We're within days from submitting the AOS (and EAD) applications and have a question in regards to driving priviliges during this period of time.
Is her status from the day we submit the AOS app considered to be 'immigrant' or 'non-immigrant'? I understand that the actual status is called something like "Stay authorized by...." but just aren't sure when the 'switch gets flipped' or how that affects the rules for driving in Florida.
Lena has a legal driver's license issued from Russia that is valid until 2003. We've heard something about an 'International Driver's License' that she can obtain to drive here in the states that Florida will allow to be used for up to 1 year... but the document that we read is in Russian and the way it is formatted, it appears that this text may be applying to 'Non-Immigrant Status' persons only. The only think we know for certain about this topic is that the Florida DMV will not issue a driver's license to Lena if there are less than 30 days left on her K1 visa, and it would expire anyway when her visa expires, and that we would need an EAD in our hands to get a new one issued for her. So how does it work with the International license? Can someone give us the run-down, especially where Florida is concerned?
Thanks in advance!
Full Version: Driving Priviliges while AOS is pending
QUOTE(TomLena @ Apr 23 2007, 01:23 PM) 
We're within days from submitting the AOS (and EAD) applications and have a question in regards to driving priviliges during this period of time.
Is her status from the day we submit the AOS app considered to be 'immigrant' or 'non-immigrant'? I understand that the actual status is called something like "Stay authorized by...." but just aren't sure when the 'switch gets flipped' or how that affects the rules for driving in Florida.
Lena has a legal driver's license issued from Russia that is valid until 2003. We've heard something about an 'International Driver's License' that she can obtain to drive here in the states that Florida will allow to be used for up to 1 year... but the document that we read is in Russian and the way it is formatted, it appears that this text may be applying to 'Non-Immigrant Status' persons only. The only think we know for certain about this topic is that the Florida DMV will not issue a driver's license to Lena if there are less than 30 days left on her K1 visa, and it would expire anyway when her visa expires, and that we would need an EAD in our hands to get a new one issued for her. So how does it work with the International license? Can someone give us the run-down, especially where Florida is concerned?
Thanks in advance!
Is her status from the day we submit the AOS app considered to be 'immigrant' or 'non-immigrant'? I understand that the actual status is called something like "Stay authorized by...." but just aren't sure when the 'switch gets flipped' or how that affects the rules for driving in Florida.
Lena has a legal driver's license issued from Russia that is valid until 2003. We've heard something about an 'International Driver's License' that she can obtain to drive here in the states that Florida will allow to be used for up to 1 year... but the document that we read is in Russian and the way it is formatted, it appears that this text may be applying to 'Non-Immigrant Status' persons only. The only think we know for certain about this topic is that the Florida DMV will not issue a driver's license to Lena if there are less than 30 days left on her K1 visa, and it would expire anyway when her visa expires, and that we would need an EAD in our hands to get a new one issued for her. So how does it work with the International license? Can someone give us the run-down, especially where Florida is concerned?
Thanks in advance!
My husband went with his NOA's for the I-485, I-765, and I-130 and they gave him his - this was the DMV on Starkey Road in Largo (Pinellas County). This isn't typical for Florida.
If you try this and they say no, you'll have to wait for the EAD.
As far as the international license, I'm not well versed on it. I've heard it's good for up to a year, but you said it expires in 2003...?
We were told we needed to bring in our NOA1 for I-485 for them to issue a drivers license or state ID. When we brought that in they issued my wife hers.
Here's a link for you. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqkeys.html#NUSC
The office I went to required the original I-485 receipt notice, an original marriage certificate for the name change, and my passport.
A K1 beneficiary is still considered a non-immigrant after submitting the AOS.
Sorry, but I am unfamiliar with an international driver's license.
The office I went to required the original I-485 receipt notice, an original marriage certificate for the name change, and my passport.
A K1 beneficiary is still considered a non-immigrant after submitting the AOS.
Sorry, but I am unfamiliar with an international driver's license.
QUOTE(Krikit @ Apr 23 2007, 02:17 PM)
Here's a link for you. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqkeys.html#NUSC
The office I went to required the original I-485 receipt notice, an original marriage certificate for the name change, and my passport.
A K1 beneficiary is still considered a non-immigrant after submitting the AOS.
Sorry, but I am unfamiliar with an international driver's license.
The office I went to required the original I-485 receipt notice, an original marriage certificate for the name change, and my passport.
A K1 beneficiary is still considered a non-immigrant after submitting the AOS.
Sorry, but I am unfamiliar with an international driver's license.
Can you tell me which office you went to ? Thank you.
International driver's permits are only good for allowing the USC to drive in a foreign country, at least that's what my husband was told. The DMV office we went to here in GA told him to apply for one. 
because his I-94 was about to expire and he could NOT obtain a driver's permit until he either had the GC or his EAD. They would NOT let him use the NOA1 from our AOS application either. We went back once he had his EAD in hand.
because his I-94 was about to expire and he could NOT obtain a driver's permit until he either had the GC or his EAD. They would NOT let him use the NOA1 from our AOS application either. We went back once he had his EAD in hand.
