This is almost as bad as USCIS. To get his license, he has to be centrally verified. It has been two months now and no one knows anything period. No one calls me back and I can't get a hold of them. He can't get a real learning permit until then, only a driving waiver. AGH.

We had to wait for Andre's green card before they would even let him test for the learner's permit in St. Louis. Hang in there.

We have the green card though and the SSN. They just have to be 'centrally verified' by the state. I am not sure what about this process takes two months or more. I am just really frustrated by this.

I know how you feel! I've finally got my arse down to get my state ID and guess what? This also has to be centrally verified too, just like the DL. I have my GC and SSN as well, just like you. /sigh.

From what I understand the DL and State ID applications get sent to Anapolis and onto the USCIS database. There they will verify that you are who you say you are and match up their info with Indiana's. Could take bloody ages, knowing what USCIS is like.

What does centrally verified even mean?

Means it sucks to live in Indiana if you want an Indiana license as a foreign license holder. Mags explained it pretty well in her edit. Not all states apparently require such a mess or must have a better way of going about it.

*Emails other states for their requirements...*

That the info that Indiana provides has to match up with USCIS's info on their database. Which means that all State ID and DL applications have to be processed through USCIS...again.

I got my learner's permit from Indy's BMV on day 94 after they sent my docs in for central verification. It was hard to wait, but at least I could drive with that piece of paper and my hubby next to me.

And you are right - they don't know anything. I had no choice but to wait.

Day 94. I have no idea how long I am even willing to wait. They told me the 60 days for the permit don't even start until he gets the card (found this out today). I don't even want to live in this stupid state that long, this problem aside. I have no idea what to do. I am looking at giving up and moving anyway in February. This is so ridiculous.

I got my LP 10 days after we arrived - it did take going to East Chicago BMV as they apparently deal with more immigrants than others. If you're in NWI I recommend going there. And to emphasise, I did not have a GC (still don't) but the CR-1 visa did it along with a letter from a bank as proof of address.

I'm scheduled to take my DL driving test on 1/10 at East Chicago - held LP for 6 months.

Eh, it isn't worth the trip. Besides, looking at another state's licensing requirements makes me think I should just forget it and move there sooner than originally planned. I thought wrongly that it would be best just to get the license here then move as an interstate transfer would be easier. Then I learned some depressing things like a good percentage of states don't even have this process in the first place and don't have the extremely long learning permit requirement for applicants over the age of 18 regardless of prior licensing status. Agh. I wish I had known about all of this before, could have saved me a lot of time. Needs to be a DL Journey site.

My experience was slightly easier for DL in Indiana. The green card was issued Feb 06, I went to DMV in Aug 06 & got my learner's permit in 1 week because of SSN cannot be verified (had to go to SSA office for a letter of verification). Held permit for 2 months & had my driving test in October. They issued 7 year DL.

I had to go back to my country to quit my jobs & finish up before coming back in Jul 06 - it might be the reason why it was easier for me or it is just different office handles it differently?

Which BMV office - which county?

South Bend - St Joe

I think it also matter when you applied. If I recall this new centrally verified thing has only been in use for part of 2007, so a few here may have applied for their licence before it was brought into practice.

My husband got an 'RFE' from CV office yesterday wanting proof of residency. I thought he gave this to them when he applied. Blah...

All I had to do was write the test and then do my road test. My I-94 was expired but I told them I have applied for adjustment of status. They let me take the road test. I'm still waiting for my license to arrive in the mail though but it has only been one month. So I have the stamped paper which entitles me to drive.

When did the BMV start thinking immigration matters were any of their business?

They are making my husband go through the whole learning permit process, so he hasn't even been able to take the road test yet. He has also an allowance to drive, but it is still not what we want, that being a license.

