Applying for a drivers license in CA, after entering the US

[Matt&Savannah 67]

3 hours ago, cdx77 said:

Just FYI I was able to get a temporary driving license (not AB60) with just my passport, marriage license, I-767C (for I-485) and a couple of utility bills last year. I am in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

I did the written test on the same day, and then scheduled a behind-the-wheel a couple of months later.

 

However, I did get a letter from DMV HQ (Sacramento) saying that they were unable to complete my application since I did not provide any proof of legal residency during my initial application in person.

 

Strangely they still let me sit for behind-the-wheel, and I still got my temporary d/l after that. I was told that unless I presented proof of residency, I won't be able to get a full DL/ID. Just so happens that my EAD/AP got approved last week, so I have sent in my approval notice to Sacramento. I've yet to hear back from them.

 

My temporary DL expires next month, so hopefully I receive my full DL from them before then.

You did well to get as far as you did I'd say. I went down to the DMV 3 times to try and get some sort of license and every time they tried to tell me I couldn't without EAD/GC. I guess what happened with you was it was processed incorrectly and so at the last minute they gave you your temporary license. Either way its pretty much the same outcome as me. Sure, its much easier to turn up at the DMV with your EAD/GC but where is the fun in that =P! I'd say the only issue with getting a temporary license or AB 60 is that you will at some point have to brave the DMV lines once again to get your License upgraded. Thanks for posting your experience =)

[siulamvb 16]

Thanks Savannah for sharing your experience.

After reading your post in January, 2019, I started my DMV adventure journey to get my driving license and AB60.

 

Here is the timeline of getting my AB60 driving license. I am in the SF bay area

 

28 Dec 2018: Arrive SFO with my K1 visa

8  Jan 2019  : Apply for SSN

16 Jan 2019:  SF City Hall wedding

22 Jan 2019: Received my SSN card by mail

24 Jan 2019: Apply for my driving learner permit and completed my written test at Walnut Creek DMV

                         (very fast, completed in 1.5 hours)

22 Feb 2019: Passed my driving test in Fremont 

                         (I learnt driving in a driving school, the instructor arrange an early driving test for me)

22 Feb 2019: Change my status in DMV after the test, downgrade to AB60, get my temporary license on AB60 for 2 months, and will received my AB 60 license in 2-4 weeks by mail.

 

 

Staffs in DMVs told me so many incorrect information. For example, when I first went to DMV on Jan 24, the staff told me my I-94 will expire on March 27, its less than 60 days, so they can't let me apply for the DL and do the written test. It was definitely more than 60 days (fact check after I went home: you can apply for a DL if your I-94 has 30 days and DMV will not issue a DL to you if your license valid less than 60 days). It means that you can definitely start the process of taking your written test and behind-the-wheel test, but just DMV will not issue you a DL. But DMV still have the record that you passed both tests. What I did was talking consistently and calming to the staff on what I want to do and I can do according to the information found on DMV web site.

 

Before I passed my driving test, I searched information about other kind of US visa holder applying for AB60. It is actually more common, especially people had work permit, but the work permit expired and applying for the new work permit. I also learn that some of them apply for AB60 and get it immediately as they have a DL record and SSN record in DMV . Therefore, their cases do not have to send it to Sacramento for further investigation.

 

After I passed my driving test test yesterday, I was told that they cannot issue a DL to me because my I-94 is less than 60 days. Then I told the staff that I want to apply for AB60 as my NOA of AOS 797C is not a satisfied document to prove my legal status on the DMV list. She consults her supervisor who said AB60 is for illegal immigrant at first. After I repeated my status to him, he said I can apply for AB 60. But I have to refill my application again on the computer and line up for the AB60 application.

 

After I filled my application, I lined up and get a number. The woman gave me the number also tell me that AB60 takes 6 months - 1 year to process. I said Okay. Wait for an hour, my number was called, a female staff was handling my application, she was aggressive and rude. She told me that AB60 is not for me, because I am not illegal, I have paper. I clarified on what I read on the DMV web site about AB60 - :Applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the US. She said I was wrong and tell me AB60 will influence my immigration status approval (come on, she works in DMV not USCIS right?) and will take me a year to get approve. I just repeated what I see from the DMV web site and another staff said I can apply for AB60.

