Getting a drivers license after arriving in the US

[rantinozzi 0]

Hello everyone!

I've seen on here some posts from a while ago about obtaining a Florida drivers license once my fiancé enters the country on the k1.

My question is does anyone know how exactly this works? It's very confusing and would it on,y be good for 3 months and the she would have to renew it again?

We need assistance! Hahaha thank you all in advance!

[p-ana 933]

Did you check the dmv info from where you are? Seems like Florida is a lot more flexible even for people who are out of status.

[rantinozzi 0]

Did you check the dmv info from where you are? Seems like Florida is a lot more flexible even for people who are out of status.

Yeah and it doesn't give much infomation for non us citizens. Just that you need to take a class and a written and road test. Doesn't say how long it's good for or when to renew or how the visa being expires as soon as you enter effects everything. It's very vague and not very helpful

[Ash.1101 1,756]

You could go about it two ways as far as I know, since florida is a special state that allows it.

You could go and get a ~90 day DL. It'll expire the same day the I-94 does, so it won't be a full 90 days.

And then you can do either of these things: Wait until your wife gets her EAD and apply for a new one that will last a year, OR she could apply for one as someone who is in the country without status. I don't know the length's they go too, but I know there was a person in the April 2016 April AOS thread that went ahead and applied as an out of status person, just to get one to have.

Then after that, you reapply again once you have the GC. That one SHOULD only last 2 years, but in some weird cases it could last longer. My husbands DL lasts 5 years, instead of the 2 it's suppose to be.


With that said, contact the local DMV and make sure they know the rules and procedures before jumping in on the out of status DL train.

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

Yeah and it doesn't give much infomation for non us citizens. Just that you need to take a class and a written and road test. Doesn't say how long it's good for or when to renew or how the visa being expires as soon as you enter effects everything. It's very vague and not very helpful

The information on the Florida DMV website is really straight forward.

http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license-nc.shtml

They need to do the following.

1. Bring the proper Identification

Please visit our GatherGoGet website for a complete listing of documents needed and other information related to obtaining your driver license or ID card. En Español

Non-United States Citizens

• Original Driver License or Identification Card
• Canadian Citizens
• Renewals or Replacements
• Name Change

For a K-1 holder they would need to bring the following.

1. Valid I-94 with Passport

2. Social Security Number(If they don't have it, go here for alternative documents http://www.gathergoget.com/SSN.aspx)

3. 2 items proving US Residency such as

Your current driver license or ID card may not be used as proof of residential address. Proof must come from two different types of source.

• Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement
• Florida Voter Registration Card
• Florida Vehicle Registration or Title

  Print a duplicate registration atwww.gorenew.com

• Florida Boat Registration or Title (if living on a boat/houseboat)

  Print a duplicate registration atwww.gorenew.com

• Two proofs of residential address from applicant's parent, step-parent, legal guardian or other person with whom the applicant resides, along with (see next)
• A statement from a parent, step-parent, legal guardian or other person with whom the applicant resides, combined with two proofs of their residential address (see above)
• A utility hook up or work order dated within 60 days of the application
• Automobile Payment Booklet
• Selective Service Card
• Medical or health card with address listed
• Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
• Current automobile insurance policy or bill

• Educational institution transcript forms for the current school year
• Unexpired professional license issued by a government agency in the U.S.
• W-2 form or 1099 form
• Form DS2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status
• A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or a half-way house verifying that they receive mail for the customer. The letter must be accompanied by the Certification of Address Form (see next)
• Certification of Address Form combined with a letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or a half-way house (see above)
• Utility bills, not more than two months old
• Mail from financial institutions; including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than two months old
• Mail from Federal, State, County or City government agencies (including city and county agencies)
• Transients – Sexual Offender/Predator/Career Offender: - FDLE Registration form completed by local sheriff’s department

2. After assembling those items, they need to take the 4 hour DATA course available online here http://www.dmvflorida.org/first-time-driver.shtml

3. After they take the DATA course they need to take the written test, for individuals 18 and over they must take the written exam at the DMV, It is best to schedule an appointment for this as well.

4. Once they take and pass the written exam, they then need to schedule a road test at the DMV.

When they go to the DMV they need to bring the requested documents from Step 1, and the certificate of completion from the DATA course, and written exam.

Then after they pass the road exam they are issued a driver's license.

Edited July 13, 2016 by Chris and ZhiJia

[p-ana 933]

The license will probably have the same validity of the i94, but once you apply for aos, you can try and check with them if it's possible to extend.

[CharlotteLister 0]

Hi there,

I live in Florida too and have been quite confused about the information provided. From the website it seems straight forward, but before i read that, i went to the DMV to get the handbook to practise and a gentleman who worked there asked what visa i had, and said because its K1 they require you take the test within 28 days (approx) from arriving, and if you don't, you have to wait to receive your NOA1 from the USCIS which you can use to take the test.

I saw nothing about the NOA1 on the website but i have seen someone mention the same information on Visa Journey, who also lives in Florida.

Once my NOA1 arrives, which should be sometime next week, I'm going to call the DMV to get more of an understanding on the situation. I would also like to go ahead with the DATA course but not sure if i'm allowed to do that yet.....

maybe call the DMV and speak to an advisor, it seems Florida is quite different to other states.

[beabea 1]

Hi there,

I live in Florida too and have been quite confused about the information provided. From the website it seems straight forward, but before i read that, i went to the DMV to get the handbook to practise and a gentleman who worked there asked what visa i had, and said because its K1 they require you take the test within 28 days (approx) from arriving, and if you don't, you have to wait to receive your NOA1 from the USCIS which you can use to take the test.

I saw nothing about the NOA1 on the website but i have seen someone mention the same information on Visa Journey, who also lives in Florida.

Once my NOA1 arrives, which should be sometime next week, I'm going to call the DMV to get more of an understanding on the situation. I would also like to go ahead with the DATA course but not sure if i'm allowed to do that yet.....

maybe call the DMV and speak to an advisor, it seems Florida is quite different to other states.

Yea, i hear FL is different! my fiancé called DMV and they had no idea what K1 visa is, which is quite funny. so, if you get the test within those 28 days, the license would still be valid for the validation of the i-94, correct? and then you would have to renew it with the NOA1.

I can use my brazilian driver's license for at least three months after i arrive, but i can't really purchase/lease a car and insurance without an american license. that is the sucky part!

[CharlotteLister 0]

Yeah I think that is the case. I think they just want to see that you're applying to live here permantely.

I know that is the sucky part! The amount of times I've needed a Florida license to do something is incredible. My husbands car insurance company even tripled his rate for the month of July, just because I'm living with him and could potentially drive his car, even though he said I don't! (Which i do) but I think it's crazy!!

I just can't wait to get my license now!

Good luck with everything!