Driving in the state of CA with foreign license

[Vanessa + Mario 4]

Hello everyone!

(I hope I am posting this in the right forum, as I am not sure where to post this…)

I'll try to keep it simple.

My husband has his foreign license from Mexico. I was researching for the CA driving laws regarding foreign licenses. In my research, I found this:

12502. (a) The following persons may operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a driver’s license under this code:

(1) A nonresident over the age of 18 years having in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction of which he or she is a resident, except as provided in Section 12505.

Then, I read this in Sect. 1205

12505. (a) (1) For purposes of this division only and notwithstanding Section 516, residency shall be determined as a person’s state of domicile. "State of domicile" means the state where a person has his or her true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which he or she has manifested the intention of returning whenever he or she is absent.

We don't have anything in his name yet to prove he is living with me.

I'm so confused. I guess this is my question: Is it ok for him to drive with his Mexican license, or does he have to obtain a CA license? (I read on another website that he only needed his Passport, I-94, I-20, written exam and driving exam… What is an I-20??

Thanks in advance!

[khwaidee1 196]

As long as he is not living in California and only visiting say as a tourist or on business, then he can use his Mexican driver's license. However, if he is living in California, even if "We don't have anything in his name yet to prove he is living with me." then he must obtain a California driver's license. If uses his I-94 then the license will only be valid as long as the I-94. My wife waited until she had her GC to do her driving test.

[Hypnos 6,578]

Since he's entered on his K-1 then he's now considered a resident of the state of California and would require a Californian driver's licence to drive legally.

[Ontarkie 14,510]

~~Moved to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America, from Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits~~

[rylforever 18]

Hi, just call the DMV in California and ask them to confirm. In GA, they do not accept Mexican Drivers License, so I would not risk it if I were you because driving without a valid license can be costly and a headache.

[Vanessa + Mario 4]

As long as he is not living in California and only visiting say as a tourist or on business, then he can use his Mexican driver's license. However, if he is living in California, even if "We don't have anything in his name yet to prove he is living with me." then he must obtain a California driver's license. If uses his I-94 then the license will only be valid as long as the I-94. My wife waited until she had her GC to do her driving test.

Thank you for the response. No, he's here on a K-1 visa.

Since he's entered on his K-1 then he's now considered a resident of the state of California and would require a Californian driver's licence to drive legally.

Thank you! Is there any other way that we can prove he is living here, aside from waiting until he gets his GC?

Hi, just call the DMV in California and ask them to confirm. In GA, they do not accept Mexican Drivers License, so I would not risk it if I were you because driving without a valid license can be costly and a headache.

Thanks! Yes, I think that's the route we are going to take. (That is exactly what I told my husband. )

[alejandreska 136]

Thank you for the response. No, he's here on a K-1 visa.

Thank you! Is there any other way that we can prove he is living here, aside from waiting until he gets his GC?

Thanks! Yes, I think that's the route we are going to take. (That is exactly what I told my husband. )

Hi! I went to the DMV with my birth certificate, passport with visa (CR1), social security card for proof of signature and a copy of a Lease, stating my MA address. I didn't have my GC yet and they accepted my visa. If your husband is not included in a lease, then you can show your lease or home title and make a letter saying that he lives with you. If you are not sure you can always go to the DMV and ask. Good luck

[jbanya 19]

I am still under K1 but able to get an international driving license in my home country before my departure. My local officer told me I can use that license in USA too (in the list); if he have family or friend in Mexico willing to help him, international driving license should granted in 24 hours (with full documents support). You may consider to apply IDL than wait for the GC.

[Hypnos 6,578]

That won't work. He requires a Californian licence once he became a resident of the state of California, as stated above more than once.

[Vanessa + Mario 4]

Thanks for your responses everyone! I am curious, if he applies for his SSN, would that be enough proof of residence?

[Hypnos 6,578]

Probably not. You can usually find the required documents on the state DMV's site.

To prove Texas residency I showed them a copy of a bank account statement and a letter from USCIS.

Edited October 7, 2014 by Hypnos