Driver's License K1 visa holder

[Mariia 44]

4 minutes ago, msscarlette said:

Nope, MVA used my maiden name. They will do the name change based on your SS card. When the EAD arrives, I have to go to Social Security for the name change and then go to the MVA when I receive the new SS card with my married name on it.

The point is, I already had my SS name changed ( for SSA marriage certificate was enough to do so)

[msscarlette 488]

1 minute ago, Mariia said:

The point is, I already had my SS name changed ( for SSA marriage certificate was enough to do so)

You were lucky to have it changed in your area of Maryland. Did you bring your NOA1 with you? The MVA Rep asked me for an EAD as well.

[Mariia 44]

Just now, msscarlette said:

You were lucky to have it changed in your area of Maryland. Did you bring your NOA1 with you? The MVA Rep asked me for an EAD as well.

I don't have NOA1 yet, so no I didn't. Eventually my SS, proof of residence( like official letters  from government and insurance ) have my new last name while my foreign passport and I94 have my maiden name( which obviously can't be changed), and surely Marriage Certificate .For MD this wasn't enough...

[msscarlette 488]

Just now, Mariia said:

I don't have NOA1 yet, so no I didn't. Eventually my SS, proof of residence( like official letters  from government and insurance ) have my new last name while my foreign passport and I94 have my maiden name( which obviously can't be changed), and surely Marriage Certificate .For MD this wasn't enough...

Try going back as soon as your NOA1 arrives in the mail. You have all the docs that are needed already. 

[Mariia 44]

1 hour ago, msscarlette said:

Try going back as soon as your NOA1 arrives in the mail. You have all the docs that are needed already. 

Sounds reasonable , what MVA did you go to in MD? Because Im not sure if the one I visited are knowledgable enough in immigration cases

Edited May 8, 2018 by Mariia

[msscarlette 488]

1 hour ago, Mariia said:

Sounds reasonable , what MVA did you go to in MD? Because Im not sure if the one I visited are knowledgable enough in immigration cases

In Charlotte Hall. I was required to have the EAD for the name change. I can’t recommend any SS office though, I only went to one office.

[Rocko20 159]

I’m not at this point in the visa stage yet (still waiting for the NOA2) but this thread is very informative.

 

My takeaway is that getting married as soon as possible once my fiancé lands is imperative in order to apply and file for the adjustment of status and EAD at the same time? 

[TBoneTX 45,324]

20 hours ago, Rocko20 said:

getting married as soon as possible [...]

Correct.  After you marry, ask the officiant if you can carry the signed marriage license to the courthouse yourself, so that you can order marriage certificates (plural).  You'll need more than one.  We were fortunate that the clerk produced them right then that day, and we left with them.  It really sped things up.

[Rocko20 159]

On 5/26/2018 at 6:56 PM, TBoneTX said:

Correct.  After you marry, ask the officiant if you can carry the signed marriage license to the courthouse yourself, so that you can order marriage certificates (plural).  You'll need more than one.  We were fortunate that the clerk produced them right then that day, and we left with them.  It really sped things up.

 

Thank you, this place and its people are a godsend for those of us still waiting.

[AshMarty 360]

On 5/7/2018 at 10:15 AM, Mariia said:

Hi everyone! Ive recently entered the USA (state Maryland) with K1 visa, got married and changed my last name , as well as sent AOS and EAD package. Now Im thinking about getting learners permit and drivers license while waiting for EAD and Green Card. The point is: is it possible to do so if I have my passport and I-94 form with my maiden last name on them, Social Security card is already with a new last name, and we do have marriage certificate , proving last name changed? 

 

P.S. Recently tried to get ID , MVA told us that it is impossible until all my documents match by the same last name, so I'll be able to do it only after getting my EAD with new last name on it. Is is the same process wit Drivers License ? Thank you 

Hi @mariia

 

My husband recently got his Drivers License from Maryland as well while going through the K1 --> AOS process.

 

It is not true that you have to wait for your EAD in Maryland. He was able to get a 10 month temp license at the Annapolis DMV by them looking him up in the SAVE system to verify his immigration status. If you are okay having your maiden name on your license you should be fine to start the drivers license process then change it when you officially change your name legally (which starts by changing your name at the social security office) then  a couple of days after you will be able to change your name on your license. 

Edited June 13, 2018 by AshMarty

[AshMarty 360]

On 5/8/2018 at 11:36 AM, yuna628 said:

The marriage license isn't enough for MD. That's not going to show proof of status... which is the real reason why they aren't going to give out a license or ID, unless the OP has the EAD. Going with just an I-94 as well is only going to give them a temporary ID or license that is valid only until the I-94 expires, making it completely useless. OP is also going to need the correct name on a piece of mail, like a bank statement too.

 

 

This is not true in Maryland. My husband was given a 10 month Temp license when you was waiting for his EAD at the Annapolis DMV last September 2017. They looked him up in the SAFE System to verify his immigration status . He renewed his license when his Greencard came in but he did not have to have his EAD/AP card (which came November 2017) to get his license in the state of Maryland. It was an easy process for him with no hang ups. 

Edited June 13, 2018 by AshMarty

[yuna628 9,677]

1 hour ago, AshMarty said:

This is not true in Maryland. My husband was given a 10 month Temp license when you was waiting for his EAD at the Annapolis DMV last September 2017. They looked him up in the SAFE System to verify his immigration status . He renewed his license when his Greencard came in but he did not have to have his EAD/AP card (which came November 2017) to get his license in the state of Maryland. It was an easy process for him with no hang ups. 

It was true for our office and many other offices in MD I'm afraid. It was an easy process for us too provided we had the documents they demanded (which is in their instructions). Experiences can vary you know?

Edited June 13, 2018 by yuna628

[Mariia 44]

2 hours ago, AshMarty said:

Hi @mariia

 

My husband recently got his Drivers License from Maryland as well while going through the K1 --> AOS process.

 

It is not true that you have to wait for your EAD in Maryland. He was able to get a 10 month temp license at the Annapolis DMV by them looking him up in the SAVE system to verify his immigration status. If you are okay having your maiden name on your license you should be fine to start the drivers license process then change it when you officially change your name legally (which starts by changing your name at the social security office) then  a couple of days after you will be able to change your name on your license. 

Thank you for your response ! The only thing is I find different between your case and mine is that I've already got my last mane changed on SSN , and I guess that is the reason why I can't get temp license with my maiden name.

[AshMarty 360]

6 minutes ago, Mariia said:

Thank you for your response ! The only thing is I find different between your case and mine is that I've already got my last mane changed on SSN , and I guess that is the reason why I can't get temp license with my maiden name.

 

I recently changed my name at the SS office, this year. You have to wait a certain amount of time until the change takes effect at the DMV. I tried to change my name on my license too soon after the I changed it at the SS office (I am the American) and I was turned away from the DMV because it wasn't registered and updated yet through the system.  Unfortunately not everyone in the DMV is familiar with the immigration process. With your name on the SS card, marriage certificate and other proofs of residency you should be able confirm it is you. 

 

Unfortunately some of the DMV employees don't know how the immigration system works in Maryland. I would try it again and if they say no ask to speak with a manager because they will just have to confirm you are in the SAVE system. Your new name on the SS card should be all that is required. 

 

I have heard of another person being turned away in Maryland and them asking to speak with a manager at the DMV. The manager had to inform the DMV employee how the SAVE system works and that she needs to look the individual up and in the end they were eligible for a temp license.  

[Soonish 90]

How long can I drive using my U.K. license before I legally have to change to a US license? Will I be able to use my U.K. license to drive until I can get the correct paperwork/ID? I will be in MD.