Driving in America

[norotonfd 1]

As many of you already know, a few documents are needed to get a US drivers license.

Passport

Drivers License from home country and proof it is currently valid

Marriage certificate

Utility Bills

Ok here is my confusion.

It specifically says you need proof of applying for Permanent Residence

and a valid EAD work authorization card

Does this mean you have to wait months to get the license? EAD cards are currenly taking 100 days.

What if my wife doesn't want to work how would she ever get a drivers license in the states unless she gets an EAD card? The reason I ask is because we do most of our work internationally.

[MariaEric 0]

Each state varies on their requirements. Maryland asks for a valid visa and I-94 OR an EAD. And the foreign license does not have to be currently valid. Can you post the link to your state's DMV where "It specifically says....."

And what state would require a foreigner to be married to get a license?

[MaryandMian 1]

http://www.dmv.org/nh-new-hampshire/apply-license.php

Check out this is your local DMV and it looks like you only need the greencard or EAD and other documents to get your DL.

Mary

[norotonfd 1]

Here is the link for foreigners living in NH.

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/non...izen/nusc1.html

here is another link if you are only here temporarily

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/non...izen/nusc2.html

Ana falls under the first case because she will be staying to become a citizen, although rules for the second case are easier.

Thanks for everyone's help.

It looks like I might use the second case to get her a temporary license.

Then we can get her a license valid until her I-94 expires. By then she will have EAD.

[dowd001 0]

Just tried this today at DC DMV. They require either Green Card or EAD valid for 6 months. The temporary EAD we got at JFK was not enough. So we have to wait.

The website said nothing about that. But then again, it is DC.

[norotonfd 1]

That's a load of BS. Then how can foreign students get drivers licenses? They never get EAD because they are students. They also don't get green cards or adjust status because they are students.

Just tried this today at DC DMV. They require either Green Card or EAD valid for 6 months. The temporary EAD we got at JFK was not enough. So we have to wait.

The website said nothing about that. But then again, it is DC.

[john_and_marlene 162]

That's a load of BS. Then how can foreign students get drivers licenses? They never get EAD because they are students. They also don't get green cards or adjust status because they are students.

Just tried this today at DC DMV. They require either Green Card or EAD valid for 6 months. The temporary EAD we got at JFK was not enough. So we have to wait.

The website said nothing about that. But then again, it is DC.

They also have I-94s that are valid much longer than 90 days.

[dowd001 0]

Each state is different. In DC, if you don't have the EAD, then you will need the Green Card. So yes, you need to wait in DC. Your state may be different.

I found that out the hard way - by waiting in line at the DC DMV today.

As many of you already know, a few documents are needed to get a US drivers license.

Passport

Drivers License from home country and proof it is currently valid

Marriage certificate

Utility Bills

Ok here is my confusion.

It specifically says you need proof of applying for Permanent Residence

and a valid EAD work authorization card

Does this mean you have to wait months to get the license? EAD cards are currenly taking 100 days.

What if my wife doesn't want to work how would she ever get a drivers license in the states unless she gets an EAD card? The reason I ask is because we do most of our work internationally.

[Nancy2015 2]

That's a load of BS. Then how can foreign students get drivers licenses? They never get EAD because they are students. They also don't get green cards or adjust status because they are students.

Just tried this today at DC DMV. They require either Green Card or EAD valid for 6 months. The temporary EAD we got at JFK was not enough. So we have to wait.

The website said nothing about that. But then again, it is DC.

They also have I-94s that are valid much longer than 90 days.

That's correct.

You would normally need a proof of identity and age and proof of legal status to get a DL. At least in CA it's that way. Forein students (I used to be one) have I-94's that never expire, cause we're admitted for the "duration of stay". That's why we get DL's valid for 5 years, just like US citizens.

I-94 is what needed to get a DL, and there should be instructions on your state's DMV website on how much time should be left on your I-94 in order to be eligible for a DL. If it's less than 30 days (in CA), they won't issue you a DL. K-1's get I-94's valid for 90 days, that's why getting a DL is an issue for them in many states, and that's wht the DMV would ask for an EAD or a resident card.

BTW, Norotonfd, your wife can drive with her Moldovan driver's license, I believe. For a while, at least. Check you DMV website and best of luck to you!

[k1spain 0]

Right after getting my SS card (exactly 8 weeks after I entered the US on k-1) I went to the NJ DMV to take the test. The SS is required.

These are the words I got: "No EAD or GC, no license" and that is exactly the way it was. I had to wait 3 months more until I went to the local office to get the temporary EAD. (My permanent EAD took 7 months to reach but it was not a problem.)

This happened almost 3 years ago.

I filed my I-751 this week (Removal of conditions), my license will expire in 6 months, and the permanent GC can take very long... I don't want to be pessimistic but based on my experience, I don't think the NJ DMV will renew my license until I get the permanent GC.

I only hope I don't have to take the test again and that somebody can give me a ride!!! Good luck to you all!