Using Military Dependent ID for Driver License

[kmdr 0]

Hey everyone.

I've been doing a bit of research about obtaining my driver license in California. I'm currently in the process of AOS and the majority of people here are saying that CA DMV won't do anything before an EAD or GC has been issued. I did see a couple of cases whereby people got lucky and got away with a NOA1 etc. As I'm sure you can all relate, I'm a bit bored and wouldn't mind being able to get out and about lol.

Anyway...yesterday I went into the DMV to see what I'd need. The woman told me I absolutely could not do anything until my AOS was complete. However, after asking a separate question about my husband accompanying me when I'm learning with his out of state license as he relocated with the Navy, suddenly something clicked with her. She called me back to the desk and asked in a whisper if I had a military dependent ID, when I said yes she told me that is all I would need.

Has anyone had experience with this? I know a military ID is deemed proof of legal presence according to their website but obviously if they ask for a second ID all I have is my passport.

Thanks

[JohnR! 5,495]

Alternatively you can use your EU driver's license until you get your GC. Unless you live in the Bay Area, being in California without a car is like having your legs cut off...

[kmdr 0]

My Irish DL was stolen (along with my handbag) when I first arrived

What a welcome to America...

Thanks for the response.

[JohnR! 5,495]

My Irish DL was stolen (along with my handbag) when I first arrived

What a welcome to America...

Thanks for the response.

Seriously?!!? How about the luck of the Irish my grandfather used to boast about?!?!? :-)

Unfortunately I don't know about the military dependent ID, so hopefully someone else will chime in with that..

Good luck!

[kmdr 0]

Maybe it was karma for leaving the emerald isle

Thanks!

[li_09 40]

Military ID is proof of legal residence but I wouldn't say a military dependant ID is because I was living in the U.S illegally (overstayed VWP) and I had a military dependant ID but if she's saying that's okay then go for it.

[Karenbel 1]

A military ID only works if it has your social security number is on it and it matches (exact name and number) in their system. Their system is linked to the social security administration and they run your social security number right then and there.

My social security number which I've had since I first came to the States when I was a child, was in my maiden name and my military ID in my married name and I even had my EAD card and they wouldn't let me get a license until I made the legal change with the social security office and all the names matched. So basically, in California, you need to a have a valid social security number and even though you don't need the card, your name and number must match in the system and on your other forms of IDs.

[kmdr 0]

Ah OK. Thank you so much everyone for explaining this to me.

[funkymunky 11]

Dependant ID is iffy, you can use your overseas license to drive everywhere but on base. That's what I was told by the lady that made my ID.

[JIJourney 96]

This has always been confusing to me.

Still got my state license, but never knew if you can use your military ID as a drivers license? Still always best to keep it on you at all times just in case

[Jana636 0]

Is there any way you can order a new driver's license online and have it delivered to you in the US?

The fact that the woman whispered this to you makes me wonder whether or not it would hold up. Did she whisper that you can use the ID card to obtain a California Driver's License? If so, then by all means do it! If she's advising you in a whisper to use your ID card in lieu of a driver's license, I definitely wouldn't do it.