. When we go to a restaurant or bar they almost always ask her for ID. Is there a way that she can get another form of identification that's NOT her passport??

This is also a reaction to the new legislation in Arizona. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME ... THANK YOU!!

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Hello,

I am relatively new to VJ and am confused by all of the vocabulary and abbreviations I see, but I have a fairly simple question. My wife, from Colombia, carries around her passport as her most reliable form of identification. When we go to a restaurant or bar they almost always ask her for ID. Is there a way that she can get another form of identification that's NOT her passport??

This is also a reaction to the new legislation in Arizona. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME ... THANK YOU!!

Most states will issue a DL/ID based on your valid immigration status (EAD/GC).

Umit was able to get a drivers license good till the K-1 visa expired (even though it was no longer usable due to entry).

After we received the GC, they changed the date till the expiration of the GC.

Once you get the GC - you are required to carry that to prove status (always been the law BTW) - and you will not need the passport (unless travelling outside the country).

In Arizona, they only issue drivers licenses to "legal" residents, and if you have one, it is a given your "legal".

[juliava 80]

If your wife has a SSN and a proof of legal presence in US-an unexpired visa/EAD/GC- she is eligible to apply for a non driving ID card or a Drivers License.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hello,

I am relatively new to VJ and am confused by all of the vocabulary and abbreviations I see, but I have a fairly simple question. My wife, from Colombia, carries around her passport as her most reliable form of identification. When we go to a restaurant or bar they almost always ask her for ID. Is there a way that she can get another form of identification that's NOT her passport??

This is also a reaction to the new legislation in Arizona. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME ... THANK YOU!!

First, here's a list of definitions/abbreviations: http://www.visajourney.com/content/definition

Also, personally I carry around my Australian licence but if I was in Arizona I would continue to carry my passport. In most states you can get a drivers licence (DL) valid until the I-94 expires based on the K1 visa, but would they accept the expired DL as ID would be my question.

I am not sure what your states ID looks like (meaning does it show status and would it be only valid till the I-94 expires??) but I think until she gets her greencard her only proof of status is her passport/visa and her NOA1 from filing AOS. Her proof of ID however.. I've never had an issue with my foreign drivers licence and I do not carry my passport out of fear of loss.

Edited May 3, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[tkkurz 0]

Thanks so much for your responses, my wife and I appreciate it! We first need to send in the AOS (Adjustment of Status?) - I'm learning! Then I guess we need to find out what the next step is in obtaining a SSN#. ANY HELP ON THIS ONE??

THANKS AGAIN!

Tim

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks so much for your responses, my wife and I appreciate it! We first need to send in the AOS (Adjustment of Status?) - I'm learning! Then I guess we need to find out what the next step is in obtaining a SSN#. ANY HELP ON THIS ONE??

No problem

Here's the SSN guide: http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

If your wife's I-94 is still valid she should be able to go into a social security office (sometimes referred to as SSA) and apply. She doesn't NEED a SSN to apply for AOS, but some banks do require it to open an account etc. Otherwise you can just wait till she gets her EAD.

As for the AOS, here's a link for you to read through: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/

Best of luck

[UnIqUe 4]

Most states will issue a DL/ID based on your valid immigration status (EAD/GC).

Umit was able to get a drivers license good till the K-1 visa expired (even though it was no longer usable due to entry).

After we received the GC, they changed the date till the expiration of the GC.

Once you get the GC - you are required to carry that to prove status (always been the law BTW) - and you will not need the passport (unless travelling outside the country).

In Arizona, they only issue drivers licenses to "legal" residents, and if you have one, it is a given your "legal".

Hi,Bobby+Umit. I am not hijacking others post. I just want to know about how they change the date of expiration of DL/ID after you got GC. You brought your GC and showed them or they just extended it?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Edited May 4, 2010 by UnIqUe

[Nik+Heather 121]

Hi,Bobby+Umit. I am not hijacking others post. I just want to know about how they change the date of expiration of DL/ID after you got GC. You brought your GC and showed them or they just extended it?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

That's what they did for Nik. No re-tests or anything. They just checked his EAD and then printed out a new card.

For the OP, the rules about who can obtain a drivers license (or state ID) and for how long vary state by state, so it would probably be best for you to google <your state> DMV and read from the specific website. Several states actually have provisions for giving licenses to people who have proof of having filed for AOS (the receipt notice, referred to on VJ as NOA1). Arizona's not actually one of them, but I think you filed through Vermont? So you aren't in AZ.

Her status before getting the green card goes from K-1 entrant (entry to expiration of I-94) and then to "adjustment applicant" after she applies for the green card. It is strongly advised that you don't leave a gap between these two. When she applies for adjustment, she is legally allowed to stay in the US, and the NOA1 is proof of that. Some VJ-ers carry a copy of that document around with them.

[UnIqUe 4]

Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. As per my understanding, you brought your wife's EAD and GC to update DL at DMV, they checked EAD and print a new card then gave you at the same day. Am I right?

That's what they did for Nik. No re-tests or anything. They just checked his EAD and then printed out a new card.

Edited May 4, 2010 by UnIqUe