GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA DMV.

[Since2012 28]

Hello there! I went on a K1 visa (and now I'm married and on my AOS) and I'm gonna be having my biometrics this week. Can I apply for a driving license here in california? Even the written exam? Thanks!!?

[M and C 32]

First, you would need a Social Security number if you don't have one yet. If your I-94 is still valid, then you may apply for the written test. Otherwise, just wait for your green card or EAD before you go to DMV. In the meantime you can get a free copy of the Driver's Manual in any DMV office.

[Since2012 28]

Thanks M and C. My I-94 is expired already. But I have my SSN already (but its says not valid for work without DHS permit). It means its just a temporary ssn?

[Since2012 28]

Thanks M and C. My I-94 is expired already. But I have my SSN already (but its says not valid for work without DHS permit). It means its just a temporary ssn?

First, you would need a Social Security number if you don't have one yet. If your I-94 is still valid, then you may apply for the written test. Otherwise, just wait for your green card or EAD before you go to DMV. In the meantime you can get a free copy of the Driver's Manual in any DMV office.

Thanks M and C. My I-94 is expired already. But I have my SSN already (but its says not valid for work without DHS permit). It means its just a temporary ssn? i need to wait for 2 years to apply or Conditional GC is valid in applying a driver's license? Thanks!

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Thanks M and C. My I-94 is expired already. But I have my SSN already (but its says not valid for work without DHS permit). It means its just a temporary ssn?

SSN is for life it is never temporary.

It states it is not valid for work because you don't have authorisation to work yet (EAD or green card).

You need work authorisation to get a driving licence which is why you can't get one without one of those.

Once you have one you can get a new ssn card with the not authorised to work removed.

Also the 2 year green card isn't really a "tempoary" card. It's just to make sure that within those two years you came here on good faith. So when it comes to ROC they can weed out the liars better. It holds all the same rights as a 10yr card.

[Since2012 28]

SSN is for life it is never temporary.

It states it is not valid for work because you don't have authorisation to work yet (EAD or green card).

You need work authorisation to get a driving licence which is why you can't get one without one of those.

Once you have one you can get a new ssn card with the not authorised to work removed.

Also the 2 year green card isn't really a "tempoary" card. It's just to make sure that within those two years you came here on good faith. So when it comes to ROC they can weed out the liars better. It holds all the same rights as a 10yr card.

Thank you very much!! I appreciate your reply.

SSN is for life it is never temporary.

It states it is not valid for work because you don't have authorisation to work yet (EAD or green card).

You need work authorisation to get a driving licence which is why you can't get one without one of those.

Once you have one you can get a new ssn card with the not authorised to work removed.

Also the 2 year green card isn't really a "tempoary" card. It's just to make sure that within those two years you came here on good faith. So when it comes to ROC they can weed out the liars better. It holds all the same rights as a 10yr card.

Anyway, how can I get a new SSN card with the not authorized to work removed?

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Once you have your EAD you can go to the SS office and they will take your old card and issue a new one within a few days. Just fill out a new form and tick authorised to work and you'll be good to go.

[Since2012 28]

Once you have your EAD you can go to the SS office and they will take your old card and issue a new one within a few days. Just fill out a new form and tick authorised to work and you'll be good to go.

Thanks for that info. Is it really necessary to go to the SSA and replace my old SS card with no "not valid for work without DHS permit"?

[M and C 32]

Thanks for that info. Is it really necessary to go to the SSA and replace my old SS card with no "not valid for work without DHS permit"?

Got this email from SSA:

Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration.

We apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

If you are now a U.S. citizen or if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted you a change in status that changes your work status in the United States, we suggest that you apply for a replacement Social Security number (SSN) card. Your replacement card will have the same number as your current card.

To apply for a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5, available for download at the following Internet address:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

Or, you may obtain Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office or card center.

Along with Form SS-5, you will need to submit evidence of your identity and current authorization to work or Certificate of Naturalization from DHS or your passport. Your immigration document may be acceptable as evidence of both your identity and authorization to work in the United States.

The acceptability of a document must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the applicant’s situation and exploring what evidence is available for the person.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies of documents. We need original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Notarized copies are also unacceptable.

