Driver's Licence in Mississippi

[S-C 21]

having looked at Mississippi's DMV website, I am pretty sure I need to do a written test first to get my Learner's Permit, then take an actual driving test to get my licence. However, I can't find out if there is a minimum requirement for residence to actually do these tests.

Therefore, if anyone has moved to Mississippi and gotten their DL, I would be extremely thankful if you could fill me in on what actually needs to be done and whether I will have to wait a certain amount of time prior to being allowed to apply for my licence.

[Tracey&Greg 35]

Hi from next door (Alabama). Since the two states are joined at the hip and similar in a lot of ways I believe you can get your permit one day, wait to get the hard copy them you can go back for the road test for your license. Do you not have a license or permit at all though?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

having looked at Mississippi's DMV website, I am pretty sure I need to do a written test first to get my Learner's Permit, then take an actual driving test to get my licence. However, I can't find out if there is a minimum requirement for residence to actually do these tests.

Therefore, if anyone has moved to Mississippi and gotten their DL, I would be extremely thankful if you could fill me in on what actually needs to be done and whether I will have to wait a certain amount of time prior to being allowed to apply for my licence.

Their website says--

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operators license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid as determined by the applicants length of stay or 1 year.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university or an approved translator), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

Your only document upon arrival on a K1 giving you a length of stay is the I-94 for a 90 day stay. Presumably they would give you a license that expires when your I-94 does as long as you have the other requirements to get a license. Once your marry and get your EAD card or greencard, then you have a dated document valid longer than 90 days. That should allow you a 1 year license. In most states, K1s have to--

Marry

Prepare and mail their AOS/EAD/AP applications.

Wait 60-90 days for the EAD card

Get a driver license

[S-C 21]

Their website says--

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operators license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid as determined by the applicants length of stay or 1 year.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university or an approved translator), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

Your only document upon arrival on a K1 giving you a length of stay is the I-94 for a 90 day stay. Presumably they would give you a license that expires when your I-94 does as long as you have the other requirements to get a license. Once your marry and get your EAD card or greencard, then you have a dated document valid longer than 90 days. That should allow you a 1 year license. In most states, K1s have to--

Marry

Prepare and mail their AOS/EAD/AP applications.

Wait 60-90 days for the EAD card

Get a driver license

Thanks Nich. I assume that I can get the licence from day one, but I would need to get a new licence upon receiving the EAD, and then again once I actually get my greencard. That is how I have read it?

Hi from next door (Alabama). Since the two states are joined at the hip and similar in a lot of ways I believe you can get your permit one day, wait to get the hard copy them you can go back for the road test for your license. Do you not have a license or permit at all though?

Oh yes. I have been driving for well over 10 years now hahaha But I have an Australian Licence. I may just get by on that until my EAD comes in then.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks Nich. I assume that I can get the licence from day one, but I would need to get a new licence upon receiving the EAD, and then again once I actually get my greencard. That is how I have read it?

Yes, maybe. Mississippi doesn't explain much. Some states actually have a minimum length of time left on the "length of stay" proof before they will give a license. So 90 days may be fine or they may not bother with a three month license. You are still going to have a gap if you get one for 90 days. Then no driving for a while. Then another license with EAD. You wouldn't have to go back as soon as you got your greencard. You could wait until the one year license was about to expire. Best to call them and ask about the 90 day license. Don't expect anybody to know what a K1 visa is...driving, bank, social security office, policemen. It is an odd time when you are kind of a nothing until you get a greencard which gives you a status more people recognize and know how to deal with.

Oh yes. I have been driving for well over 10 years now hahaha But I have an Australian Licence. I may just get by on that until my EAD comes in then.

My husband drove as a UK visitor until he was granted permanent residency. Not everybody agrees with that, but there was no way he was going to sit home like a prisoner. Going anywhere requires a car where we live. We had two cars from the day he arrived and my car insurance covered even if he was driving. So he drove like he did every time he was here before.