Ohio Driver's License

[DL Austin 0]

Hi everyone,

I know the issue of renewing/getting driver's licenses has been discussed in several threads, but I haven't seen any Ohio-specific threads. Since this is such a state-specific issue, I decided to throw this question out there for everyone.

Has anyone tried to renew an Ohio driver's license while waiting for AOS? I am currently on an H1B, and my license is set to expire the same day as my H1B (end of Jan, 2008). My I485 is pending since mid-October, 2007. I hope to receive my EAD this month.

The Ohio BMV's web-site says the following about licenses for non-citizens:

On Wednesday, May 15, 2002, Ohio Governor Bob Taft signed Senate Bill 184 into law. This new law, among other provisions, requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to verify an applicant’s legal presence in the United States.

Effective May 26, 2002, Non-U.S. citizens must present appropriate documentation issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to obtain an Ohio identification card or a driver license. A Non-renewable/Non-transferable identification card or driver license is issued with the same expiration date that appears on the appropriate document issued by the USCIS and will not exceed four (4) years. A non-renewable/non-transferable driver license allows individuals to drive in Ohio and other states, but it cannot be renewed or transferred to another state. The individual will be required to present current documents issued by USCIS at the time of every renewal and will not exceed four (4) birthdays. This rule also applies to those under the age of 21.

Non-U.S. citizens who have been granted permanent residency and present a valid I-551 (green card) will be issued a regular Ohio driver license which will expire on their 4th birthday from the date of issuance or the expiration date of the I-551, whichever is shorter. All non-U.S. citizens who are permanent residents will be required to present their unexpired I-551 (green card) at the time of renewal.

The description is a bit vague in terms of what constitutes "appropriate" or "current" documentation. In the past, I was able to use my H1-B approval notice since it had a date on it. But now with a pending AOS, I am not quite sure what to expect.

I am going to call them tomorrow to find out what the local office says. But in the meantime if anyone can share their experiences, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, everyone!

[Jasman0717 9]

If the law works the way it does in California, you will need to prove legal residency before they will renew or issue a license. We are going through the same thing with Claudeth's California ID. Her GC expires in February so they will only extend the ID until then unless we can show legal residency.

[lynamon 0]

I arrived on a K1 and they would not issue a drivers license until I could prove that I filed for AOS with my NOA. If you filed for AOS and have your NOA and SSN I think that that would be sufficient

[Donna A 4]

my husband came on k-3 and was able to get his drivers licence after he got his work auth. and social security number. it expires every year when his work auth. expires. we have been waiting 3 years on AOS now due to name check and he renews it every year with no problem. we are also in ohio.

[DL Austin 0]

Thank you, all!