Hello there,

I wanted to share my experience wich might become a nightmare...but finally went quite easy.

First of, i already had a SSN and a driving license 10 yrs ago while i was on a J1 (exchange visitor)
Since, i changed country (from france to canada)
I changed name once (got adopted by my step dad)
Then changed country (from canada to US)
Then married and changed my name once again (with my husband)

I think we got quite lucky. Our first stop was the SSN. We got the most competent person on the office and it really helped.
The turned down was that she had to check for my status in US (despite the visa) because of my name change and all (wich mean another 4 weeks to wait) but she confirmed me that my number of 10 yo will stay the same. (So, at least i can use it on other paperwork). She also confirmed the K1 was work authorized with authorization. (wich was fine since i expected it) (i did wrote on the original form tho that i was allowed to work just to bring the subject in discussion). So anyway, i should get verified etc... by 4 weeks (and hopefully get the card in the mail) (but i can use my old number).

Then we went to the DMV and i was quite scared because of all the horror story i heard here on VJ.
We bet for that we were asking for a renewal (my old driving license expired in 2001) and since i had a SSN, it went quite smoothly even tho the first change of name was tricky to get accepted (thanks to our marriage license !).. i had to pass the writing test wich i did on the spot without even reading the book and left the office with a temporary driving license (i should receive the real (5 years) one in 2 weeks).
She said in general it would be good till the expiration of the I94 but since i had a SSN, the application went through the system.

So basically i am happy !!!! (well... we'll see what i'll get in the mail huh!)
and i wanted to share !

5 of july..... received my 5yrs CA driving license

Yay! Glad it was so painless for you

glad it went well.