In the last 6 months or so, apparently. Anyone who applies can start learning to drive straight away, but you then have to wait the requisite 2 months before taking the test (this applies to all applicants, not just immigrants). Immigrants have their info sent to Anapolis and then onto USCIS. Until they get the actual learners permit through (rather than the paper permit given at time of application) they cannot take the road test and this seems to take longer than the 2 months. Grrrr.

Mags, how did I get my road test then? I wrote the test in October and took the road test in December. I didn't have to wait two months because I had a Canadian license (which they did not take away). I passed the test, got the photo taken, paid the fee, and received a paper permitting me to drive until the license comes whenever it manages to arrive.

I still don't think the BMV has any business in immigration issues. Whatsoever.

Joe, I have no idea how you managed that, but you're very lucky compared to many here! And I agree, I don't think this should be anything to do with the BMV.

In Illinois it was pretty straight forward. All we needed was proof of ID (passport), proof of address (electric bill - just call and add his name on and wait for the bill to come) and SSN card. We got a non driver ID just so we can fly domestically without having to lug the passport.

Learner's permit - just need to take the written exam and should be pretty straight forward now that he has the non driver ID.

LOL pretty cool. I live in Elkhart county and complain about it alot but I guess they did something right. haha or wrong. But it's all good.

Yeah, when even municipal police have no business with immigration issues, one would think the BMV would keep their noses out of where they don't belong.

Heh, when we got in our wreck, my husband asked the police officer if he needed his passport or I-551 for ID. The officer just gave him a look like "Why?".

One of the more amusing things that we learned about Indiana was that I guess you don't need a translation of your license to drive here on it. He just gave the officer his German license untranslated with no international license and that was fine and dandy enough for the officer. If was a problem, he would have been cited.

Sorry about the wreck but I'm glad the officer didn't have a problem with his license.

As far as I know, local police have no business with immigration issues. There job is not to be out hunting illegals and any cop who does should lose his badge.

Here's my overview of driving test today (at East Chicago BMV).

I was scheduled for 1130 to take the road test. I arrived with my husband's friend's mother at 1115 (good thing my hubby did not come - according to him I either drive too slowly or can't do it and I had my foreign Dl for 5 years!!!). We checked in - I gave them my LP, insurance card, car papers (new car so do not have registration yet) and my licensed driver's DL. This tall, greying man in his 50s with glasses was going to come with me. We went outside, he made me start the car and per his instructions I stepped on the break, then turned on turn signals - for him to check. After he was satisfied all was ok, he got in and we went for a drive - asked if I had any major medical conditions, was I even convicted. He told me to drive in the neighbourhood - over by the hospital, turn left here, turn right there, let's do parallel parking, for about 10 minutes. He asked me how old I was and did I drive before - explained to him they did not recognize my foreign DL so had to do everything from scratch. Asked whether I liked America and where I'm from - the usual things. We then returned to BMV where he told me I passed and that the colleagues are going to issue my DL.

Now here's the deal - the lady double checked my information and then I made sure she did not put me on the voters' registry as I am not a USC. He asked, oh really? The system shows no indication of that - which is good for you as you will get an unrestricted DL right now (instead of having to wait for the papers to check and getting it in the mail). She said someone made a mistake but it's all good for me, and that I was the second person in two days that this has happened with.

So, now I have a DL good until 2012.
Highly recommend East Chicago BMV

Hahaha the same thing happened to me. Hubby expected me to get the usual piece of paper telling me I have to wait 90 days for my license to be issued blah blah blah, because he saw me get that letter when I had to wait for my learner's permit.

The very nice lady checked her screen, kept smiling and talked with me about cookies and baking, and then bam! She handed me my shiny new license. My husband started to ask about central verification but I kicked his foot under the counter, so he bit his lip. I think we half ran out of the branch in case she changed her mind.

Blame it all on the Real ID Act. I think they're just about to start implementing this full swing after giving the states a chance to work on getting their ID systems (DL and state IDs) up to standards set by this Real ID law.

I know that the area where we live (and a few surrounding counties in central Indiana) have just had brand spanking new systems implemented. Perhaps this is why we are having to do the waiting.

