Moved to new state - retake written DL test before or after removing GC conditions?

[Tylosand 8]

Hello!

 

 

I recently moved from Arizona to California. I have a GC but have not removed conditions yet. I've got a DL from Arizona, which expires at the same time as my GC - November 15th this year. I haven't gotten around to getting my CA license yet, but I'm obviously planning to. With a valid DL from another state I just need to redo the written test. 

 

My question is, does it matter if I do it before or after I remove GC conditions? My window to apply to remove conditions opens in August (90 days before GC expires), so in a way it feels like I could process that first and get conditions removed, which would also make any new DLs I get valid for a longer time. At the same time, I would not want my AZ license to expire, because then I have to redo the behind-the-wheel test as well. I'd like to make this as easy for myself as well as for the DMV which I know don't always deal with GC situations correctly. Anyone else who was in a similar situation with any advice? Thanks!

[Crazy Cat 41,894]

Aren't you required to transfer to a California DL within 10 days after establishing residence in California?  State DL requirements are the important factor here.

 

"New residents of California have just 10 days to transfer an out-of-state driver’s license to California. And while that’s not a lot of time (especially when you’re busy moving, unpacking, and starting school or work), the process is fairly quick and easy."

 

https://driversed.com/trending/how-transfer-drivers-license-california

Edited May 19, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

1 hour ago, Tylosand said:

Hello!

 

 

I recently moved from Arizona to California. I have a GC but have not removed conditions yet. I've got a DL from Arizona, which expires at the same time as my GC - November 15th this year. I haven't gotten around to getting my CA license yet, but I'm obviously planning to. With a valid DL from another state I just need to redo the written test. 

 

My question is, does it matter if I do it before or after I remove GC conditions? My window to apply to remove conditions opens in August (90 days before GC expires), so in a way it feels like I could process that first and get conditions removed, which would also make any new DLs I get valid for a longer time. At the same time, I would not want my AZ license to expire, because then I have to redo the behind-the-wheel test as well. I'd like to make this as easy for myself as well as for the DMV which I know don't always deal with GC situations correctly. Anyone else who was in a similar situation with any advice? Thanks!

your DL and registration should be based on state DMV laws. It should not be based on your immigration situation. 

[Tylosand 8]

Right, I forgot to mention that I am aware of the rules stating that you should get a CA license basically right away. However due to COVID limiting DMV operations, as well as due to other factors, I have missed this "deadline" by a lot. I guess I should get it ASAP then, and then go back to the DMV once my GC is extended to also get the validity of my DL extended.

[Ontarkie 14,229]

You cannot wait. Do it now. 

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

5 minutes ago, Tylosand said:

Right, I forgot to mention that I am aware of the rules stating that you should get a CA license basically right away. However due to COVID limiting DMV operations, as well as due to other factors, I have missed this "deadline" by a lot. I guess I should get it ASAP then, and then go back to the DMV once my GC is extended to also get the validity of my DL extended.

correct.

[P0907 127]

Immigration should also be made aware you moved within 10 days of doing so.