 

Here is the good one, she literally told me "What I see on the DMV web site is wrong and you just want to believe in what your head wants to". My eyes almost fall on the counter, so does the staff sits next to her. I was so angry, but calmly tell her, I still want to apply for AB60.

 

She then processes my paper work and consult a senior staff suggestion. At the same time, I was googling information about making a complain to DMV. (Found out there is only feedback channel, not really complain). Finally, the woman comes back to the counter and said I can apply for AB60. She double checks my paperwork, wasn't even look into my eyes. And I just say thank you every time when she asks me to fill in this, sign this. 

 

After 15 minutes, she gave me a temporary license and said I will receive my DL in 2-4 weeks by mail.

 

It is a long story, but I really want to share with other people who might go through this process in the future. Keep trying to do what you know is right and you have the right to do. Get a lot of information to support your view. And be prepared to deal with DMV staff's misinformation and disrespectful attitude.

  

 

 

 

[Matt&Savannah 67]

On 2/23/2019 at 4:22 PM, siulamvb said:

Thanks Savannah for sharing your experience.

After reading your post in January, 2019, I started my DMV adventure journey to get my driving license and AB60.

 

Here is the timeline of getting my AB60 driving license. I am in the SF bay area

 

28 Dec 2018: Arrive SFO with my K1 visa

8  Jan 2019  : Apply for SSN

16 Jan 2019:  SF City Hall wedding

22 Jan 2019: Received my SSN card by mail

24 Jan 2019: Apply for my driving learner permit and completed my written test at Walnut Creek DMV

                         (very fast, completed in 1.5 hours)

22 Feb 2019: Passed my driving test in Fremont 

                         (I learnt driving in a driving school, the instructor arrange an early driving test for me)

22 Feb 2019: Change my status in DMV after the test, downgrade to AB60, get my temporary license on AB60 for 2 months, and will received my AB 60 license in 2-4 weeks by mail.

 

 

Staffs in DMVs told me so many incorrect information. For example, when I first went to DMV on Jan 24, the staff told me my I-94 will expire on March 27, its less than 60 days, so they can't let me apply for the DL and do the written test. It was definitely more than 60 days (fact check after I went home: you can apply for a DL if your I-94 has 30 days and DMV will not issue a DL to you if your license valid less than 60 days). It means that you can definitely start the process of taking your written test and behind-the-wheel test, but just DMV will not issue you a DL. But DMV still have the record that you passed both tests. What I did was talking consistently and calming to the staff on what I want to do and I can do according to the information found on DMV web site.

 

Before I passed my driving test, I searched information about other kind of US visa holder applying for AB60. It is actually more common, especially people had work permit, but the work permit expired and applying for the new work permit. I also learn that some of them apply for AB60 and get it immediately as they have a DL record and SSN record in DMV . Therefore, their cases do not have to send it to Sacramento for further investigation.

 

After I passed my driving test test yesterday, I was told that they cannot issue a DL to me because my I-94 is less than 60 days. Then I told the staff that I want to apply for AB60 as my NOA of AOS 797C is not a satisfied document to prove my legal status on the DMV list. She consults her supervisor who said AB60 is for illegal immigrant at first. After I repeated my status to him, he said I can apply for AB 60. But I have to refill my application again on the computer and line up for the AB60 application.

 

After I filled my application, I lined up and get a number. The woman gave me the number also tell me that AB60 takes 6 months - 1 year to process. I said Okay. Wait for an hour, my number was called, a female staff was handling my application, she was aggressive and rude. She told me that AB60 is not for me, because I am not illegal, I have paper. I clarified on what I read on the DMV web site about AB60 - :Applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the US. She said I was wrong and tell me AB60 will influence my immigration status approval (come on, she works in DMV not USCIS right?) and will take me a year to get approve. I just repeated what I see from the DMV web site and another staff said I can apply for AB60.

 

Here is the good one, she literally told me "What I see on the DMV web site is wrong and you just want to believe in what your head wants to". My eyes almost fall on the counter, so does the staff sits next to her. I was so angry, but calmly tell her, I still want to apply for AB60.

