Not receiving Extension Letter

[Mooon 0]

Thanks Zenaxe for all the information.

Anyone has experienced with California DMV Office for renewing Driver License with I-551 stamp? Please help?

Edited June 24, 2012 by Mooon

[Kathryn41 3,205]

My experience isn't with California, it was in Georgia but the circumstances were the same. I never received the NOA1/extension letter when I filed for ROC. My DL was also due to expire the same day as my green card. I made an infopass appointment for 2 weeks before my green card expired, brought my proof of filing for ROC and my biometrics letter which I didn't need as they just used my A number from my green card, they verified I had indeed submitted the ROC, then placed the I-551 stamp in my passport, valid for one year. (It has a date on it).

I then went to the local DMV office, showed them the stamp in my passport, and was able to renew my DL for the same length of time as the stamped I-551 was valid.. As I had applied for ROC about 75 days before my green card expired, I was able to receive my 10 year green card before the I-551 stamp expired even though it took 12 months to be processed. When I got my 10 year card, I went and renewed my DL again, this time for 3 years - the maximum time Georgia allows for a non-citizen.

You should have absolutely no difficulty renewing your California license with the I-551 stamp. Most people don't realize it but the proper name for the green card is an I-551 card - so they are basically the same thing. You will probably have your DL renewed for the same length of time as the stamp in your passport is valid.

[soniaki 0]

hi , i 551 stamp = green card

from my experience they can only stamp your passport if u green card expied or if you lost you card they stamp u passport after you fill form i-90 or you going outside country and u staying more time than u have in u green card i hope u understand sorry about my english

and to go to canada with stamp no problem maybe u will wait 10 min because canadian immig they need to check your stamp because ease to fake good luke

[juliava 80]

Thanks Zenaxe for all the information.

Anyone has experienced with California DMV Office for renewing Driver License with I-551 stamp? Please help?

I wonder what do you have to lose if you just show up there and give it a try?Have you checked the CA DMV website yet?

[Mooon 0]

Dear All and juliava,

Actually I asked questions because there has been different information provided regarding the stamp and CA DMV:

1. Based on engineer21 post , the USCIS officer will give I-551 stamp even though my Green Card has not expired. However member soniaki said they will not stamp my passport unless my Green Card expires. This is very confusing.

2. The same case for CA DMV. They said certain CA DMV office will accept I-551 stamp to renew Driver License. However some said that they do not?

3. Yes I already made appointment to meet with CA DMV. However, CA DMV near my place Downtown Los Angeles is very crowded. Even when we make appointment, it would take at least 2 hours. For Infopass (USCIS near Downtown) my husband waited 4 hours to meet with them the last time. Therefore I am trying to do little research before actual meeting to avoid any unexpected requirement  as both my husband and I have to take day off from work for this.

[juliava 80]

Dear All and juliava,

Actually I asked questions because there has been different information provided regarding the stamp and CA DMV:

1. Based on engineer21 post , the USCIS officer will give I-551 stamp even though my Green Card has not expired. However member soniaki said they will not stamp my passport unless my Green Card expires. This is very confusing.

2. The same case for CA DMV. They said certain CA DMV office will accept I-551 stamp to renew Driver License. However some said that they do not?

3. Yes I already made appointment to meet with CA DMV. However, CA DMV near my place Downtown Los Angeles is very crowded. Even when we make appointment, it would take at least 2 hours. For Infopass (USCIS near Downtown) my husband waited 4 hours to meet with them the last time. Therefore I am trying to do little research before actual meeting to avoid any unexpected requirement  as both my husband and I have to take day off from work for this.

Rather than counting on what "some" people say or do not say, prepare your documentation based on the list provided by the official CA DMV website. Then you print the pages that you consulted and bring them with you at the DMV office. If they ask for something that is not on the list, you can literally show them what their official website says. Also, with those pages in hand, you may ask for a supervisor if something "unexpected" is required from you.

A DL is an essential documentation in this country; and just because it is a necessity, I would go back to DMV as many times as necessary and I would wait the whole day if that's the case. Of course, the spouse's support and understanding should be there, no matter how many times I would have to go back or how long I would have to wait. But that's just me.

[Mooon 0]

Dear Juliava,

"If they ask for something that is not on the list, you can literally show them what their official website says"--> Yes, I have already prepared this. Hope it works.

Any experience with CA DMV office for renewing Driver License with I-551 stamp? I appreciate very much for your help!!!!

[Mooon 0]

Thanks Kathryn41!!!!!!!!!!