Driver's License Limited Validity on CR-1

[Tony Wong 4]

Hi all,

I recently moved to Phoenix AZ (Apr 12, 2024) on CR-1 and got my Driver's License. I noticed that the DL is going to expire on Apr 12, 2026, i.e. the expiration date of my CR-1 Visa. Naturally I need to file I-751 for ROC earliest 90 days before the expiration date of my CR-1. My question is how do I go about with the DL, knowing that AZ regulations say that a DL can be renewed earliest 6 months before its expiration. Do I have to wait until I have filed I-751, which as many know has a long processing time, receive some kind of proof from USCIS on the filing, and then use it to apply for my DL renewal? How long would the renewed DL be valid for in that case? Hope there is someone in this forum who has done this before and cast some light on my question.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Tony      

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

You could try 6 months before.  If that fails, take the 48 month extension letter you will get when you file the I-751.  I have heard mixed success.  

[P055UM 281]

Not in AZ but posed a similar question to the WI DMV a few months ago.

 

Answer:

- renew before I-751, get a new license valid to end of green card (in my case added like six weeks as my DL expired on my birthday)

- renew after I-751 get an eight (yes! Eight!) year license 

 

I did the latter and got an eight year license, which is curiously valid well beyond my extension letter.

 

I would recommend you file I-751 at the beginning of your window and then renew with the extension letter - they are coming pretty quick, mine was like two or three weeks back in Feb this year.

[Scandi 4,166]

I don't know about AZ, but in CA I sent in my DL renewal form via mail after receiving the renewal reminder letter from DMV.
I "forgot" (yeah I did it on purpose) to send a copy of the i-751 extension letter with the renewal form, and when I hadn't heard anything from DMV in a few weeks I called and was told my case had been transferred to the "legal presence unit" in order to figure out my status. They gave me the phone number and I called that unit, a super nice guy answered and knew exactly what ROC/i-751 was - he approved my renewal right there and then over the phone, without seeing my extension letter or anything. When my DL showed up it was valid for the full 5 years, not only the 12 or 24 months that the extension letter would've granted me.

So in my case it was a good thing to "forget" sending a copy of the extension letter. But otherwise, yes you can absolutely renew your DL with the extension letter, but maybe in AZ you need to do it in person, I wouldn't know. So you definitely don't need to wait for the ROC approval, that can take years. 

[Scandi 4,166]

I forgot to add that the extension letters are currently valid for 4 years, so that would be how long your DL would be valid, most likely. 

[Tony Wong 4]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to answer my question. 

I'm going to try to renew my DL 6 months prior to its expiration. It can be done online and only costs $10. If it doesn't work, I'll renew after I receive the extension letter from USCIS.

[Melancholic Mage 104]

Hello @Tony Wong, can you tell me how things went with your DL renewal? I'll soon be facing the same dilemma in a few years so helps to be prepared.

[Tony Wong 4]

Oh I haven't done it yet. My DL isn't due until 2026 Apr. But I'm planning to initiate my I-751 first, that is, 90 days before the 2 year limit of CR1, wait several weeks for notice, and then apply for the DL renewal.