Received a letter to renew my driver license - when should I renew?

[jp1000 25]

Hi all,

 

Hoping for some advice.

 

I received a letter telling me I need to update my driver license.

 

Driver license expires 2/20/2025.

 

My greencard expires 4/28/2025.

 

My window to submit my i-751 to extend my greencard opens 1/28/2025.

 

Am I right in thinking I should submit my i-751, wait for the processing letter that informs me that while my application is in process my greencard is good for another 4 years, and THEN go to the DMV to renew my DL?

 

Thanks!

[M plus D 57]

25 minutes ago, jp1000 said:

Am I right in thinking I should submit my i-751, wait for the processing letter that informs me that while my application is in process my greencard is good for another 4 years, and THEN go to the DMV to renew my DL?

 

You could be cutting it close, time-wise. However, it is the most efficient.

Look into what the repercussions are for your Driver's License if it expires, though. States usually make you re-take tests or such after a certain period of expired license.

 

If you go by the book, the best way is sadly two visits. One for the remaining period of your GC, and another when it is extended.

[Dashinka 24,480]

File your I751 in late January a day or two after your window opens, then you should be fine renewing your DL with your extension letter and expired GC as you should receive your extension letter 2-3 weeks after filing the I751.

 

Good Luck!

[jp1000 25]

14 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

File your I751 in late January a day or two after your window opens, then you should be fine renewing your DL with your extension letter and expired GC as you should receive your extension letter 2-3 weeks after filing the I751.

 

Good Luck!

Thank you, appreciated.

[NorthByNorthwest 347]

1 hour ago, jp1000 said:

Am I right in thinking I should submit my i-751, wait for the processing letter that informs me that while my application is in process my greencard is good for another 4 years, and THEN go to the DMV to renew my DL?

 

This will vary by state and the person actually handling the application, but the REAL ID act specifically notes that a conditional permanent resident does not need to be issued a temporary driver's license. I would go while the 2-year GC is still valid, staff should run SAVE verification which will return lawful status with indefinite period of stay.

[jp1000 25]

13 hours ago, NorthByNorthwest said:

 

This will vary by state and the person actually handling the application, but the REAL ID act specifically notes that a conditional permanent resident does not need to be issued a temporary driver's license. I would go while the 2-year GC is still valid, staff should run SAVE verification which will return lawful status with indefinite period of stay.

Oh okay good to know.

 

If I do this do you know how long the new DL will last? A year? I was worried it would only last up until the GC expiry.

[OldUser 6,608]

14 minutes ago, jp1000 said:

Oh okay good to know.

 

If I do this do you know how long the new DL will last? A year? I was worried it would only last up until the GC expiry.

Depends on the state rules and how long ago she paid full price for license, which may be due for renewal at some point.

[NorthByNorthwest 347]

29 minutes ago, jp1000 said:

Oh okay good to know.

 

If I do this do you know how long the new DL will last? A year? I was worried it would only last up until the GC expiry.

 

If they follow the process you should get a full 8 year license though there have been stories of people getting a temporary license if the staff input things incorrectly. In some states it makes sense to stick with shorter validity DLs since when you become a citizen you can get an EDL that can be used at land border crossings. I don't think Texas has that option though, so better to get the longest validity they will give you. 

[Ontarkie 14,217]

~~Moved to ROC from AOS from K1 P&P- As the OP is asking about DL renewal and ROC timing.~~

[jayjayk 56]

You will need to ask at the DMV, it depends on where you live. I renewed my license in June (the expiration date was in July), they said they deal with that all the time and gave me a new driver's license for 10 years. I live in NC.

[jp1000 25]

I just wanted to post an update in this thread.

 

I renewed and the new expiration date is >8 years in 2033.

 

Yay.

[OldUser 6,608]

1 hour ago, jp1000 said:

I just wanted to post an update in this thread.

 

I renewed and the new expiration date is >8 years in 2033.

 

Yay.

Good call to renew it early. Many states do the same and treat conditional LPRs as regular LPRs giving max validity for IDs / DLs.

 

Also, did you remove wording from SS card (if you ever had something like "Valid for work only with DHS authorization")?

[jp1000 25]

11 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Also, did you remove wording from SS card (if you ever had something like "Valid for work only with DHS authorization")?

 

I did, yes.