Driving license prior to greencard?

[Bob in Boston 710]

Well I'm glad to see all the DMVs suck. I think the problem is that they are not trained very well. You have to know the requirements better than they do or they will show you the door. I spent30 minutes debating the requirements with the lady and she would run in the back room and look it up or talk to someone and come back out with some lame excuse and then go into the back room again. Finally she came out, told my wife to stand on the line for her picture took the picture and gave her her temp id. real one came in 2 weeks. Know what your talking about and be persistent. a lot of them do not know much about the different stages of immigration.

[NikLR 13,227]

~~moved to moving here and your new life from AOS process and procedures. Topic is about driver's license not the AOS process~~

[Boiler 45,519]

Where I did mine they were used to dealing with unusual situations, certainly seen it suggested you try a different office.

[Raluca&Will 6]

34 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Where I did mine they were used to dealing with unusual situations, certainly seen it suggested you try a different office.

I will go monday at the same office and I need them to find a solution .because its ridiculous ,not being able to drive when I have an ead  

[HRQX 4,145]

5 hours ago, TreyH said:

but no issue with a standard one.

She can also use the standard one to board domestic flights until Sept. 30, 2021: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/03/26/acting-secretary-chad-wolf-statement-real-id-enforcement-deadline "Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security, as directed by President Donald J. Trump, is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline beyond the current October 1, 2020 deadline. I have determined that states require a twelve-month delay and that the new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021."

Edited November 14, 2020 by HRQX

[SEWI 50]

I was able to apply/test for/ and ultimately get issued a US driving license through the DMV (Virginia) whilst on an ESTA- before my USC spouse and I got married. 

It was a complicated and frustrating experience, requiring two or three visits over the same amount of days. 

From memory, all that was required:

- My UK Passport (no US visa),

- My UK driving license,

- Proof of address (I provided: utility bill/ phone bill/ auto insurance/ property deed)

- The completed driving license application form,

- And perhaps a few other documents that escape me- there is a checklist available on the DMV website, which is what I followed to the letter.

 

Most of my delays were owed to the branch's lack of familiarity with the process (non US-citizen/resident) and UK driving licenses. 

This was overcome through the branch contacting the (central) DMV directly on my behalf, whereby one of the agents guided my local DMV agent through the process over the phone.

 

I then completed the computer based test, before being taken to my vehicle for the practical examination. Both of which were alarmingly elementary compared to a UK test.

The only issue with my US license is that, due to not having a SSN at the time of issuance, it's expiration date was ~30days of being issued, though my license # is permanent, and so I can simply renew it ($20 if I recall correctly) every 30days. 

 

Additionally, I haven't faced any problems with my license being slightly expired- a brief explanation that it is a 30-day renewable license (due to pending SSN) satisfies all questioning.

 

The process was frustrating, but it is absolutely achievable (might vary state-by-state).

 

Edited November 15, 2020 by SEWI

[Ela G. 389]

I’m in Virginia too and was able to get a DL on my K-1 visa (unexpired I-94) and with my I-485 Noa1. You should be able to get one with an EAD alone. It’s probably an easier process than mine too. Had to visit the DMV multiple times because they kept giving me problems. I recommend you visit a different DMV next time. I had to go to like 3 different ones. 

[Raluca&Will 6]

29 minutes ago, Ela S. said:

I’m in Virginia too and was able to get a DL on my K-1 visa (unexpired I-94) and with my I-485 Noa1. You should be able to get one with an EAD alone. It’s probably an easier process than mine too. Had to visit the DMV multiple times because they kept giving me problems. I recommend you visit a different DMV next time. I had to go to like 3 different ones. 

I went to tappahannock.

My mistake was that I didnt had my no1 for aos.i had just the approval for ead and ap and the card.

I will go back there tomorrow even I dont have an app.to see what they will say.

 

[Irish42 19]

In NY we only had to show her SS card, proof of residence which I had her on my bank account. Also original birth certificate. We didn’t have a problem at all...

[Entheos 95]

13 hours ago, Ela S. said:

I’m in Virginia too and was able to get a DL on my K-1 visa (unexpired I-94) and with my I-485 Noa1. You should be able to get one with an EAD alone. It’s probably an easier process than mine too. Had to visit the DMV multiple times because they kept giving me problems. I recommend you visit a different DMV next time. I had to go to like 3 different ones. 

