Cannot get drivers license?

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

Yes this is not really a CA issue, I had a similar situation in NJ. I've never had a licence before and my I-94 is out out status and I'm waiting for my EAD and green card... I was told at the DMV I would have to wait for my Green Card before I can even apply for the permit. I don't know how it is at other DMV's but here in NJ they're very strict on ID. You need to pass a 6 point ID verification which means main ID (passport & GC) plus others such as birth cert, SSN, Bank statements, Bank cards, Work ID if applicable, bills etc... The list goes on and on but for new immigrants its even tougher

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

Note to all...International driver's licenses are worth the cost and hassle as it will allow your spouse to drive in the US for as long as 6 months. Just my experience.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Note to all...International driver's licenses are worth the cost and hassle as it will allow your spouse to drive in the US for as long as 6 months. Just my experience.

An international driving license has no authority whatsoever to allow someone to drive in a particular state or country. It is merely a booklet of translations to various languages. If your foreign license is accepted by the state where you reside (or drive) then that's what gives you permission. The international driving license will merely assist in translating your license.

Concerning the issuance of driving licenses to K1s--- You are in a tiny minority and will go through a limbo phase where you feel like you're a "nothing" because most of the rules are for other visas, etc. Rules in most states have changed due to pressure from the federal government and Homeland Security because of illegal immigration crackdowns. I will speak for Texas because of newspaper articles I read when the changes occurred (same day my fiance entered.) The principle is the same.

Texas was issuing 6 year licenses with any proper identification of legal entry into the US. If you had a valid anything, you'd get a 6 year license. Once you've got a driver's license to show for ID, you appear as "legal" as any native born. People were coming from all over to get a TX DL because other states had already amended their rules.

Now most states will issue a license only for the period of legal presence in the US. Getting a DL with an EAD card will give you a DL that expires in one year (date on EAD card.) If you had 7 months left on another visa, you could get a license that would expire in 7 months. A K1 get's 90 days and in most states that isn't considered long enough to bother giving a license. A minimum of 1 year legality is more the norm, which is why an EAD card works. Expect to go back and pay again for full length license if you get one on the EAD. That might be just a month after getting EAD. It makes sense how it is set up if you consider homeland security and attempts to limit ways that illegal immigrants can appear legal.

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

The U.S. recognizes International Driving Permits from all signature nations. More than 100 nations signed onto the 1949 United Nations Convention for International Road Traffic (Geneva). Since that time the list has grown to more than 150 nations.

The permit does translate your license into popular languages (The U.S. permit translates to 10 languages). You must present your host nation driver's permit and the IDP. Fact is, you can drive in the U.S. with your host nation's driving license and the IDP. That will give the visa holder time to satisfy most requirements to obtain their new U.S. state's driving license.

Edited October 14, 2010 by Wayne and Claudia

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

My reply about the internal driving permit was because the first post did not mention having a valid home country license. It made it seem like the IDP by itself had some authority. There have been alot of internet and other fraudulent places that try to give the impression that their product alone will give someone the right to drive. The real ones are issued in the home country to provide proof that one holds a valid drivers license and to provide translations. It's normally an automobile association that issues them. For Americans traveling abroad, you can only get them from one place-- the AAA (American Automobile Association) at a cost of $15. It's still is only a translation device that might assist you in getting on your way faster if detained by law enforcement in a foreign country.

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

My reply about the internal driving permit was because the first post did not mention having a valid home country license. It made it seem like the IDP by itself had some authority. There have been alot of internet and other fraudulent places that try to give the impression that their product alone will give someone the right to drive. The real ones are issued in the home country to provide proof that one holds a valid drivers license and to provide translations. It's normally an automobile association that issues them. For Americans traveling abroad, you can only get them from one place-- the AAA (American Automobile Association) at a cost of $15. It's still is only a translation device that might assist you in getting on your way faster if detained by law enforcement in a foreign country.

very true, all the points. I am glad that the IDP is so cheap here. I know in Colombia it is going to cost my wife (me) close to $200. However, in the little time it should take her to get her license here it will be worth it for her to be able to drive "legally" in the meantime.