Any fellow Canuck in Illinois?

[Mephys 2]

I know that I need to pass a written exam to change my canadian license and that I can drive here for 90 days with my license ( which is about until my I-94 expires)

I read in the past that you can only get a Driver license that is going to expire when your I-94 expires, so I was going to wait and drive on my Canadian license anyways and get my Illinois DL when I get my EAD or GC, which ever comes first.

But now I am reading this over the boards. Apparently you can apply for your DL if you have proof that you applied for AOS/EAD (NOA).

I did ask the lady at the DMV when we went to change my husband's DL adresse but she wasnt really helpful other than giving me the book with all the same thing that I read on the internet written in it.

So anyone has an experience about getting their DL with the NOA of the AOS/EAD ??

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

Hi Memphys;

I live in Chicago and change my DL over. They(Illinois) says that you are suppose to change your DL after 90 days. I am sure if you wanted to wait until AOS or EAD wouldn't be a big deal I really don't know.

All I had to do was take in my SSN which had my maiden name on it..and utility bill ( for address) my passport, Canadian License and my Marriage Cert to do the name change. That was about it. I went to the office on Randolph downtown Chicago. There is a desk when you walk in tell them what you are there for. They give you a number and check your docs. Then you will have to go to the counter when called do your eye exam..and written test right out in the open. Not a big deal . They are suppose to give you back your Canadian license as well. Not a big deal. I don't even think they checked my I-94..you could take the forms in with you..but I think all they really want to see if that you have and I-94.

Hope that helps!

Edited June 7, 2007 by CanuckmeetsYank

[Mephys 2]

But when did you go there, where in your process were you ?

Before AOS, pending AOS, or after you received yor GC/EAD

Cause the girl on the phone told me i have to wait to receive it to apply or they wont issue me a DL.

That's where i am confused. I will stop driving after the 90 days for sure. But I was wondering if I could get the DL with my receipts and keep driving or wait the gap between the 90 days ans the receiving of my GC/EAD, which would be inconvenient of course cause we just got a second car and I can finally do my stuff without asking my husband to drive me everywhere

and also how long is you license good for ?

[Mephys 2]

I forgot, I am about 1h or 45 min east of chicago, I could probably try to go there but i've never been downtown Chicago

Edited June 7, 2007 by Mephys

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

Oh..I thought it was right after my I94 expired but I just checked. I did it a few days before the I-94 expired. Hmmm...they are really hard to get answers from there I know...I am not sure if they will take the NOA notice..cant hurt to try.

[Mephys 2]

thats what I was told that if you get a DL before your I-94 expires the DL will expires at the same time. So i thought for myself its exactly the date until i can drive with my Canadian license so I will wait for EAD.

But right now I have 5 weeks left on my I-94.

Sorry bout asking again, but what is your expiration date on your license? 1 year? 2 years?

THanks

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

I forgot, I am about 1h or 45 min east of chicago, I could probably try to go there but i've never been downtown Chicago

If you can get your local DMV branch to do it then I would do that..downtown is just nuts. The DL is good for 4 years.

It will expire on my birthday(Nov) 2011... and it was issued March 6

Edited June 7, 2007 by CanuckmeetsYank

[Mephys 2]

OK thanks, I will definitely try to hit the DMV with all my papers.

I just read again your experience at the DMV and i remember now So they never ask you anything about wher in your immigration process you were. That's funny.

By the way congrats on your Green card! and thanks

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

Thanks!

Yeah! That was me! I am sure yours will go much smoother! Take Care!

Canuck

[Mephys 2]

Someone from Ukraine successfully obtained his Driver license from the DMV office in Lombard close to me. He did it after his I-94 was expired but before he got his Green card. I will definitely visit them !