Nightmare at the DMV

[Mephys 2]

here in ND the DMV says my license will expire when the I94 does. I can't get a ND license until I get my green card.....so I wait. My Canadian license is good until next year so I don't have to worry much about that. Just that I hate my photo...lol

Can't you go with the EAD in your state? Here in Illinois I was told the same about the I-94, so I waited. I went after I got my GC and they gave me a 4 years DL, even though I was thinking it would expire with the EAD.

[Nicky44 0]

My hubby had to show his GC, SSN and UK licence to even take his written test (in Cali). He had to show it again after passing his driving test as well.

Be prepared, you will have to take the written AND the driving test in CA.

Did he get to keep his UK licence, because I have heard they send it back when they issue one of their own licences.

[no name 1]

Did he get to keep his UK licence, because I have heard they send it back when they issue one of their own licences.

Nope, he kept it. Why would he give it up? It's a different country.

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I realize you guys are trying to help but unless it's a California person replying or with California links, it's not helpful.

DMV varies wildly from state to state.

Edited September 28, 2007 by devilette

[Nicky44 0]

Did he get to keep his UK licence, because I have heard they send it back when they issue one of their own licences.

Nope, he kept it. Why would he give it up? It's a different country.

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I realize you guys are trying to help but unless it's a California person replying or with California links, it's not helpful.

DMV varies wildly from state to state.

I thought it was a bit odd, when I was told of this, I think it's because they dont let you hold a licence from different states.

[John & Annie 0]

We had the same problem with the CA DMV. We did not apply for EAD but did travel on AP. Fortunately when you return on AP they give you a one year I-94, which was sufficient for the CA DMV.

It sucks, we know, but they are clear on what they will and will not take.

Your time line does not specify if you have filed for AOS, if you have your best bet will be to use the EAD, or if your are one of the lucky ones and get your green card fast, you can use the Welcome to America Letter or the green card itself.

I went round and round with the DMV in CA, if you have any questions please ask away or PM me.

[igomo 0]

Why not just drive with the UK license until he gets the American driver's license? At least here in NJ and NY you can drive with foreign driver's licenses.

NJ has some of the toughest laws regarding driver's licenses. Once I get my EAD they will only issue me a permit and I can only get a driver's license after 3 months of driving on a permit (accompanied by a licensed adult). It's evil, they like to treat us like children :-)

[cardamom 0]

To reiterate what a lot of the posts say, and as someone living in CA, yes, you need some proof of legal residence with more than 30 days validity. My EAD worked at the LA DMV. You can try taking in your letter of approval for your EAD or GC...heard mixed reviews about this tactic.

I know it is frustrating! Good luck!

[perfect 39]

"Why not just drive with the UK license until he gets the American driver's license?"

When you become resident in California their DMV requirement is that you have to apply for CADL within ten days of moving to live here. If you drive on a UK license and get stopped - could be BIG repercussions. Other states let you drive on foreign license for up to one year but CA does not allow this.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

"If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days.

If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived. "

Unfortunately CA is very strict but it is clear what they accept and what they don't. Hard to accept but we california immigrants just have to suck it up and do what we need to do!

Hope your AOS/EAD or AP approval letter comes soon and then problem solved!

Edited September 28, 2007 by perfect

[vnoe 0]

here in ND the DMV says my license will expire when the I94 does. I can't get a ND license until I get my green card.....so I wait. My Canadian license is good until next year so I don't have to worry much about that. Just that I hate my photo...lol

Can't you go with the EAD in your state? Here in Illinois I was told the same about the I-94, so I waited. I went after I got my GC and they gave me a 4 years DL, even though I was thinking it would expire with the EAD.

no, the lady at the DMV said I had to wait until I got my greencard. She phoned someone to verify it. No worries though....I have nowhere to go..lol. I have my valid Sask license so I'm not worried about driving around anyways.

[Dan+Nikki 0]

I was able to get my wife her license using a I-797C Notice of action. When we first arrived we discoved her I94 was expired and couldnt test. So after a lengthy discussion and explaining AOS can take a while. She had me come back with proof she is "in process". Sounds like we got lucky.

Minnesota also has the law that a German driver can exchange for a MN drivers license with nothing more then surrendering the German one.

[thetreble 19]

I was under the impression that when you go and get a license in another country your old driver's license isn't valid for driving anymore. I'm going to get my NJ driver's license when I register my title in NJ in a few months and wouldn't having two driver's licenses be illegal? I figured I'd have to submit it.

[Caladan 19]

I was under the impression that when you go and get a license in another country your old driver's license isn't valid for driving anymore. I'm going to get my NJ driver's license when I register my title in NJ in a few months and wouldn't having two driver's licenses be illegal? I figured I'd have to submit it.

It might not be valid for driving in the U.S. any more, but they shouldn't make you turn it in because it's proof that you're allowed to drive in Canada. C. didn't have to relinquish his Alberta license when he received his CT one, so check the local law.