State ID (CA)

[Danilu 11]

Hi! My fiancé wants me to go to DMV to apply for state ID now but in my understanding it would be better to do it after we get married, apply for AOS and get my greencard. My I-94 expires on Sep.30th. I already have my SSN but I will change my name so will back to the SS office after the wedding.

Am I right? Thanks in advance for your guidance!

[Mononoke28 135]

In Colorado, you can't get even a state ID without at least work permit and I believe it is the same in California. If that is the case, then you'd have to wait to get one until you file for AOS.

Diana

[mishellibelli 1]

Hi, I'm in California too and going through this same process. You are free to go there and apply for it now - they will accept the application, take your photograph, etc. - *but* they will not actually issue the card until you provide them with proof of permanent residence status (GC or EAD, I-94 won't work) and a Social Security number.

Also, if you want to have your married name on your ID card, you need to change your name with Social Security first - California DMV will check that with them and you have to have already changed your name with them.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

In Colorado, you can't get even a state ID without at least work permit and I believe it is the same in California. If that is the case, then you'd have to wait to get one until you file for AOS.

Diana

Can a H4 or TD not get state-id in CO?

Hi! My fiancé wants me to go to DMV to apply for state ID now but in my understanding it would be better to do it after we get married, apply for AOS and get my greencard. My I-94 expires on Sep.30th. I already have my SSN but I will change my name so will back to the SS office after the wedding.

Am I right? Thanks in advance for your guidance!

Absolutely

[Mononoke28 135]

Can a H4 or TD not get state-id in CO?

I'm not sure about those visas since they are temporary but it's best to check with the DMV in CO.

When I asked them about getting my husband a CO ID and/or driver's license they told me they only issue an ID to people who are permanent residents, that's why K visa holders can't get one until they at least have their work permits approved.

Diana

[yorkshirerose22 4]

Hi, i was hoping to find a forum on this issue, i wanted to post my experience.

I took over a year for me to get my California ID.

I went to the DVM a couple weeks before i had my interview for my green card to get my ID, i did have my SSN and i had my EAD and it was all in my married name.

They summited my application and we was told i should get it in the post, time went by and still no ID card (6 months) so we went back to the DVM for my Driver permit and at the same time we asked about my ID card, they told us it was being held back for a immigration check. Another 6 months or so went by and still no ID card, so we went back to the DVM again asked about it, she said the same thing but this time they gave us a number to call ( Legal Presence ), so we came home and called, lady asked if had a green card which of course i had, she asked me to fax copies of the front and back of my green card. Week later i recieved my California ID lol, everybody cheered

If they had given us this darn number the first time it would of been quicker.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

In order to get a state-issued photo ID or driver license in California, a SSN and proof of lawful presence for over 6 months at the time of the application needs to be submitted. And, yes, the DMV will verify the information with the SSA as California is already riding on the REAL ID bandwagon that will need to be implemented by all 50 States within the future.

For all practical purposes, that means that a K-1 or a B1/B2 cannot get an ID, as the I-94 would not have more than 6 months validity at the time. A J-1, F-1, H-visa holder or TD can get a license if there's more than 180 days remaining on the I-94, and of course any EAD or I-551 stamp in the passport will be able to get either a photo ID or a driver license.