US driver license

[wrumug 0]

hi guys,

how to obtain a driver license from the States? do i need to give up my ontario driver license ?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Each state has different rules. One has a certain time period to give up ur Cdn license. Check out DMV.org

[antda 13]

Hi Wrumug,

Good luck on your immigration journey. From my experience here in New York State, I got my (Ontario) Canadian license transferred over, as NYS has an exchange agreement with Canada. I only had to pay the $40 license fee, which is good for 5 years. No written tests or road tests required for me either. What's needed for a NYS driver's license though is a SS#, which I got a couple of weeks later after I got my Green Card. Meanwhile, throughout the entire time I was in the USA, I just drove with my (Ontario) Canadian license, which was perfectly legal to do. The only frustration I had in driving with a Canadian license was that was still in my old maiden last name (which I really hate), not in my new married last name (which I really like).

Ant

hi guys,

how to obtain a driver license from the States? do i need to give up my ontario driver license ?

[Flames9_RN 358]

What State are you moving to? As I state dbefore, each state varies. Some you have to write a test, some you don't, some you require a SSN, some you do not. http://www.dmv.org/

[Emancipation 2]

Best to check too how long you have to drive on your "out of state" DL.. Here in CT it's only 30 days.. Not much time to get everything changed over & legal like..

"You have 30 days after moving to Connecticut to legally drive on your previous license. After 30 days of residency, your out-of-state license is no longer acceptable to legally drive in Connecticut."

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Best to check too how long you have to drive on your "out of state" DL.. Here in CT it's only 30 days.. Not much time to get everything changed over & legal like..

"You have 30 days after moving to Connecticut to legally drive on your previous license. After 30 days of residency, your out-of-state license is no longer acceptable to legally drive in Connecticut."

Most states (exception being CA, which uses 10 days) use 30 days after getting residency.

However, those on TEMPORARY work-permits (such as H1-b or TN-1) are allowed to keep an out-of-country licence (which was how I got away with not swapping from AB to GA initially); but licence from another US state doesn't fall into this "loophole".

Also, in practice, it's quite difficult to find out exactly how long one has lived in a state (especially if the licence is from an immediately bordering state).

[mozplay 29]

For me here in Baltimore, all I need is the proof of legal status (visa and I-94) and 2 items to prove residency to get my license transferred. No SSN, no written or road test needed.

However, 2 items to prove residencey is hard considering what is on their list!!! But it will be done.. soon!

Mo

[wrumug 0]

thanks VJ's members

i moved from Toronto to Boston (MA) on Jan 29, 2007.

bty, i'm still waiting for the SSN. i hope i can get it next week. once i get it, i can go to transfer my driver license then

also, i think they need my driver record too.

[CutienPurg 0]

When I went to the Secretary of State here in Michigan and inquired about DL requirements , they said Ontario Licenses do transfer without a test or SSN..........HOWEVER...........they do require proof of residency such as a utility bill or bank statement showing his name and address. Seems simple eh........well to get a utility in his name or added to mine he needs a SSN.........to be added to my bank account he needs a SSN. So it's pretty much a " u dont need a SSN you just need xxxxx" but to get xxxxx you need a SSN............and the wheels on the bus go 'round.

I think we're going to shoot for having cable in his name. I think theyre one of the few that dont require a SSN to get service.......

or he'll just have to be extra careful driving so he doesnt get caught

[Marilyn. 340]

Out-of-State License Conversion

(with previous Massachusetts License expired more than 4 years)

OR

(with no previous Massachusetts License)

SSN Card or valid, current U.S. or Non-U.S. Passport

Document proving date of birth

Document proving signature

Document proving Massachusetts residency

Out-of-state License* (may also be used as a Primary document to prove date of birth or signature, but cannot be used for both)

* If the out of state license does not have a photo, an acceptable photo ID from the list of Primary and Secondary documents is required.

If the license is from Canada, Mexico, or US Territory (including Puerto Rico) a driving record not more than 30 days old is required.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/3id.htm

Experienced Drivers New to Massachusetts

If you're an experienced driver licensed in another state and want to obtain a Massachusetts license, you do not have to take a written or road test, as long as your current out-of-state license is valid. However, be prepared to get hit with a $90 fee for conversion.

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year but less than four years, you must pass a written test. If your license has been expired more than four years, you need to start all over again with a written test, permit and road test.

You can also convert your license from Canada, Mexico or the U.S. Territories without taking a test if your current license is valid and you can present a certified copy of your driving record that is less than 30 days old. If your license is expired, you need to follow the same guidelines as drivers from other states to convert to a new Massachusetts license.

License holders from foreign countries other than Canada or Mexico, need to take the full written and road tests to obtain a Massachusetts driver's licenses. An international license cannot be converted into a Massachusetts license. Also, license holders from certain countries may require a sponsor and English translation of the license.

http://www.dmv.org/ma-massachusetts/apply-license.php

Edited February 22, 2007 by MarilynP

[wrumug 0]

thanks everyone

[antda 13]

Hi Wrumug,

Good luck on your immigration journey. You're welcome for the replies. No way, is everyone from Toronto moving to the USA? What a co-incidence, as I used to be from there too. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, which part of Toronto were you from? How are you liking the USA so far? Good luck in getting your SS# and your DL later. That's good that you can get your license transferred over and you don't have to take any tests or anything like that for your driver's license in Boston, Mass.

I think you can request your Ontario driver record from the MTO. For more info on the MTO and getting your records, check out the following link:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/record.htm

By the way, it is definately a lot easier to drive in the USA and to get a license here in the USA it is easier too. No more G1, G2, G, graduated licencing ####### to deal with...Grrr.....

Ant

thanks VJ's members

i moved from Toronto to Boston (MA) on Jan 29, 2007.

bty, i'm still waiting for the SSN. i hope i can get it next week. once i get it, i can go to transfer my driver license then

also, i think they need my driver record too.

Edited February 22, 2007 by antocru