Receiving a Driver's License as soon as Possible.

[AnonIndia 58]

We are hoping to get back to the United States soon. I (the beneficiary) already have an unexpired Indian Driver's license. Would that expedite the process in getting a driver's license in the state of New York? Would I be able to apply for a license at the DMV on the very first day or is it only possible to get it once the conditional resident green card is in hand?

[Boiler 45,499]

Would not expedite but you could certainly apply as you will have the stamp as evidence of your PR status.

[Just Paul 4,595]

Do some research.  I'm not aware of any state that will accept an Indian Driver's License. 

 

Mary couldn't get her Driver's License until she got her Green Card and SSN.

[Amadia 711]

Once you have your I-551 stamp in your passport and you have your Indian driver's license, you can visit the NY DMV site for further details on requirements on obtaining a NY driver's license: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/moving-new-york

 

Good luck!  

[AnonIndia 58]

hank you @Amadia This is what the link says 

If I have a driver license from another country and I have a NY State learner permit, can I drive without a supervising driver?

Yes. Your valid foreign driver license allows you to drive without a supervising driver. You can drive on any street, road, highway, bridge, or tunnel, except in a DMV road test area.

If your driver license is printed in any language except English, you must bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your driver license to the road test. The translation must be certified by a consulate, the US Department of State, or another official agency. The translation must include

• your name
• your date of birth
• the expiration date of your foreign driver license
• a list of the types of vehicles that your foreign driver license allows you to drive

If you have a NY State learner permit, and you do not have a valid foreign driver license, NY State law requires a supervising driver to ride with you. The supervising driver must be age 21 or over and must have a valid driver license to operate the vehicle that you drive.

[Amadia 711]

I read the link info before posting it to you.

Having an Indian driver's permit, once you become a resident, would not be used as a valid driving document and you would still have to obtain a New York driver's license. 

[AnonIndia 58]

@Amadia Yes you are right. I posted it here so people can read about it and discuss if the link to the page gets changed or invalid in the future. 

[Pinkrlion 2,719]

In several states they allow for international drivers who have a current drivers license from their country. The issue is proof of insurance coverage. Majority of insurance carriers will not let the spouse drive without a driver's license. 

[HRQX 4,145]

3 hours ago, AnonIndia said:

or is it only possible to get it once the conditional resident green card is in hand?

You can do it before you have the green card in hand. But you must have a Social Security card in hand. You'll also need a 2nd document for proof ID (the 1st document will be your Indian Passport). There's different options for a 2nd ID; for example, if your spouse owns a vehicle your name can be added to the NY State Certificate of Title. When you have the documents follow the DMV guide:

https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-document-guide

I want to: Get, change or renew a license, permit or non-driver ID

I want to: Get a Learner Permit or Non-Driver ID

I would like to get a: Permit

Select Proof of Date of Birth (Select at least one.): Valid Foreign Passport; with valid I-551 statement on Visa

Do you have a U.S. Social Security card in-hand? Yes

(Choose 2 for a REAL ID compliant document): The list is long, so click the "More" arrow. Then select "DMV Certification of Residence (MV-44NYR)" and "Parent / Spouse ID in the same name with proof of relationship" Your spouse will fill out and sign the certification: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44nyr.pdf

Proof of Identification: The system will pre-select "Valid Foreign Passport" because of your previous answer. As mentioned above, there are many options for the 2nd ID document. If you can wait to have the green card in hand, then the green card counts as an ID document.

Do all of your documents show the same name? This section just provides info if you select "No."

The following page is a summary.

 

After the NY state learners permit is issued you can drive without a supervising driver because your Indian license is unexpired and in English (I assume).

Edited July 5, 2019 by HRQX

[AnonIndia 58]

@HRQX Thank you! 

[Ryan H 3,812]

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