 

She then processes my paper work and consult a senior staff suggestion. At the same time, I was googling information about making a complain to DMV. (Found out there is only feedback channel, not really complain). Finally, the woman comes back to the counter and said I can apply for AB60. She double checks my paperwork, wasn't even look into my eyes. And I just say thank you every time when she asks me to fill in this, sign this. 

 

After 15 minutes, she gave me a temporary license and said I will receive my DL in 2-4 weeks by mail.

 

It is a long story, but I really want to share with other people who might go through this process in the future. Keep trying to do what you know is right and you have the right to do. Get a lot of information to support your view. And be prepared to deal with DMV staff's misinformation and disrespectful attitude.

  

 

 

 

My goodness what an ordeal they put you through! I genuinely feel for you. Your experience sounds somewhat similar to mine in regards to the poorly informed and incredibly RUDE DMV staff. I applaud you for sticking to your guns.

 

As I said before I was denied a number of times and it wasn't until I printed the rules of the AB 60 from the DMV website that I made any head way. I'm astonished that they still put up such a fight even with the documentation staring them in the face. I am also frankly appalled that they tried to tell you it would effect your immigration status. The guide lines of the AB 60 CLEARLY state that anyone who presents an AB 60 license CANNOT have their legal presence questioned and it WILL NOT effect their immigration status.

 

I honestly feel like the DMV has a responsibility to re-inform its workers on the purpose and rules of the AB 60. I think they all missed the memo and just look at the AB 60 as a license that illegal immigrants can obtain. Strangely, at one point I was told I couldn't have the license because I wasn't illegal and wasn't from certain South American countries. This level of incompetence is both laughable and honestly terrifying! They are deeply impacting peoples freedoms by being so misinformed.

 

I am so pleased you have finally got your license, sounds to me that you more then deserve it.

 

If I was to offer one more piece of advice it would be regarding car insurance. I'm unsure of your driving status in Hong Kong. I discovered that I could access my UK driving history online. I was then able to take that to my US insurance company. Long story short, instead of being insured as a new driver, I was able to transfer my UK driving history to give me 10+ years driving experience in the US. Made my insurance premiums A LOT cheaper. 

 

Thanks for the reply, I really hope others read it and are as determined as you were.

[matilda_dream 0]

Hi, 

 

I'm glad you recieved your lisence! What did you have to do for the secondary review? 

 

:) 

[ShibaYuri2428 14]

On 9/20/2018 at 12:22 PM, Matt&Savannah said:

UPDATE - Just to let anyone who views this post know, I have successfully applied for and passed my driving test. My AB 60 License will be in the mail in 2 weeks. I used a rental car to pass my test, which required me to buy the liability insurance. After a couple of issues with certain DMV staff not knowing the rules I finally got there. Just make sure you read up on your rights and don't let those hard workers at the DMV turn you away! 

Were you able to update your license when you received your EAD? 

[Matt&Savannah 67]

10 minutes ago, ShibaYuri2428 said:

Were you able to update your license when you received your EAD? 

Actually I haven’t bothered to update my license and am still on the AB 60. The last time I was at the dmv to pick up license plates I asked and was told I would just need to bring EAD/GC, ID and proof of address and they could update to full license no problem.

[Matt&Savannah 67]

On 9/2/2019 at 6:39 PM, matilda_dream said:

Hi, 

 

I'm glad you recieved your lisence! What did you have to do for the secondary review? 

 

You don’t need a secondary review if you are a Swedish national 

[ShibaYuri2428 14]

1 hour ago, Matt&Savannah said:

Actually I haven’t bothered to update my license and am still on the AB 60. The last time I was at the dmv to pick up license plates I asked and was told I would just need to bring EAD/GC, ID and proof of address and they could update to full license no problem.

Thanks this appears to be the best route for us.  Nothing worse for my fiance than being stuck at home in the suburbs after living in big cities her whole life.  

 

I've read a lot of threads and it seems most people that aren't willing to go for their AB 60s are misled, whether it's DMV staffing scaring them away or the potential stigma of having an AB60 as its primary purpose is for illegals. 

 

As you said, the AB60 guidelines state that "anyone who presents an AB 60 license CANNOT have their legal presence questioned and it WILL NOT effect their immigration status". 

