Second extension letter not accepted by the DMV

[bowens44 214]

Like everyone else, we received an I-797 notice of action extending my wife's legal residency to 18 months past the expiration date of her 2 year green card. We went to the DMV  in North Carolina to extend her drivers license so that see can keep working past the 1 year expiration date. The DMV refused to extend her license saying that according to their system an I-797 Notice of action can only be used to allow her to drive for 1 year beyond the expiration of her en card. Despite seeing the 18 month extension on the I-797 they refused to accept it. Anyone else experienced this?

 

Without a drivers license my wife will have to quit her job. Any other options for her to prove legal residency? 

[Crazy Cat 41,850]

Will they accept an I-551 stamp in her passport?  If so, maybe the local USCIS office will do that.

[Villanelle 4,122]

Try another office or contact the main headquarters. From what Ive read online the 797 extension is valid and theres no mention of it being 12 months max. The wording suggests as long as you have a 797 extending it- its valid up to the date the extension expires. USCIS just started this new 18 month extension thing- so the DMV just needs to keep up with them. 

[Georgia16 2,858]

I agree try another office and if no ask for the supervisor. I had no issues extending mine 18 months. 

[AstroCanada 206]

On 3/31/2019 at 4:33 PM, Georgia16 said:

I agree try another office and if no ask for the supervisor. I had no issues extending mine 18 months. 

The call center version of this is often called HUACA = Hang Up And Call Again for when you don't get the right answer.  Just try someone else.