K1 Visa Entry... Can I get an American Drivers Licence?

[HalfnHalf 1]

Hey everyone. I've got my K1 interview September 29th!

When I enter the United States, and get to Alabama my new home, can I go and get an American drivers license right away? I live in Toronto where it's not as necessary to have one due to public transit systems. I have a G1 license. Had my G2, but it expired years ago and never bothered to get that far again. Anyways! Whats the process? Do I have to wait any amount of time? Surely I don't have to wait till adjustment of status is done? Or do I need to wait till I have a Social Security Number? What do I need to apply for one?

[decocker 7,198]

i would go to the alabama dmv website to find out what they require - its different for every state.

http://www.ador.state.al.us/motorvehicle/index.html

[Inky 1,111]

Bring your G1, your passport with I-94 and you will need some mail with your name on it to prove your address in alabama. Thats the most general items you need, other then that check with the alabama DMV to see if they require other certain things. Generally you can trade your canadian license into a full american license, with either writen or road test. Some you dont have to test at all just depends on the state.

[Canadiandggal 49]

This is what I found when I googled it, however This could be incorrect so I suggest you give them a quick call when you get to alabama

NEW RESIDENTS

Alabama residents holding a driver's license from another state may also need to pass the three tests. The written and/or driving tests may be waived at the discretion of the examiner. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, the out of state license and your social security card.

Non-US citizens residing in Alabama may apply for an Alabama driver's license, as long as they can provide proof that they are legally authorized to be in the United States and meet all the other requirements. However for the first year they can drive with a foreign driver's license and an international permit.

[edit] FEES

The cost for a non-commercial Alabama driver's license is $23 and the testing fee is $5.

[edit] VALIDITY

The validity of an Alabama driver's license is 4 years from the date of issue. Licenses that are renewed after the date of expiry are valid for only three years.

AND here is the info on what Documents they say they want Click linkage

http://www.dps.state.al.us/DriverLicense/pdf/ApplyingDL.pdf

Hope it helps

[Kathryn41 3,205]

One thing you will want to consider - most States now only issue DL for the same length of time as the immigration document is valid. It appears that Alabama does the same as it requires proof of valid immigration status before they will issue a license, and that proof needs to show valid status in the US for more than 160 days. You also need photo ID (passport) and a Social Security card. The Social Security card will probably take about 10 days to 2 weeks to obtain as they need to verify your immigration status before they will issue it, and they can't do that until your data has been entered into the system - which generally takes a few days after the POE. As a K-1, your proof of legal status would be the I-94 that is stapled into your passport at the POE. It will be valid for 90 days - which means that you are not able to get a DL as you have no proof of legal status that extends to the minimum period of 160 days. You're lucky, though, because Alabama allows non-citizens to drive on their foreign license for up to one year with an international permit, unlike some States (like Georgia) that allow you to drive on a foreign DL only for 30 days). I would suggest that you plan on using your Canadian License and get an International permit until you get your green card or at the very least your EAD (which is valid for one year). That will give you the time to get all of the necessary documents into place for a Driver's License. You would get the International Permit while in Canada, not after you come to the US, so hopefully someone else here is familiar with that process.

Edited September 10, 2010 by Kathryn41

[ryna 132]

Not sure about Canada, but here in the US (and I know they have to get it IN Canada), I just went to the AAA, filled out a form or two, paid the fee and was issued the IDL. The first place I'd look in Canada is the CAA.

Edited September 10, 2010 by ryna

[FireKari 4]

It's also important to note that some states do not recognize the Canadian guaduating licensing system.

AKA they only accept full G Canadian licenses.

I would call them and just double check before you get all the way down there and then find out.

PA does not accept a G1 or G2, as that was the first thing they asked when my husband called.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

And some states will let you trade in your G2 or even G1 for some lucky folks, for a full license. Here in CO, I traded in my G2 for a full state license without a written or road test. It's also worth noting that I was given a 5 year license and my GC expires in November of 2011. Drivers license procedures vary greatly from state to state. Unfortunately I don't think I've seen many people around here who have moved to Alabama, but hopefully someone with some direct experience will chime in!

[FireKari 4]

Yup exactly, they vary soooo much.

Be a heck of a lot easier if they just all did the same thing eh!