We l0se.

Then I get this e-mail a few days ago from the DMV in Wisconsin where they do say they recognize German licenses and no CVP (yet anyway). WTF was I doing wasting my time here? I l0se.

I guess it's all because they consider drivers licenses ID here. Where I come from, it's just a drivers license.

Mags, is there a lot of flooding near your area? There was a boat going aroud my local Krogers parking lot!

You are in Elkhart County? I think one of the high school is closed on Wednesday because of flooding, right ?

Yes, I am. Yeah I know of one school that was closed but it was open again today. I like this county but it's too easily flooded. I asked my wife if they don't have sewers in our city and she said, "yeah...they empty into the park".

We were lucky where I am (Putnam County) but the areas around Lafayette and north of Indy did get some flooding. So no boats have been spotted as of yet!

Update:

LOL, STILL NO INFORMATION.

My husband went down there today and apparently they have to contact some special person in the CV department who is only available two days a week. My husband can't call him, only the BMV employees can, so he has to go all the way down there just so they can make a call. OMG.

So, the answer is...

Now they have everything they need but they can't do anything about getting him a real hard copy of his learner's permit because of no given reason.

What?! What do I do now...if this was immigration, I would call my congressman, but this is my own state, so who do I ###### at? Maybe I should just call Channel 6.

I got my state ID in February - 10 weeks after application.

What's happening to your husband sucks.

Hi I'm new here but an avid reader of the posts. What else is there to do when your receipts numbers aren't in any system anywhere?

I have applied for AOS, I-131, I-130, EAD. I have receipts. I also have a Connecticut driver's license and a restricted SSN card from my time as an F-1.

Will I have problems getting an Indiana Driver's license? Should I try and keep my CT license as long as possible?

Any advice gratefully received!

B.

P.S.
This site is great is satiates my desire to do something while I wait.

He finally got his permit in the mail yesterday, after nearly 6 months of holdup. Jesus. Not even his visa took that long!

Five months...and counting. I don't know who these people think they are. I got my green card faster than this.

I thought you got yours straight away, Joe?

I got it right away but it's only a paper permit. I'm still waiting for the actual card with my picture to come. I've had to renew the paper permit two times already.

I think it was three times for us. You have the number right to question them when they actually pick up the phone? 317-233-1900? Ask for your case worker, if possible. I had to fax the same documents six times over 3 months before they finally got them.

Yeah I called them many times. Just called them yesterday telling them I got my green card faster than this and they said it was sent on the 10th. It just came in the mail this morning. I should call them and congratulate them on getting it here "so fast".

That's good that it finally got to you though. My husband just went two days ago to schedule his drive test. 2 weeks from now was the soonest they could do it. Annoying. One can hope this is the last time he has to go through this. Just add this hassle to the list of reasons to get citizenship.

ROFLMAO. My husband took his drive test and passed. The only thing left to do is change his address. We were going to use the exact same thing we sent to CVP to change his address with. For whatever reason, they refused to accept that although two employees two weeks ago said it would be fine to use and CVP approved his application with it. I DON'T GET IT. WHY DOES INDIANA NOT WANT MY HUSBAND TO GET A GODDAMN LICENSE???!!! DON'T MOVE TO INDIANA.

After three times at the BMV yesterday trying to get this figured out, here was the end result. Please pay attention to this, my dear people in Indiana or considering a move here.

CVP is a neverending thing. It is easily worse than USCIS. For example, when you change your address with USCIS, all you do is fill out the AR-11 and that is that. They don't take away your green card and give a temporary one until they figure out if they are going to accept the proof you have of your change of address. In Indiana, if you change your address here under any valid immigration status, you will have to go back through CVP and everything has to be done all.over.again. They will issue a 60 day temp license that has to be renewed until they send you the plastic license with the correct address on it. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of, particularly since they will not accept an affidavit of change of address from me, his wife, who has basically had the sorry luck to be a long time resident of this state and whom his whole immigration status is based on. They were willing to do that at first, but the computer refused this, locked them out for referral to CVP. Lo and behold, yep, that is what you have to do. Until you become a citizen, random changes in status at the BMV will prompt a trip back to CVP. So again, fcuk Indiana.

