Driving license for naturalization test

[Noman 0]

Hi,

I have my naturalization test within 2 weeks, I received the yellow paper with required documents, there is only one item and that is a state issued photo id which I believe would be the driving license. However, I moved to NH from NY a couple of months ago and haven't changed my driving license to an NH driving license. Would this be a problem?

Thank you

[Hypnos 6,576]

Yes, it could be.

One of the requirements for naturalisation is that you have been residing in the jurisdiction from which you applied for three months; a driver's licence or state ID card is one of the ways they often check this, and will often ask to see it at your naturalisation interview.

Separately, it may also be a requirement under state law for you to obtain a driver's license of that state if you permanently move within its jurisdiction and you own a vehicle that you drive. I know NY is one of these states: http://www.dmv.ny.gov/license.htm

"If you become a resident of NYS, you must get a NYS driver license within 30 days and surrender your out-of-state driver license. Normally, you cannot have a NYS driver license and a driver license from another state, but there are exceptions. It is a violation of Federal law to hold more than one commercial driver license (CDL)."

[Beata1501 14]

I agree with Hypnos. That could be a problem.

I also received a yellow letter with a request that I bring my current photo ID (Driver's License or State ID) 2 weeks before my interview and YES, Drivers License was the first thing Immigration Officer asked for (along with my GC) before he started the test.

[Noman 0]

Thank you guys. Truth of the matter is that I moved here for my internship and recently started as a full time. I have been taking caring of many things and changing my licenses had the least priority. I sent my application for naturalisation and didn't think everything would happen this fast. I sent everything it in December and I have my interview in a week or so. What do you guys suggest? Should I go to DMV and apply for the NH license (It won't be here for my interview) or take my NY license with me (better than having no photo id?)

Thank you for your time.

[vbb 0]

Should I go to DMV and apply for the NH license (It won't be here for my interview) or take my NY license with me (better than having no photo id?)

Yes, you should apply for a new driver's license. There is nothing wrong with a temporary driver's license. That is a still state issued photo ID.

[Darnell 8,478]

Internship? where do you maintain your primary domicile?

[Noman 0]

vbb, I'm going to get it on Monday.

Darnell : yeah, I had an internship for 6 months here and then was offered to stay as full time employee. Now, I maintain my primary domicile in NH.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Did you live in NH at least 90 days before you sent in your N400?

[Noman 0]

Harpa: Yes! I moved to NH in May with intention of staying for 6 months (length of internship), however, I am now staying for at least a year. It's a gray area!

[NickD 202]

Most states have a law where you have 30 days to change your drivers' license, even if you change your address within your state. No big red signs posted on all these laws, have to dig into it. Ignorance is no excuse from the law.

[Elham 1]

I moved from California to Montana for school. I almost had the same issue. The first time I went to homeland security for biometric I had my California driver's license. They looked at that and they asked if I live in Montana. I confirmed and I said, "but I have not changed my driver's license yet, because I have been so busy." - They were okay with that. The 2nd time, which was the interview time, I had a temporary card issued for me by Montana DMV. It had my picture printed on it. They were okay with that one. Probably you need to do that too.

Edited February 3, 2014 by Elham

[Noman 0]

NickD and Elham, Thank you for your responses.

I ended up with a situation like Elham and there was no problem for the interview.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

NickD and Elham, Thank you for your responses.

I ended up with a situation like Elham and there was no problem for the interview.

Congratulations!