Obtaining the state ID once you arrive

[Pastina 0]

Does anyone know for a k-1 visa if I need to obtain my state identification card before the I-94 expires or do I only need a marriage certificate?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Does anyone know for a k-1 visa if I need to obtain my state identification card before the I-94 expires or do I only need a marriage certificate?

Pretty much all states require proof of legal presence in order to get a state issued drivers license or ID card. This was a requirement of the RealID act. Though many states have not (or will not) implement all of the requirements of RealID, they've all implemented the requirement for proof of legal status, or were in the process of implementing it the last time I checked. The intention of this was to allow a state issued identification card to serve as proof of lawful presence, since we don't have a national ID card in the US.

Some states will issue an ID with an unexpired I-94, but the ID will often expire the same day the I-94 expires.

A marriage certificate would only be needed if you changed your name, and wanted the ID in your married name.

It's not essential to get a state issued ID before your get your green card. Your passport is valid identification.

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

marriage certificate ALONE does not give you ANY benefit. An dif you apply during the K-1 status.. the ID/Dl will expire the date on the I-94 waste of money/time I think.

Edited November 25, 2010 by RICARDO4EVA2

[JD63 4]

As Jim said the states will require proof of status. In my state we were given 6 month extension for driver's license after we demonstrated we had applied for AOS (NOA1 was accepted). All in all we needed 1)passport for ID 2)marriage license for name change 3)NOA1 to demonstrate status with expired I-94 4)My driver's license to confirm home address and place of residency, this was accepted in combination with marriage license

After we received green card they extended Driver's license for 5 years.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

** moved from "Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from Family Based Visas" to Moving Here and Your New Life In America as this isn't an AOS question or a qn about the immigration process, but a "life in USA" qn**