How long can I use my driver's license?

[StoryAngel 4]

I'll be moving to TX where the DMV states that "out of country" licenses are valid for 30 days when you become a TX resident. On a K1 visa at which point do you become a resident? Is it the date of arrival in the US, or is it related to AOS? It makes a big difference for the driver's license. If it's the date of arrival in US, then I have to wait till 2 weeks after arrival in US to get my SNN and then that leaves only 2 more weeks to pass my TX driving test, otherwise I won't be able to drive, which is pretty vital in TX...

Does anyone have any experience of this? I cannot find out the information from the TX DMV website so personal on-the-ground experience would be a real help.

[Krikit 1,165]

Well, technically, as a K-1 you're not really a resident until your AOS has been approved and you receive your greencard. My State allowed me to apply for my license with the AOS NOA, which I did about seven months after I moved here. I used my Canadian license until then.

Edited November 15, 2007 by Krikit

[StoryAngel 4]

Thanks Krikit. Any idea where I can find this in writing? You know, just in case some policeman stops me at some point - it's always nice to have proof! It always seems a bit hazy what the status of a K1-er is... Would the DMV be the people to ask about this?

[Marilyn. 340]

but according to the State isn't a resident someone who is living there... I think it might be different then a permanent resident...

The bottom line―right here at the top―is that if you live in Texas and want to drive, you need a valid Texas driver's license.

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/apply-license.php

[Saddle Bronc 124]

but according to the State isn't a resident someone who is living there... I think it might be different then a permanent resident...

The bottom line―right here at the top―is that if you live in Texas and want to drive, you need a valid Texas driver's license.

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/apply-license.php

Not exactly correct, Marilyn--that's TAX laws (IRS).

Every state allows those who are on temp visas (work permits, student or dependent) to retain foreign licence until expiry or obtaining permanent residency.

(which also has another "benefit" that traffic cops will usually let you off with warning, as they have a hard time figuring out how to write up the ticket when they CANNOT LEGALLY write the "document offence" for the out-of-country licence being used way past 30 days; of course, cop will ALWAYS be ticked off in such cases.

From personal experience)

[tweety 1]

Best would be to just call the local county sheriff and find out how it is handled in your respective county. (if you are not state-side yet, have your fiance call).

When I came here on K1 we called the local sheriff and he said I could drive with my foreign license until I become a permanent resident.

I got my OK DL as soon as I had my EAD - I wanted it, for ID purposes.

[StoryAngel 4]

Thanks everyone. Once I make it Stateside I'll call the sheriff and see what he says! I'm just hoping I'll be able to drive on my British licence for a while... otherwise trying to organise a driving test within 30 days of arrival in the States is just going to be a lot of extra hassle!!

[Marilyn. 340]

but according to the State isn't a resident someone who is living there... I think it might be different then a permanent resident...

The bottom line―right here at the top―is that if you live in Texas and want to drive, you need a valid Texas driver's license.

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/apply-license.php

Not exactly correct, Marilyn--that's TAX laws (IRS).

Every state allows those who are on temp visas (work permits, student or dependent) to retain foreign licence until expiry or obtaining permanent residency.

(which also has another "benefit" that traffic cops will usually let you off with warning, as they have a hard time figuring out how to write up the ticket when they CANNOT LEGALLY write the "document offence" for the out-of-country licence being used way past 30 days; of course, cop will ALWAYS be ticked off in such cases.

From personal experience)

i got that right off the Texas DMV site

[StoryAngel 4]

Just been doing more digging... found this on TX DPS site:

1) How long can I drive with an out-of-country driver license?

Generally, a person 18 to 75 years of age with a valid out-of-country driver license in their possession may drive a private, non-commercial motor vehicle in the State of Texas for up to one year from date of entry into the United States, if their home country has reciprocity with the U.S. In order to check for reciprocity agreement status, click on Reciprocity In Driver Licensing or you may contact License Issuance at (512) 424-5089 or by e-mail at license.issuance@txdps.state.tx.us. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.91.

Doesn't match what the DMV website does (if your country has reciprocity)... I guess I'll find out when I call the sheriff or the number above!

[kisschick1976 0]

Hi,

My ex husband got his Texas driver's license 6 days after he entered the country with only his passport, visa and I-94. He had to take a driving test and a written test (which he failed twice) and that was it. Hassle free really, easy WE were out in a couple of hours.

I have a comprehensive timeline here on my LJ community

[Texanadian 10]

As far as I can tell, the 30 days refers to new residents who came from other US states. They already have everything they need to get a license. Citizenship, other state license, etc.

A K1 is a temporary "non-immigrant" visa. How could being in the US on a K1 deem you to be a resident? Especially when you don't have a green card or permission to work?

It's basically the equivelent of being in the state on a student visa. You're not there as a resident. Just as a visiter/non resident.