Canadian driver license converted to Massachusetts driver license

[jackson6658 13]

Today i just got my Canadian(Ontario)driver license converted to Massachusetts driver license in local RMV(Boston Heymarket branch).  They required my certified ontario driver's record, ontario driver license, green card, SSN and two residency proof. I submitted everything as required. They issued me a 30 day valid temorary license and said a formal one with 1 year valid driver license will be mailed to me later. Finally they took over my certified driver record and my ontario driver license. I attempt to ask my Canadian driver license back, but the staff said they will not gave it back to me, and it will be transferred to Candaian embassy or Ontario Driving administration. I asked how I can tranck the whereabout of my ontario driver license, they said I will not be abble to track it. I asked how can i drive if I will be back to Canada. They said you can convert your US driver license to Canadian driver license. I feel it does not make any sense if this is there procedure for it. I am Canadian citizen with valid canadian driver license, which is also my Candian ID. How can US RMV took over it just because I applied for conversion? Any one got selimilar experience? Share some insight please. I appriciate it!  

[Crazy Cat 42,032]

11 minutes ago, jackson6658 said:

How can US RMV took over it just because I applied for conversion?

We asked the same thing here in Texas when my wife converted her Taiwanese DL to a Texas one.  The DMV (DPS) lady told us they must return the converted foreign license to the originating country after a conversion.  However, a Taiwanese license does not serve as an ID there....

[Lemonslice 4,945]

48 minutes ago, jackson6658 said:

Today i just got my Canadian(Ontario)driver license converted to Massachusetts driver license in local RMV(Boston Heymarket branch).  They required my certified ontario driver's record, ontario driver license, green card, SSN and two residency proof. I submitted everything as required. They issued me a 30 day valid temorary license and said a formal one with 1 year valid driver license will be mailed to me later. Finally they took over my certified driver record and my ontario driver license. I attempt to ask my Canadian driver license back, but the staff said they will not gave it back to me, and it will be transferred to Candaian embassy or Ontario Driving administration. I asked how I can tranck the whereabout of my ontario driver license, they said I will not be abble to track it. I asked how can i drive if I will be back to Canada. They said you can convert your US driver license to Canadian driver license. I feel it does not make any sense if this is there procedure for it. I am Canadian citizen with valid canadian driver license, which is also my Candian ID. How can US RMV took over it just because I applied for conversion? Any one got selimilar experience? Share some insight please. I appriciate it!  

I'm in Mass also, they took my provincial dl and I got a 5-year MA.  You can drive in Canada with your MA licence. When/if you move back, Ontario will ask for driving record and MA licence (and keep it).  Normal experience. Nothing to worry about.

[jackson6658 13]

4 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

I'm in Mass also, they took my provincial dl and I got a 5-year MA.  You can drive in Canada with your MA licence. When/if you move back, Ontario will ask for driving record and MA licence (and keep it).  Normal experience. Nothing to worry about.

I appreciate sharing of your experience and insights. Now I got much more peace of mind. I got 1 year MA driver license as my green card is 2 year valid with condition(K1 AOS), which means I need to renew DL one year later. This is also hard to understand- why not match the expiry date of my green card and MA DL?  2 year green card deserves a 2-year DL. Just hassles and waste of money for one more renewal before green card expired.  

[Lemonslice 4,945]

1 minute ago, jackson6658 said:

I appreciate sharing of your experience and insights. Now I got much more peace of mind. I got 1 year MA driver license as my green card is 2 year valid with condition(K1 AOS), which means I need to renew DL one year later. This is also hard to understand- why not match the expiry date of my green card and MA DL?  2 year green card deserves a 2-year DL. Just hassles and waste of money for one more renewal before green card expired.  

I think the expiration date policy changed back when they assured adopted the Real ID standards. Not sure. You can usually renew online and drop documents at the RMV (if needed).

 

If you're interested, we are many Canadians in Boston, groups on Meetup/Facebook, etc.  Air Can poutinerie is in town.  Consulate is good at sharing events on their social media. 

[jackson6658 13]

5 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

I think the expiration date policy changed back when they assured adopted the Real ID standards. Not sure. You can usually renew online and drop documents at the RMV (if needed).

 

If you're interested, we are many Canadians in Boston, groups on Meetup/Facebook, etc.  Air Can poutinerie is in town.  Consulate is good at sharing events on their social media. 

Great! I always wonder if there is this kind of group connecting folks with similar background. You triggerred it. I will check it out. Thank you👍

[Timona 4,208]

Why couldn't you just do US driver test and have 2 DLs? I would if you're concerned about the Canadian one

[Lemonslice 4,945]

Just now, Timona said:

Why couldn't you just do US driver test and have 2 DLs? I would if you're concerned about the Canadian one

Because MA asks you to disclose if you hold any other licence? Lying is not the best idea.

[Timona 4,208]

3 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

Because MA asks you to disclose if you hold any other licence? Lying is not the best idea.

Ooo I get it. I wasn't advocating for lying.

 

Edited October 9, 2019 by Timona

[JP John 65]

In NC they give you your Ontario dl back, but it is basically useless once you have your new one.  I got mine when I first arrived using my Visa and I-94.  It was only valid as long as the I-94 was.  I renewed it when I got my EAD.  It is only $5 for a DL here in NC so renewal ir more of a hassle than an expense.

 

[Mr&Mrs G. 903]

3 hours ago, JP John said:

In NC they give you your Ontario dl back, but it is basically useless once you have your new one.  I got mine when I first arrived using my Visa and I-94.  It was only valid as long as the I-94 was.  I renewed it when I got my EAD.  It is only $5 for a DL here in NC so renewal ir more of a hassle than an expense.

 

NC refused my Irish licence and had me do a driving test, they told me NC doesn't do exchanges. I also had to pay $40 for the licence after passing the test.

[JP John 65]

That’s weird. Maybe North America?🤷🏻‍♂️

[Lemonslice 4,945]

1 minute ago, JP John said:

That’s weird. Maybe North America?🤷🏻‍♂️

Each state has their own rules.

[Chi2019 3]

Is there anyone that has converted the UK driving License in any Part of United States as i am going to live in Phoenix Arizona with my Fiancee?

[Temi & Obim 24]

4 hours ago, Chi2019 said:

Is there anyone that has converted the UK driving License in any Part of United States as i am going to live in Phoenix Arizona with my Fiancee?

I'll suggest telling your fiancee to call Arizona DMV because each state has different rules. I was able to convert my Nigerian DL to Kentucky DL and they gave me 4yrs DL and I still get to keep my Nigerian DL