I moved back to Indiana sometime around 1997. I kept my Wyoming DL until it was about to expire. A week before my birthday (and DL expiry) I went to the license branch to get an IN DL. Keep in mind that I was born here and got my first DL at that very branch many years ago. It was, however, July of 2002 when I was doing this. Fear of 'brown people' had led to some stringent new rules for getting any form of state ID (If I remember correctly, all of the 9/11 terrorists had some form of state ID).

I presented my Wyoming DL, my old Indiana DL, the original letter/receipt that came with my SS card (my wallet had been stolen several years before and I never replaced the card), my birth certificate, and whatever cards, etc that were in my wallet.

It wasn't good enough.

I had to have a proper SS card (wouldn't the receipt from 1968 be harder to steal or fake than the card itself???), proof of residency (I lived 2 blocks from the location of the BMV at the time), proof of US citizenship (Birth certificate didn't establish that??), and a zillion other things. They had to make sure I wasn't a terrorist from the Middle East, ya see....

By this time, my birthday had come and gone, so I was technically "illegal" now - no valid DL of any sort. I ended up having to make 2 trips to Indy to the Fed building to convince them I was not a Muslim from the ME or whatever the hell their issue was. In the end I had to provide them with: My Wyoming DL, my old Indiana DL, my new social security card, a NEW copy of my birth certificate, a copy of my selective service registration from the 80s, 3 bills showing my address (difficult at the time, as all of the utilities were still in Grandma's name), a copy of the deed to my house, a copy of the will (Grandma's), paycheck stubs (I worked 5 blocks from the BMV), and the title to my Audi.

ALL of this, and I lived here most of my f##king life AND went to high school with the woman behind the counter at the BMV. It ended up taking me 3 weeks to get a DL. Indiana went WAY overboard post-9/11. After many, many complaints and a few lawsuit threats, they finally relaxed the requirements somewhat. Now it seems that they have a new system of torturing people thanks to the RealID crap....

Wow. Sure hope we don't get transferred to Indiana.

LOL. You know, it is fairly difficult for my husband to prove residency based on the lists they provided. For example, my husband is a contractor, so no paycheck stub as they pay cash in hand PRN. He'd like a better job, but gee, every one wants an actual license, not a piece of paper. The only utility in his name is the water bill and, as Murphy would have it, on the bill the address is billed. So they mailed the welcome letter to my husband, but the actual bill has no name listed on it, just the address. They said they needed the bill with the name on it. They wouldn't accept coorespondence from the banks except for a bank statement on letterhead that we could prove that they mailed it. They said whatever we brought from the bank before, we could have made up. No we couldn't have. This was an account statement with all of their internal nonsense on it. We could not have made it up because there is no way we could have known that information or even what it most of it meant. A quick call to the bank would have proved the legitimacy of the document, but it is just easier to say that that particular bank statement wasn't on the list because it wasn't mailed. I think the chick there just wanted to be a cnut. Every one to that point had accepted that document as proof of residency and said it would be fine for change of address, including CVP.

So then we went back later on with the only thing better we could get from the bank, a signed statement confirming his account information by the bank employee. His statements aren't mailed. They don't do that really at my bank anymore if you opted out of it and of course it would take a month or more to get this statement and the drive test is only good for 30 days and they wouldn't issue even the paper document without it... Well, this time, there was another woman who helped us who was actually very nice for a change and said that she would at least try to get the signed bank statement through. So then we did get at least the paper document.

My husband and I joked that we wouldn't be surprised if they wanted our marriage certificate next. But that is all in German so we must have made it up, be damned what DHS and USCIS thought.