 

 

[Matt&Savannah 67]

2 hours ago, ShibaYuri2428 said:

Thanks this appears to be the best route for us.  Nothing worse for my fiance than being stuck at home in the suburbs after living in big cities her whole life.  

 

I've read a lot of threads and it seems most people that aren't willing to go for their AB 60s are misled, whether it's DMV staffing scaring them away or the potential stigma of having an AB60 as its primary purpose is for illegals. 

 

As you said, the AB60 guidelines state that "anyone who presents an AB 60 license CANNOT have their legal presence questioned and it WILL NOT effect their immigration status". 

 

 

Ah, a man who does his RESEARCH.. how refreshing! VJ can be so damaging to people because of the ‘scare mongers’ giving out false information without actually basing it on anything.

 

Ive used my AB60 in a number of government agencies and even travelled to Hawaii with it. So far I’ve not been taken off to a dark room and interrogated about my status 😂👍.

 

Best of luck with the AB60 application process. Be persistent if they kick up a fuss at the DMV, make sure you provide them a copy of THEIR GUIDELINES.

[ShibaYuri2428 14]

6 hours ago, Matt&Savannah said:

Ah, a man who does his RESEARCH.. how refreshing! VJ can be so damaging to people because of the ‘scare mongers’ giving out false information without actually basing it on anything.

 

Ive used my AB60 in a number of government agencies and even travelled to Hawaii with it. So far I’ve not been taken off to a dark room and interrogated about my status 😂👍.

 

Best of luck with the AB60 application process. Be persistent if they kick up a fuss at the DMV, make sure you provide them a copy of THEIR GUIDELINES.

Totally agreed with all!   You've been a big help in a key matter. 

 

Thanks! 

[stephanie918 46]

On 7/14/2018 at 1:33 PM, Matt&Savannah said:

Hey all,

 

Just wanted to post this in the hope it helps someone else not waste as much time at the DMV as i have.

 

I entered the US on a K1 visa back in April. I've had nothing but frustration with the local DMV (Santa Ana). After going down twice (without appointment) and giving up twice because of the monstrous lines. I finally made an appointment which I attended last week. I had heard I would have to wait until I got my EAD to be able to apply for a full Californian DL. I had however, discovered I could apply for a lesser DL in the meantime called an AB 60. So at my appointment I asked if I could apply for the AB 60 and was told my UK passport and SSN wouldn't be enough and it would need to be sent away for 3 months to a year for a 'secondary review'. I thought that cant be right!? After arguing my case and the employee calling 'an expert on this type of case' I got no where and gave up.

 

So, today on the DMV CA website, I found the list of requirements for the AB 60. More in intriguingly, a  list of acceptable Passports that DON'T need a secondary review.

 

Low and behold! The UK Passport and nearly every other country in the world is on the list!!!

 

So annoyed I wasted so much time. Rest assured I will be returning to said DMV with my print out in hand!!!

 

Anyways, long story short...

 

ALL YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR AN AB 60 licence in CA

 

• Your Passport
• Your SSN (temporary is fine too)
• Proof of address (I'm using my SSN letter attached to my card with address on)

 

Here is the full list of requirements on the DMV California website:

 

https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/ab-60-drivers-license.php

 

Also, I'm sure this information is nothing new to some people and there are already posts similar to this BUT, I looked and I couldn't find anything giving me a definite answer.

 

Thanks and hope this helps some of you!

thanks

[Kris Everett 1]

Hi Guys, 

 

Hoping someone can advise, please.

 

I moved here (Long beach) back in September on a K1 Visa from the UK. As I'm sure many of you on here will agree the process for just about anything and everything is an absolute joke and they don't make it easy! We got married September 30th and i am currently waiting for my EAD/combo card to allow me to work and travel while I wait for the green card. 

 

Anyways, I quickly realised that living in LA means you need a car to get anywhere and so looked into trying to get a car. It became a apparent that if i didn't want to pay $400 a month for car insurance with my international license, that i would need to get a CA driving license. 

 

So, I woke up and went down to my local DMV at 7am to get in line. An hour or two later i eventually speak to someone, pay the fee and am told to go get my picture taken. They take my picture and I then proceed to take the written test which i pass right away. Once passing the test I got back in line, handed my paperwork over and said I would like to now book my practical driving test. The woman said that she could not process it and I needed to go back to speak to the original person. 

