Can't Get An Illinois Driving License

[Anna Grant 169]

OK. I have been frustrated by a government agent again.

I received my EAD card on Monday, so went to the Illinois DMV to take the written and practice test today to get an Illinois State Driving License. I was told 'Your EAD has to be valid for more than a year to be able to get a license'. This was also confirmed by the manager. Now EADs are valid for precisely a year. They told me to contact USCIS and get my EAD extended by a few days. I said that I didn't think that was possible as it couldn't be extended until one month before it expires and would only need to be extended if I didn't yet have a green card.

I got home and phoned Jesse White's office and they confirmed this to be true.

This sounds ridiculous! I am only supposed to drive on my UK license for 90 days. I have started a new job. A car is essential in the US (it's not like the UK where I went everywhere by public transport and didn't learn to drive until I knew I was emigrating to the US). I can't get a temporary driving license as I have an SSN. I haven't received anything from USCIS regarding my AOS so I'm starting to think I may be in the 'interview waiver' pile which means I might not get a green card for several months.

I'm really stuck here. Does anyone have any suggestions at all?

[Boiler 45,769]

Try a different office.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Also, does this help at all? http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/apply-license.php

How to Apply as a Non-Citizen
If you're temporarily residing in the state, and are legally allowed to be in the country, you may be able to apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL).

To obtain the TVDL, you'll need to:

• Provide acceptable documentation.
• Pass the vision, written, and driving tests.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

In most cases, the license is valid for three years or until your visa expires, whichever period is shortest. For more information, visit the SOS's page on applying for a TVDL.

[Anna Grant 169]

Try a different office.

That was my first thought too - learning from my SSA experience - but Jesse White's (the SoS's office) confirmed that this was the policy.

I just wondered if there was anyone here who had successfully got an Illinois driving license.

Frustrated as I was all geared up for it this afternoon and was all set up to take the written exam. My husband took time from work to drive me there also, just in case I didn't pass

Edited September 25, 2013 by Anna Grant

[Tanya and Barry 59]

I'll check tonight but I'm almost sure my wife got her IL DL with a passport and a SS card. I was shocked at how easy it was. She was a K1 also. IL was much easier than Missouri (blah). Maybe she had her 2 year GC. I'm getting old and the things I don't have to worry about I forget...:-)))

Edited September 25, 2013 by Tanya and Barry

[Anna Grant 169]

I'll check tonight but I'm almost sure my wife got her IL DL with a passport and a SS card. I was shocked at how easy it was. She was a K1 also. IL was much easier than Missouri (blah). Maybe she had her 2 year GC. I'm getting old and the things I don't have to worry about I forget...:-)))

If you could check that out for me - whether she had her EAD or her 2 year GC, I would be really grateful.

[Anna Grant 169]

Also, does this help at all? http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/apply-license.php

Thanks but I'm afraid not. You can only get this license if you are ineligible for a SSN. I do have an SSN and I'm not a temporary resident.

[Boiler 45,769]

Where does it say it has to be valid for at least 12 months?

[Tanya and Barry 59]

If you could check that out for me - whether she had her EAD or her 2 year GC, I would be really grateful.

I will....

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

OK. I have been frustrated by a government agent again.

AAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH !! ::she said in loud screaming voice::

I would drive on the UK license.

[Anna Grant 169]

AAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH !! ::she said in loud screaming voice::

I would drive on the UK license.

That is the conclusion that I am coming to also.

[Tanya and Barry 59]

I talked to Tanya and she said she had her two year GC when she applied for her DL. Sorry...B

[Anna Grant 169]

I talked to Tanya and she said she had her two year GC when she applied for her DL. Sorry...B

OK. I thought that might be the situation. Thanks for asking her and coming back to me. I do appreciate it.

[markonline1 11]

If it's any help, my Green Card arrived a couple of weeks after my EAD, so you may not have to wait too long.

Edited September 26, 2013 by markonline1

[NikkiWicki 3]

That was my first thought too - learning from my SSA experience - but Jesse White's (the SoS's office) confirmed that this was the policy.

I just wondered if there was anyone here who had successfully got an Illinois driving license.

Frustrated as I was all geared up for it this afternoon and was all set up to take the written exam. My husband took time from work to drive me there also, just in case I didn't pass

Actually, when my me and my brother in Law who both came here as K1, got our EAD, we went straight to DMV to apply for a drivers license. I got my training permit and he got his Drivers License. Now I am still practicing to drive. So I presume I wont be able to get a drivers license too because my EAD was issued MAy, and its now September. I am also in the interview pile and still waiting for my GC.