Driving in FL on UK Driving License

[GALBA78 2]

Hello,

I'm currently in AOS process after getting married whilst in the US on VWP.

I don't yet have my SSN so I can't yet apply for my FL License but I've been using my Mother in Law's car for errands, shopping etc as she said its fine to use my UK license. I didn't really think about it much until this morning and then suddenly panicked as I don't really know if this is legal!!

I have been in the US now for just over 3 months so my VWP is expired and I am waiting for my NOA1 which is apparently in the post.

Would anyone know what the situation is with regards to using my UK license here while I am waiting for my SSN?

Thank you!!!

[*Snowdrop* 604]

According to the Florida DMV

http://www.dmvflorida.org/moving-to-florida.shtml

Florida law requires that you get a Florida drivers license within 30 days of becoming a resident of Florida. You are a resident if you do one of the following:

• Enroll your children in a Florida public school
• Accept employment
• Register to Vote
• File for a homestead exemption
• Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months

Visitors can obviously use their out of state licence or their home country's licence, or tourists wouldn't be able to hire cars. So when you officially become a Florida resident you have 30 days to get a Florida licence.

Re insurance issues - that's something your mother-in-law needs to check with her insurance company. When I first moved here my husband's insurer had no problem with me driving under his insurance using my UK licence.

Edited February 1, 2014 by *Lynne*

[GALBA78 2]

Thank you so much for your fast response!

I did read that but wondered if I can still be counted as a "tourist" considering my VWP has expired?

What is my status while I am waiting for AOS process? Just wondered what I should say if I ever got stopped!!

[*Snowdrop* 604]

And here is the id checklist for someone who is not a legal permanent resident to get driver's licence.

You will see that the primary piece of ID is either an EAD card or a non-expired I-94

http://www.gathergoget.com/checklist/checklist.aspx

So you have been there for three months, if you don't have your EAD card, or your green card within the next three months (plus 30 days) then you will not be able to apply for a drivers' licence and will be officially resident in Florida so won't be able to use your UK licence any more.

[*Snowdrop* 604]

Maybe you should print out the page from the DMV - it says that you are considered a resident if you have live there for more than six consecutive months.

It's usually a lot shorter in other states. I assume Florida has a longer period to deal with all the people with holiday homes there who come down for the winter and stay 3-4 months. So they don't have to keep swapping their licences from state to state just for the winter.

You could phone the DMV to double check this.

Edited February 1, 2014 by *Lynne*

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hello,

I'm currently in AOS process after getting married whilst in the US on VWP.

I don't yet have my SSN so I can't yet apply for my FL License but I've been using my Mother in Law's car for errands, shopping etc as she said its fine to use my UK license. I didn't really think about it much until this morning and then suddenly panicked as I don't really know if this is legal!!

I have been in the US now for just over 3 months so my VWP is expired and I am waiting for my NOA1 which is apparently in the post.

Would anyone know what the situation is with regards to using my UK license here while I am waiting for my SSN?

Thank you!!!

Visitors can drive on a foreign license. Read this quoting some statutes which indicate you are not a resident of Florida yet. And others saying you have to get a license after you have WORKED in Florida for 30 days.

http://www.suburbanlegalmyths.com/driving.html

[GALBA78 2]

Thanks both, I appreciate the info

I'm glad to know I'm not breaking the law by driving at the moment.

Nich-Nick, thanks for the link to the website... It looks like an interesting read for numerous topics! Should keep me occupied a bit!!!