 

I went back to the original person, who was not any nicer this time around. She said oh yes sorry you can't get a CA License because you don't have long enough on your I94, but you can get a ab 60. I said ok great, i'll go for that then! She said I needed to call the legal presence unit and then they will tell me what to do next. It will take about 90 days. Confused, but being from the UK and of the assumption people in government backed programmes know what they are talking about and are trained properly, i left and went home. 

 

The next day i call the legal presence unit and speak to another rude woman. She flat out refused to help me and said I had the wrong number and there was nothing she could do for me. I refused to let her hang up and explained to her that I am not from this country, i don't know the process and i am just following what I have been told to do. She eventually calmed down, understood where I was coming from and said go back to DMV and tell them to do their job properly and give you the right number to call. 

 

Sure enough the next day, 7am again, i stroll over to the DMV. This time i meet with a different (but just as rude) employee. She said exactly the same thing as the last lady however this time i refused to leave until i spoke with a manager or someone who could actually tell me what the hell is going on. Eventually, another person sits down and advises i was given the incorrect number and I needed to call record security to verify my identity and documents. 

 

The next day i call the number and speak to surprisingly a fairly nice and helpful chap. He told me that basically because my I-94 was due to expire in December, i needed to have an interview to confirm my documents before i could get the ab60. 

 

Fast forward to today, I now have my letter confirming an appointment for secondary review on January 7th. 

 

On googling more about secondary review and the interview i found this chat thread, which is now making me think i've been put on the completely wrong path once again? 

 

Re what it says on their website, i have a UK passport and proof of address/residency however i do not have a SSN. I'm noticing that a lot of people on here are saying they had a SSN prior to receiving their EAD. I'm wondering how that is possible as from what i've researched i cannot get a SSN as being on a k1 visa i am not authorised to work etc. 

 

Does anyone have any advice for me on if i need to take another trip down to the DMV and complain or if I do in fact need to go through secondary review as i don't have a SSN? If i do need to follow secondary review does anyone know how long it will take to actually get the license after i sit the interview?  

 

Cheers

 

Kris 

 

 

[Matt&Savannah 67]

1 hour ago, Kris Everett said:

Hi Guys, 

 

Hoping someone can advise, please.

 

I moved here (Long beach) back in September on a K1 Visa from the UK. As I'm sure many of you on here will agree the process for just about anything and everything is an absolute joke and they don't make it easy! We got married September 30th and i am currently waiting for my EAD/combo card to allow me to work and travel while I wait for the green card. 

 

Anyways, I quickly realised that living in LA means you need a car to get anywhere and so looked into trying to get a car. It became a apparent that if i didn't want to pay $400 a month for car insurance with my international license, that i would need to get a CA driving license. 

 

So, I woke up and went down to my local DMV at 7am to get in line. An hour or two later i eventually speak to someone, pay the fee and am told to go get my picture taken. They take my picture and I then proceed to take the written test which i pass right away. Once passing the test I got back in line, handed my paperwork over and said I would like to now book my practical driving test. The woman said that she could not process it and I needed to go back to speak to the original person. 

 

I went back to the original person, who was not any nicer this time around. She said oh yes sorry you can't get a CA License because you don't have long enough on your I94, but you can get a ab 60. I said ok great, i'll go for that then! She said I needed to call the legal presence unit and then they will tell me what to do next. It will take about 90 days. Confused, but being from the UK and of the assumption people in government backed programmes know what they are talking about and are trained properly, i left and went home. 

 

The next day i call the legal presence unit and speak to another rude woman. She flat out refused to help me and said I had the wrong number and there was nothing she could do for me. I refused to let her hang up and explained to her that I am not from this country, i don't know the process and i am just following what I have been told to do. She eventually calmed down, understood where I was coming from and said go back to DMV and tell them to do their job properly and give you the right number to call. 

 

Sure enough the next day, 7am again, i stroll over to the DMV. This time i meet with a different (but just as rude) employee. She said exactly the same thing as the last lady however this time i refused to leave until i spoke with a manager or someone who could actually tell me what the hell is going on. Eventually, another person sits down and advises i was given the incorrect number and I needed to call record security to verify my identity and documents. 