We suggest that you take your application and immigration documents to your nearest Social Security office or card center rather than mail them. You can find that office or card center by using our online office locator at the Internet address below:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator/

We must verify your documents with DHS before we issue a replacement SSN card. Most of the time, we can quickly verify your documents online with DHS. If DHS can’t verify your documents online, it may take longer to issue a card. We are working closely with DHS to minimize delays.

To read more about evidence requirements, access our Web page, “Documents You Need for a Social Security Card,” at

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc

Note: The Social Security Administration uses the U.S. Postal Service for all mail. We cannot track documents (Social Security cards, birth certificates, etc.) once they have been mailed.

[Since2012 28]

Got this email from SSA:

Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration.

We apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

If you are now a U.S. citizen or if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted you a change in status that changes your work status in the United States, we suggest that you apply for a replacement Social Security number (SSN) card. Your replacement card will have the same number as your current card.

To apply for a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5, available for download at the following Internet address:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

Or, you may obtain Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office or card center.

Along with Form SS-5, you will need to submit evidence of your identity and current authorization to work or Certificate of Naturalization from DHS or your passport. Your immigration document may be acceptable as evidence of both your identity and authorization to work in the United States.

The acceptability of a document must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the applicant’s situation and exploring what evidence is available for the person.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies of documents. We need original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Notarized copies are also unacceptable.

We suggest that you take your application and immigration documents to your nearest Social Security office or card center rather than mail them. You can find that office or card center by using our online office locator at the Internet address below:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator/

We must verify your documents with DHS before we issue a replacement SSN card. Most of the time, we can quickly verify your documents online with DHS. If DHS can’t verify your documents online, it may take longer to issue a card. We are working closely with DHS to minimize delays.

To read more about evidence requirements, access our Web page, “Documents You Need for a Social Security Card,” at

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc

Note: The Social Security Administration uses the U.S. Postal Service for all mail. We cannot track documents (Social Security cards, birth certificates, etc.) once they have been mailed.

Thank you for those infos. it is really helpful. We're moving to Vegas on December. I guess I won't be having my EAD that time because I just had my biometrics last Oct.30. So just incase I got a change of address, I need to call USCIS for me to update my address? And Can I surrender my old SS card with "Not valid for work without DHS permit" in Las Vegas SS office?

[M and C 32]

Thank you for those infos. it is really helpful. We're moving to Vegas on December. I guess I won't be having my EAD that time because I just had my biometrics last Oct.30. So just incase I got a change of address, I need to call USCIS for me to update my address? And Can I surrender my old SS card with "Not valid for work without DHS permit" in Las Vegas SS office?

Yes, you need to inform USCIS of your change of address. And don't forget to give your new address to USPS also. We moved during my AOS and for some reason USCIS kept sending mail to our old address when I did inform them about the change of address (even got a confirmation email/letter). Fortunately we left our new address with USPS so they were forwarding mail to our new address.

Yes, you can go to the Las Vegas SSA office when you get your replacement card.

[Since2012 28]

Yes, you need to inform USCIS of your change of address. And don't forget to give your new address to USPS also. We moved during my AOS and for some reason USCIS kept sending mail to our old address when I did inform them about the change of address (even got a confirmation email/letter). Fortunately we left our new address with USPS so they were forwarding mail to our new address.

Yes, you can go to the Las Vegas SSA office when you get your replacement card.

good thing you told me to inform the USPS really helpful. Where can I call the USPS? should I just say i want to update my address coz i am on my aos and i am moving?

[M and C 32]

good thing you told me to inform the USPS really helpful. Where can I call the USPS? should I just say i want to update my address coz i am on my aos and i am moving?

You can do it online, just go to this link:

https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/home/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1&_flowId=icoa-main-flow&referral=MG80

[Since2012 28]

You can do it online, just go to this link:

https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/home/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1&_flowId=icoa-main-flow&referral=MG80

thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. Do you already have your EAD?

[M and C 32]

thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. Do you already have your EAD?

You're welcome. Got my EAD October 2013 (expired by this time). Got my GC June 2014.