Driver's License renewals - - - does it ever end? (merged threads)

[Leo7777 243]

Spouse (the immigrant) got first USA driver's license when here on Student F-1 visa. It was only good for the time period of the F-1 visa or the I-20 dates..

Then, she got a second I-20 for the OPT program. First DL was near expiration, so a second DL needed.

Original OPT is only for one year, so second DL only for that year.

Then, we got married and she got the EAD/AP card.

This was followed by third DL which was only good for the one year period of the EAD/AP card.

Now, she has the 2 year Green Card, so can get 4th DL for the 2 year period of the 2 year Green Card.

But when the 2 year Green Card expires, she will only get the Letter from USCIS extending the Green Card for 12 months.

So then she will have to get the 5th DL for this one year time period.

Eventually, the 10 year Green Card will come; and she can get 6th DL for 10 years, or probably 4-6 years as is standard.

Is this the same as the rest of you have experienced regarding DL's for the immigrant spouse ?

[smashrun 10]

Yes, same experience. We are DMV regulars. It's a very inefficient process that really doesn't make any sense. That sounds familiar doesn't it?

[Pitaya 2,576]

Yep. Since driving licenses are controlled by the individual states, the rules/ regulations, expirations, can and are often quite different from state to state. This can often result in some interesting Kafkaesque situations.

And yes, receipt of the 10-year GC is a good goal.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[scotinmass 588]

Massachusetts doesn't have those silly rules. I arrived on a 2 year green card and when I applied for my DL I was issued a standard 5 year one.

[Boiler 43,434]

My State has a DL for illegals so none of those issues would apply.

[Leo7777 243]

My State has a DL for illegals so none of those issues would apply.

Don't be so sure.

For illegals, the rules are often less strict than for legals.

e.g. There are years long waiting lists for relatives to come into USA legally.

But come illegally, and you can stay.

[Lemonslice 4,553]

Massachusetts doesn't have those silly rules. I arrived on a 2 year green card and when I applied for my DL I was issued a standard 5 year one.

Lucky us

[scotinmass 588]

Lucky us

And we have the Patriots!

[AB loves AG 54]

We live in Wisconsin, my husband came on a K-1. We've been to the DMV many, many times.

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

Varies by state. When had EAD, was only for one year. 2 yr GC- got 6 year DL.

[PDXDD 28]

Oregon, with conditional GC, 8 year DL ...

[Starkilla09 366]

Washington state has no issues whatsoever. 6 years for everyone even the undocumented. Have had just 2 in the space of 11 years.

[divemaster19 17]

Huh I am expecting my EAD to arrive tomorrow or tuesday. Does anyone has experience with drivers licenses, this specific immigration step and Arizona's DMV? I will then get conditional green card BTW.

[Mena28 35]

I see there are people who went to Massachusetts in this thread - how was your experience getting your Driver´s Licence?

My POE is later this week and I am kind of hoping to get a licence sooner than a GC lol What are my chances?

[Ortolan 381]

Yep, Tennessee will make us get a new DL when my husband's 10-year card is approved. Another trip to the ever-fascinating and entertaining DMV office!