Drivers license requiring I-551 stamp

[Walagemini 34]

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post but I need some help with the drivers license situation

 

So way back when I studied abroad in Washington state, I took my test and got my driver's license, which is still good for another 4 years.

I now live in Nevada, entered the US with a K-1 visa, and got married recently. I have also decided to change my last name to my husband's.

Since I wanted to change my name, I would need a new Driver's license from the state of Nevada

I went over to the DMV today, and they asked for Proof of Identity, which is a Foreign Passport with temporary I-551 stamp ....

 

Now my problem is... I have yet to file AOS but I will soon...

but how would I get a temporary I-551 stamp now for the sake of getting a Driver's license...?

I thought people only get one after their AOS application was approved....?

I'm just kinda confused with what i should do ......

 

Any thoughts and help will be appreciated  thank you :)

[mushroomspore 3,044]

I don't think you'll be able to change your DL until you get your EAD, which is proof of identity and legal residence. But double check your state's requirements as it varies. You are correct that the stamp is only for approved permanent residents.

[Free Man 119]

Are you in any status right now or out of status?

Edited August 25, 2018 by Ras Ous

[TNJ17 1,329]

You can’t get a DL until EAD then. Some states allow DL with AOS notice but yours doesn’t so you have to wait. 

[JFH 12,191]

There are a couple of issues here. 

 

Your WA driver's license is no longer valid. WA licenses are valid only for those living in WA. The minute you left, your license became invalid, even if the card has a future expiration date on it. I hope you're not driving with your WA license! It will be a mess if you are pulled over. 

 

According the NV DMV website, NV only issues driver's licenses to USCs, LPRs and those with a valid visa (although the validity of the license will match the period of authorised stay on the I-94). So you can only get a license in NV if you came on a K-1 if your I-94 is still in date (the 90-day period you are granted upon arrival to get married) and even then it will expire at the end of your 90 days. 

 

This is why "not being able to drive" is often quoted as one of pitfalls of the K-1. Not all states issue driver's licenses to people who are not citizens or permanent residents. 

[Free Man 119]

If your WA driving license is still valid and your relocate to Nevada, you can  obliged to replace it within 30 days of your relocating.

@ TNJ17, IS VERY RIGHT.  The NV DMV is little bit hash. You have to be USC, LPR, EAD OR A VALID 1-94

 

[Walagemini 34]

Thanks for all of your answers

 

yes my WA license is still valid and I did drive with it (oops....) I chose not to change my license to the NV one because the staff at DMV says it’d expire after 90 days and that seems kinda stupid and a waste of money....

 

i also heard that the US allows foreigners to drive for a short amount of time during their stay in the US with their foreign drivers licence ? ( not the international license, mine is the Hong Kong drivers license) Would anyone know about whether this is true...?

 

again. Thanks for all the help.

[Unlockable 7,315]

15 hours ago, Walagemini said:

 

 

i also heard that the US allows foreigners to drive for a short amount of time during their stay in the US with their foreign drivers licence ? ( not the international license, mine is the Hong Kong drivers license) Would anyone know about whether this is true...?

 

again. Thanks for all the help.

Foreigners can use their license when they are visiting or short periods of stay. You are now residing in the US. Not to mention, you already obtained a US license, which established you living here. You can't jump back to your foreign license now.