Driving in U.S. with Foreign License

[kennym 275]

It's best to get your answer directly from your state's DMV office. I asked the same question here in Colorado before my husband arrived and yes, they honor foreign licenses for anyone who does not enter the US with an immigrant visa. So any tourist can drive for whatever amount of time your state allows woth a foreign license and have no problem at all. The OP's case is different in that her fiancée will be arriving with a K1 visa which means his foreign license will not be honored, he will need to get a Georgia state DL.

But again, check with them directly.

Diana

Hey Diana

You always seem to be soo helpful...

I also live in Texas.. It is my understanding that Citizens of certain foriegn countries can drive of to one year on thier valid foreign driver license... Also, I don't beleive the K-1 is considered an Immigrant Visa...

Kenny

[VanessaTony 3,567]

You always seem to be soo helpful...

I also live in Texas.. It is my understanding that Citizens of certain foriegn countries can drive of to one year on thier valid foreign driver license... Also, I don't beleive the K-1 is considered an Immigrant Visa...

You are correct. The k1 is a non-immigrant visa because there is no greencard on entry. Until AOS is approved the applicant isn't an immigrant so non-immigrant rules apply (including regarding I-94 validity) with the exception their status is in holding so they are not deportable.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The problem you may run into in Georgia is that if you are not a resident of the state you can drive on your foreign license for up to one year; once you become a resident of Georgia you are required to get a Georgia License within 30 days of residency. Residency is not equated to immigration status. If you are living in Georgia and have no other home elsewhere, then you are considered a resident of Georgia and require a Georgia license to drive.

I did drive on my Canadian license until I received my EAD because when I went to get a DL it was too close to the expiry of the I-94 and they wouldn't issue it. She told me I could drive on my Canadian license until I had valid immigration status proof and then added the caveat - just don't get caught by the police doing something wrong.

DDS in Georgia will accept an EAD. I don't know if they will accept a brand new 90 day I-94, but in all cases they will only issue a driver's license that is valid to the same date as is on the immigration document or 3 years, whichever is least. You will need to get your SSN before you can apply for a DL as well. Proof of residency can be a bill or bank statement mailed to you at your Georgia address.

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/DLdata.aspx?con=1744173714&ty=dl

http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/DLdata.aspx?con=1741471757&ty=dl