 

The next day i call the number and speak to surprisingly a fairly nice and helpful chap. He told me that basically because my I-94 was due to expire in December, i needed to have an interview to confirm my documents before i could get the ab60. 

 

Fast forward to today, I now have my letter confirming an appointment for secondary review on January 7th. 

 

On googling more about secondary review and the interview i found this chat thread, which is now making me think i've been put on the completely wrong path once again? 

 

Re what it says on their website, i have a UK passport and proof of address/residency however i do not have a SSN. I'm noticing that a lot of people on here are saying they had a SSN prior to receiving their EAD. I'm wondering how that is possible as from what i've researched i cannot get a SSN as being on a k1 visa i am not authorised to work etc. 

 

Does anyone have any advice for me on if i need to take another trip down to the DMV and complain or if I do in fact need to go through secondary review as i don't have a SSN? If i do need to follow secondary review does anyone know how long it will take to actually get the license after i sit the interview?  

 

Cheers

 

Kris 

 

 

Hi Kris,

 

They are correct in asking you for your SSN in conjunction with your UK passport. The fact you are unable to provide a SSN means you ARE required to do the secondary review. The last thing you want to do is the secondary review.

 

Now as far as your SSN, you should have obtained that around a week after entering the country. You have to wait a certain amount of days for you visa to become active on their (US) system (or something to that effect). I'm pretty sure you are still able to obtain one but you might want to get some advice from someone on this specific matter as I am too unsure to advise you. 

 

My advice is get your SSN sorted out before you proceed with the AB 60.

 

Tip: Keep your SSN attached to the letter it comes in the mail with. I found it very handy to prove my address.

 

Best of luck mate!

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,092]

18 hours ago, Kris Everett said:

Re what it says on their website, i have a UK passport and proof of address/residency however i do not have a SSN. I'm noticing that a lot of people on here are saying they had a SSN prior to receiving their EAD. I'm wondering how that is possible as from what i've researched i cannot get a SSN as being on a k1 visa i am not authorised to work etc. 

You're legally able to apply for an EAD off of the K-1 during the initial 90 days, which means you qualify as a "legal alien allowed to work" in that period (though they won't issue you a card if you apply in the last two weeks). In practice, applying for that EAD (as opposed to one tied to your AOS application) is pointless because it takes more than 90 days to process right now, but you're legally allowed to do it. That's how my wife got her SSN.

 

In any case, you probably won't be able to get an AB60 license before you get your EAD (processing times are too long), and once you've got that you can apply for a regular license.

Edited December 17, 2019 by DaveAndAnastasia

[Kris Everett 1]

Thanks for your comments guys. If only i'd known i could apply for a SSN sooner, it would have helped a lot. Frustratingly i'll have to wait for it to come from my AOS application now as I have no time left on my i94. 

 

Just as an update I had my secondary review interview today and it has all been approved - i did not need a SSN to get the AB60. Waiting on a letter which i can then take to DMV to sit my test and get the license. Incase anyone in the future needs to understand the secondary review process and it's timeline (as i could not find anything helpful online explaining the process properly) :- 

 

1. Go to DMV with your passport, i94 and some proof of residency i.e bank statement, utility bill. Apply for AB60, they will take your picture and let you sit your written test there and then. 

2. Wait 5 days and call the number provided by DMV - make sure they give you the correct number!

3. The person on the phone will confirm your details and advise a letter will be sent to you in the post and can take up to 30 days (mine came in 2 weeks)

4. Letter will provide you with a case number and a date, place and time for your secondary review interview. It will be in around a months time. 

5. Call the number on the letter and ask for the person who has signed your letter. Ask them if you can please bring forward the interview. I did this and I was able to do mine the next day! 

6. Sit the interview and bring the documents advised in your letter. Mine was a passport, driving license from the UK, a utility bill. I also brought my marriage certificate etc as well to be safe. 

7. The officer will verify your documents there and then and you will get a letter in the post within 2 weeks which you can take to DMV showing you are qualified and can sit the driving test/get the license. 

 

All in all it was actually not that bad despite reading forums online from people saying it had taken up to 6 months! You just need to be proactive with it.