Driver's License information for all states

[dionesiamn 0]

The thread about the DMV experiences was getting quite long and I didn't want you to miss this information if you need it, so I started a new thread.

I found this great Website that gives each state's regulations for acquiring a driver's license. It tells you what the regulations are, what you need and even gives information about whether or not you will have to surrender your country of origin's DL.

Just click on the state you want! Hope this is useful to you that have questions.

DMV Information

[together2love 0]

That is a classic site! Thanks! I moved to Oregon and double checked the site against my experience and that site is correct.

[Knobby_Wheezer 0]

Whoa! Thanks a bunch. Found the state to which I will be moving and bookmarked it. Also wrote down 'phone number and hours---just in case I need to contact the ID DMV before I get there (if they say Yes at my interview).

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journey. From my experience here in New York State, I got my (Ontario, G2 level) 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. Only a quick reading of the eye chart for the vision test was required (easy, peasy). 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).

By the way, it is definitely 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.....Lucky me, I skipped the Ontario G2 exit/G test, and got a full/unrestricted NYS driver's license here!

Hope this helps!

Ant

Edited March 14, 2007 by AntandD

[Allie 5]

Hey good site thanks. I read for WA. it says need to present Social Security # as one of the regulations. Wonder if that means I'll need a job before I can get a drivers license.

[together2love 0]

Hey good site thanks. I read for WA. it says need to present Social Security # as one of the regulations. Wonder if that means I'll need a job before I can get a drivers license.

No, you should not need a job before you get your license. You can apply for your SSN 2 weeks after you arrive and since you have a K1 visa, you should have no problems getting a SSN.

[dionesiamn 0]

Hey good site thanks. I read for WA. it says need to present Social Security # as one of the regulations. Wonder if that means I'll need a job before I can get a drivers license.

No, you should not need a job before you get your license. You can apply for your SSN 2 weeks after you arrive and since you have a K1 visa, you should have no problems getting a SSN.

Allie, there is no requirement in any state that you have to have a job to get a driver's license. However, for just about anything else you do in this country, including working, you will need your soccial security number. To open a banking account for example you will need a SS#. That's how "they" keep track of what we owe for taxes - LOL! So for sure, one of the first things you'll want to do once you enter is apply for a SS#.

Also, from what I've read on another thread, you may be allowed to keep your Canadian DL along with the state one. In my state of Minnesota, there is no limit to the length of time you can drive on a Canadian DL here (apparently Minnesota feels akin to Canada since we border each other) as long as it isn't expired. Check that out for WA too. If so I wouldn't rush out to get the U.S. one, unless of course, your car insurance company requires you to have a state DL. (That's something else to be mindful of here - most states require you to have car insurance to be able to license your vehicle here.)

[warlord 73]

In Colorado when I did it years ago it was really simple. Did it at the mall in a kiosk thing, handed over my Ont licence, they keep it, did a simple vision thing and then wandered the mall for 5 mins, came back and had my Colorado licence. Now here to renew your licence you need to bring in a passport/Green Card or some other sort of ID with nationality on it. Though that website doesn't seem to mention that at all, only for new licences.

So maybe a renewal is actually the same as getting a new licence then...

Edited March 14, 2007 by warlord