Hi Ela,

 

This is what I'm fearful of.  I booked an appointment with the Leesburg DMV back in September just after I arrived knowing that I couldn't get an appointment till December.  The lady on the phone just said to bring the receipt notice once I had it, and all other docs, but I'll have an expired I-94 when I get to the office.  On top of that in 2013 when I came here before, it took 4 visits for them to 'verify' my stuff with Richmond who had to verify it with DHS... If I have to make an appointment for each 'return' visit, it'll be 2026 before I can get my license.  The ONLY thing I think I have going for me is that I have previously held a VA License...the call center spent about 20 minutes researching for me and said I won't have to sit the theory and practical tests... but I'm not holding a great hope....I fear that I'm going to turn up and the office is going to be underprepared, not know what to do, and I'll spend 20 hours over 4 visits again to get it sorted....

 

Can I ask exactly what documents you needed in the end?  I have the following: Aus Passport (with visa in it of course), Social Security Card, Expired VA License, Current Australian Licence, Utility bill, Bank statement 1, bank statement 2 (different bank), 2 credit card statements (different cards) with my name and address on them, Marriage Certificate (certified), AOS NOA1, EAD NOA1, AP NOA1, Birth Certificate (original).  I contemplated printing out my I-94, however it will be out of status by the time I have the appointment by about a week.  I think that's about everything I have anyway... I don't know what else I might possibly need...

[TreyH 14]

2 hours ago, Entheos said:

Hi Ela,

 

This is what I'm fearful of.  I booked an appointment with the Leesburg DMV back in September just after I arrived knowing that I couldn't get an appointment till December.  The lady on the phone just said to bring the receipt notice once I had it, and all other docs, but I'll have an expired I-94 when I get to the office.  On top of that in 2013 when I came here before, it took 4 visits for them to 'verify' my stuff with Richmond who had to verify it with DHS... If I have to make an appointment for each 'return' visit, it'll be 2026 before I can get my license.  The ONLY thing I think I have going for me is that I have previously held a VA License...the call center spent about 20 minutes researching for me and said I won't have to sit the theory and practical tests... but I'm not holding a great hope....I fear that I'm going to turn up and the office is going to be underprepared, not know what to do, and I'll spend 20 hours over 4 visits again to get it sorted....

 

Can I ask exactly what documents you needed in the end?  I have the following: Aus Passport (with visa in it of course), Social Security Card, Expired VA License, Current Australian Licence, Utility bill, Bank statement 1, bank statement 2 (different bank), 2 credit card statements (different cards) with my name and address on them, Marriage Certificate (certified), AOS NOA1, EAD NOA1, AP NOA1, Birth Certificate (original).  I contemplated printing out my I-94, however it will be out of status by the time I have the appointment by about a week.  I think that's about everything I have anyway... I don't know what else I might possibly need...

I looked through what we brought in to the DMV in Winchester (Was well worth the drive vs the local DMV in Tysons. Everyone was nicer then Tysons and less crowded). 

1. EAD

2. Spanish passport with K1

3. Home Insurance policy/bill

4. Cancelled Check

5. Social Security Card

6. NOA for AOS

 

We applied after her I-94 had expired but she had gotten her EAD/AP. From what the lady who helped me said it can take weeks for your pending AOS to show up in the system which may give you some issues if you don't have a legal status yet don't know how long ago you applied. Another helpful hint is to make two appointments about two weeks apart anytime you do something at the DMV. Since they have to usually send your paperwork to Richmond for verification. The first time we went they approved her very quick same day but by the time we got a 2nd appointment the approval had expired and they had to send it all back to Richmond again. Luckily the nice lady in Winchester called us to come back so we didn't have to get a 3rd appointment. 

Edited November 16, 2020 by TreyH

[Entheos 95]

4 minutes ago, TreyH said:

I looked through what we brought in to the DMV in Winchester (Was well worth the drive vs the local DMV in Tysons. Everyone was nicer then Tysons and less crowded). 

1. EAD

2. Spanish passport with K1

3. Home Insurance policy/bill

4. Cancelled Check

5. Social Security Card

6. NOA for AOS

 

We applied after her I-94 had expired but she had gotten her EAD/AP. From what the lady who helped me said it can take weeks for your pending AOS to show up in the system which may give you some issues if you don't have a legal status yet don't know how long ago you applied. Another helpful hint is to make two appointments about two weeks apart anytime you do something at the DMV. Since they have to usually send your paperwork to Richmond for verification. The first time we went they approved her very quick same day but by the time we got a 2nd appointment the approval had expired and they had to send it all back to Richmond again. Luckily the nice lady in Winchester called us to come back so we didn't have to get a 3rd appointment. 

Thanks for that.

