Driver license for k1

[top_secret 2,421]

On 1/31/2022 at 2:49 PM, zephyrblau said:

if your wife already has a D/L from her home country: 

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 Adults who have a driver's license provided by their home country have more time to enjoy driving in California. According to UC Berkeley's International Office, foreign nationals with valid driver's licenses can continue to drive in the state for up to one year.

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HTH

 

I believe that is only for foreign nationals that have long term visas that do not grant them residence.  A long term "visitor" from a foreign nation can continue to drive on there foreign drivers license for an extended period of time.  However the moment they do anything that establishes residence in California they have 10 days to get a CA license. 

[zephyrblau 2]

10 minutes ago, top_secret said:

 

I believe that is only for foreign nationals that have long term visas that do not grant them residence.  A long term "visitor" from a foreign nation can continue to drive on there foreign drivers license for an extended period of time.  However the moment they do anything that establishes residence in California they have 10 days to get a CA license. 

https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/faqs/can-i-drive-in-california-with-a-drivers-license-from-a-foreign-country/

 

maybe a call to the DMV is in order ? 

 

[top_secret 2,421]

38 minutes ago, zephyrblau said:

https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/faqs/can-i-drive-in-california-with-a-drivers-license-from-a-foreign-country/

 

maybe a call to the DMV is in order ? 

 

 

A foreign "visitor" may certainly drive with a foreign drivers license.  Once someone takes actions to establish residence in the US, in California, they must get a California drivers license within 10 days.  Many if not most of the immigration actions discussed here are very intentionally about establishing residence in the US, and if in California arguably might void ones temporary visitor drivers privilege's.   I'm not a lawyer but I'd presume that someone visiting on a K-1 visa could continue to freely drive California roads with a valid drivers license from their home country.  But if they filed for adjustment of status from a California address they pretty much formally declared they are no longer temporary visitors and therefore must apply for a California drivers license within 10 days.  It kind of creates one of those legal grey areas that puts K-1 visa holders at a disadvantage for a little while.

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/

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New California Residents

When you become a California resident and you want to drive in California, you must apply for a California DL within 10 days.

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/new-to-california/

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Am I a California resident?

You are considered a resident of California if you are present in this state for six months or longer within a 12-month period and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.

Also, you are considered a resident of California if:

• You are registered to vote in California.
• You are gainfully employed in California.
• Your place of business is located in California.
• You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college.
• You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school.
• You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption.
• You rent a property in California.
• You have claimed residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
• You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
• You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.