I Miss Driving But I Don't Think I Can In SD..

[Cilllah 474]

Hey guys,

Just a bit of a vent as my three year old and I are going stir crazy. Because we arrived in July; the SSO was closed and so I don't have a SSN. I have since applied for one through AOS but who knows how long that will take as I only filed in August and now have to wait for the upcoming I-944 RFE too. I miss driving! We are stuck at home all of the time. My husband works a lot and he tries to take us out even if it is just to go through the drive thru or something when he gets home but I would just love the freedom to go somewhere; drive to an empty park so my daughter can play.

 

I called twice earlier on and both times they said I need a SSN. I have heard others from SD say that is not needed - including an immigrant and I am at a loss as to what to try next. My I-94 expires soon and I am thinking my only option at this point is to wait for the green card but that could be half way through next year at this point? Unless they accept the combo card. 

I understand most people here don't move to SD so there's less experience so it is more a rant than anything else. It is funny. My husband is in the highest risk category so I don't want to go anywhere crazy but just knowing that I COULD go somewhere safe would be nice. I believe I can only drive on my Australian license for 90 days which is a few days away..

[Boiler 45,267]

So this is a K1 adjustment.

 

SSN is the first thing a K1 gets after entering the US. Sounds like you did not apply.

 

Normally EAD is the first thing you get that qualifies you for a DL, however many states mine included have DL's for illegals you may qualify for.

[Cilllah 474]

18 minutes ago, Boiler said:

So this is a K1 adjustment.

 

SSN is the first thing a K1 gets after entering the US. Sounds like you did not apply.

 

Normally EAD is the first thing you get that qualifies you for a DL, however many states mine included have DL's for illegals you may qualify for.

I did not apply because the SSO was closed when I came here and is still closed. Nothing to do with me.

[alpha_two 1]

They don't mention needing a SSN on the DPS website (https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents). You could try getting a letter of ineligibility to be on the safe side. You can call your local social security office for guidance (https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).

[Cilllah 474]

Just now, alpha_two said:

They don't mention needing a SSN on the DPS website (https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents). You could try getting a letter of ineligibility to be on the safe side. You can call your local social security office for guidance (https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).

Thanks! I called twice and they rejected me outright both times. I might call SSO for that. Wonder if that would impact anything as I ticked yes to wanting a SSN from AOS?

[xyz12345 260]

Are we talking about California? Check the AB60 checklist 

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/assembly-bill-ab-60-driver-licenses/

Edited October 6, 2020 by xyz12345

[JeanneAdil 6,410]

Print out the instructions for SD and take it to DMV as it just says you need I 94 stamp and 2 proofs of residency

 

 two documents proving your residential/physical address.   These documents must show your full name, your physical/residential address, and be less than one year old.  Examples of such documents are a utility bill, a pay stub, a rent receipt, a phone bill, a bank statement, a mortgage document, a homeowner's insurance policy/bill, a tax document, your vehicle registration, 

[Cilllah 474]

30 minutes ago, xyz12345 said:

Are we talking about California? Check the AB60 checklist 

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/assembly-bill-ab-60-driver-licenses/

Sorry South Dakota 

[Cilllah 474]

23 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

Print out the instructions for SD and take it to DMV as it just says you need I 94 stamp and 2 proofs of residency

 

 two documents proving your residential/physical address.   These documents must show your full name, your physical/residential address, and be less than one year old.  Examples of such documents are a utility bill, a pay stub, a rent receipt, a phone bill, a bank statement, a mortgage document, a homeowner's insurance policy/bill, a tax document, your vehicle registration, 

Thanks! I have the residency documents! Just they refused me twice over the SSN. I’ll print it out. I have the printed out I-94 but it expires soon as I’ve been here since July.

[xyz12345 260]

13 minutes ago, Cilllah said:

Sorry South Dakota 

too bad. unfortunately, it seems SD wants ssn. 

 

https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents

 

If you are a new applicant or a transfer from another state and your current driver license DOES NOT have a gold star in the upper corner, you will also be required to provide, your Social Security Card (showing your full social security number), a W-2 (showing your full social security number), a 1099 (showing your full social security number), or a pay stub (showing your full social security number).  We can only accept original documents.  No photocopies!

Edited October 6, 2020 by xyz12345

[Boiler 45,267]

Sounds like it is too late to get a SSN based on K1 entry, do not believe they are making exceptions.

[databit 328]

Are you skilled at driving in deep snow and on icy highways after you spend 20 minutes outside clearing the snow from and de-icing you car? In about a month, you may not want to drive!

Edited October 6, 2020 by databit

[Cilllah 474]

25 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Sounds like it is too late to get a SSN based on K1 entry, do not believe they are making exceptions.

Yeah, probably! Like I said when I got here the office was closed and was only doing over the phone consultations. I didn't qualify as first time SSN had to be an in-person interview. Just bad timing with the pandemic and not much that I could do about it. I still feel lucky to be here as I managed to get my K1 interview in June when everything was closed.. It does suck though!

 

17 minutes ago, databit said:

Are you skilled at driving in deep snow and on icy highways after you spend 20 minutes outside clearing the snow from and de-icing you car? In about a month, you may not want to drive!

Noooope! So this is one thing that I am glad about. If I have to wait until after I get my EAD/AP winter will be passed. I want to get confidence up for driving in the warmer months (still a little nervous on the wrong side of the road but a lot better) before I tackle winter driving. I don't feel ready for that this upcoming winter. If I did get my SSN in July I would have had more time to prepare but as it stands I definitely won't be ready.

[Lemonslice 4,788]

Most driving schools offer special classes on driving in winter conditions; it is not that hard, or anything, but it might be a good idea.  

Best of luck on the SSN and DL!

 

[Loren Y 2,755]

You may be able to get a standard driver's license. Some states are still issuing regular license without the extra requirements of proof of residency and ss card. If you don't mind not having a real ID ( and it shouldn't, as you obviously have a passport to travel with). Check the requirements for a non real ID. Or check out neighboring states for license requirements, maybe you can get one issued in a neighboring state with less restrictions and then just do a transfer to your current state. Sometimes you have to get creative with your options. 

Edited October 7, 2020 by Loren Y