 

I don't have my EAD yet, but I do have the AOS NOA1 which is about 1.5-2 months old now.  Will be nearly 2.5 months 'old' once I have my appointment.  I asked the lady on the phone about the possibility of booking a couple of appointments based on previous experience an she told me that I was not allowed to as that would disadvantage other customers.  Now when I look it's nearly the end of January (another 2.5 months) to get another appointment.  I'm feeling that the left hand isn't talking to the right hand and that I'm going to be left without a licence for months... I'm trying to call them but of course they are too busy to take calls.  I'm hoping that maybe there is somewhere I can scan all my docs and send them to so they can begin the pre-checking and then take all the originals to the appointment for them to verify.  But I'm not overly hopeful that they will do that.  I suspect what will happen is that I'll get there, they'll all not know what they are going.... they'll take all my paperwork and send it to Richmond, then tell me to book another appointment to come back... I'll tell them I can't book something till mid to late feb by that time.... and they'll say 'not my problem'.... meanwhile I'm technically riving 'unlicenced' and still need to take my passport everywhere for ID as an expired VA licence isn't acceptable and neither is my Aussie licence....

[Ela G. 389]

4 hours ago, Entheos said:

Hi Ela,

 

This is what I'm fearful of.  I booked an appointment with the Leesburg DMV back in September just after I arrived knowing that I couldn't get an appointment till December.  The lady on the phone just said to bring the receipt notice once I had it, and all other docs, but I'll have an expired I-94 when I get to the office.  On top of that in 2013 when I came here before, it took 4 visits for them to 'verify' my stuff with Richmond who had to verify it with DHS... If I have to make an appointment for each 'return' visit, it'll be 2026 before I can get my license.  The ONLY thing I think I have going for me is that I have previously held a VA License...the call center spent about 20 minutes researching for me and said I won't have to sit the theory and practical tests... but I'm not holding a great hope....I fear that I'm going to turn up and the office is going to be underprepared, not know what to do, and I'll spend 20 hours over 4 visits again to get it sorted....

 

Can I ask exactly what documents you needed in the end?  I have the following: Aus Passport (with visa in it of course), Social Security Card, Expired VA License, Current Australian Licence, Utility bill, Bank statement 1, bank statement 2 (different bank), 2 credit card statements (different cards) with my name and address on them, Marriage Certificate (certified), AOS NOA1, EAD NOA1, AP NOA1, Birth Certificate (original).  I contemplated printing out my I-94, however it will be out of status by the time I have the appointment by about a week.  I think that's about everything I have anyway... I don't know what else I might possibly need...

What I did to get an early appointment was message the DMV’s twitter account. For real this truly helps they are very responsive and they will give you the earliest appointment they have which is usually within 2 weeks.

 

I didn’t need as many documents honestly. I don’t even have a SSN yet and that wasn’t even a problem. This is what I brought with me:

 

- Spanish passport with K-1 visa 

- Unexpired I-94

- I-485 & I-765 NOA1

- Marriage certificate

- Spanish driver’s license

- Two proof of residence (Bank statement & Lease contract in my case)

- SS card (I don’t have this but if you do it’s better since you can get a REAL ID. I only got a regular DL) 

- Approval Email from Richmond (Bring this to the next appointment you have and if you don’t need to do any tests then you should get your DL granted on the spot)

 

 

All of this got me a license without problem. Your I-94 wasn’t expired by the time you got the approval email from Richmond so I’ll highly doubt you will have any problems. If it expires before you get your license you will be fine because that was my case. I got my license in October and my I-94 expired back in August but it did so after I got the email approval from Richmond. Like I said though if you want to get an earlier appointment try messaging the DMV on twitter they’re very nice and willing to help at all times. Do not waste your time calling the DMV, they are of no help by phone. Good luck!

 

By the way I got my license at the Woodbridge DMV! Very nice people.

Edited November 16, 2020 by Ela S.

[MarryMe987654 244]

I got my DL in Pensacola, Florida 3 weeks after arriving in the US through K1. I wasn't married yet so no AOS filed even.

I presented my SS card, a piece of mail from USPS and my I-94.

I had a DL from the Philippines which I also showed.

 

I took the computerized exam and then the driving test.

I was given a DL with one year validity and says 'Temporary' on the card.

 

Hope this helps

[Gemma&Kris2019NYC 1]

If you go on the dmv website for your state there is a check list you must tick which ID you have and what will suffice. Mine in NYS was drivers license from Uk and EAD with my marriage license to show name change. I had to take a bill to confirm address Andy residence and my Uk passport to show visa stamp. 

 

check your states dmv website mine made it really easy. Now with covid it’s closed but after they reopen you’ll be good