For those who received a drivers license, was it a temporary paper license or did they send out a regular license? My husband still hasn't received anything but a temporary paper license and we were wondering if this is usual.
QUOTE(lisanne @ Apr 23 2007, 08:06 PM)
For those who received a drivers license, was it a temporary paper license or did they send out a regular license? My husband still hasn't received anything but a temporary paper license and we were wondering if this is usual.
It took them about 6 weeks to send out my husbands license. And it'll be temporary in that it expires in 1 year and says temporary on it. But he should get something other than the paper one in the mail. If its been longer than 4-6 weeks, I'd visit the DMV again.
my wife wants to get a drivers license for Texas. Can we bring our NOA-1, fingerprint appointment, and Passport..Will those documents be sufficient??
QUOTE(Bharat @ Apr 23 2007, 08:53 PM)
my wife wants to get a drivers license for Texas. Can we bring our NOA-1, fingerprint appointment, and Passport..Will those documents be sufficient??
You'd have to look at the TX DMV website and see what they say.
QUOTE(florida_guy07 @ Apr 23 2007, 06:41 PM)
Can you tell me which office you went to ? Thank you.
This was at the Tavares office in Lake County. You can schedule your appointment here: https://oasis.hsmv.state.fl.us/oasis.php
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 23 2007, 01:36 PM)
My husband went with his NOA's for the I-485, I-765, and I-130 and they gave him his - this was the DMV on Starkey Road in Largo (Pinellas County). This isn't typical for Florida.
If you try this and they say no, you'll have to wait for the EAD.
As far as the international license, I'm not well versed on it. I've heard it's good for up to a year, but you said it expires in 2003...?
If you try this and they say no, you'll have to wait for the EAD.
As far as the international license, I'm not well versed on it. I've heard it's good for up to a year, but you said it expires in 2003...?
Oops that was a typo. I meant to say 2013!
International Driver's License answer anyone?
FYI on the International Driver's License question...
Source
So basically it must be issued in the foreign country and is only for tourists.. They also caution about the fake ads/sellers on the link above.
- An international driver's license must be obtained from your home country. This permit only verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is your foreign driver's license that allows you to drive in the United States. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an international driving permit, as the United States does NOT issue international driver's licenses to foreign visitors.
- If you obtain a valid international driver's license from your country of origin before you come to the U.S., you may rent a car and drive before you get your U.S. driver's license.
- A U.S. driver's license is not a federal document, but it's a permit issued by one of the 50 states' motor vehicle departments. If you're going to reside in the U.S., it may take several months to obtain a U.S. driver's license.
- Foreign visitors who become U.S. residents can only obtain a driver's license from the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. Check with your state's motor vehicles department to find out how to apply.
Source
So basically it must be issued in the foreign country and is only for tourists.. They also caution about the fake ads/sellers on the link above.
THIS IS INTERESTING...because in St. Johns County, Florida, the DMV refused to honor my wife's Peruvian License. They said that since she is here on a K1 visa (AND NOT A TOURIST), they will not honor it. If she was a tourist she could drive all she wanted.....DUMB!!! Also, she had to reapply for a license (learners permit) paper issued, then received a Learners Permit 30 days later, which expires the day her K1 visa expires.
So I guess we're stuck starting the process over.as if she was a new driver. Anyone have any ideas about how insurance works for K1 spouses? Any problems with your insurance company about how they view drivers from other countries???
Thanks,
Oversearailway
So I guess we're stuck starting the process over.as if she was a new driver. Anyone have any ideas about how insurance works for K1 spouses? Any problems with your insurance company about how they view drivers from other countries???
Thanks,
Oversearailway
QUOTE(oversearailway @ Apr 24 2007, 09:06 AM)
THIS IS INTERESTING...because in St. Johns County, Florida, the DMV refused to honor my wife's Peruvian License. They said that since she is here on a K1 visa (AND NOT A TOURIST), they will not honor it. If she was a tourist she could drive all she wanted.....DUMB!!! Also, she had to reapply for a license (learners permit) paper issued, then received a Learners Permit 30 days later, which expires the day her K1 visa expires.
So I guess we're stuck starting the process over.as if she was a new driver. Anyone have any ideas about how insurance works for K1 spouses? Any problems with your insurance company about how they view drivers from other countries???
Thanks,
Oversearailway
So I guess we're stuck starting the process over.as if she was a new driver. Anyone have any ideas about how insurance works for K1 spouses? Any problems with your insurance company about how they view drivers from other countries???
Thanks,
Oversearailway
I've read that your driving record basically starts all over in this country so they consider you a new driver and insure you as such.
My husband was already here when we met, so I don't have direct experience with this, it's just what I've heard. As far as the license issue, once you apply for adjustment of status, try to get a FL permit with the NOAs.
Yes, in my case everything starts all over again with this driving license. BUT the international license/professional driver's license I had back in my country permits me 3 months of driving withinin the state of CA, until the I-94 expires. Better to ask your DMV office (supervisors know better of course than the staff) and I will apply for a learner's permit tomorrow, just to be sure I will not have issues with any patrol here.
Washington has no issues with you driving on a foreign license for up to 12 months. (Although again, supposedly only for tourists, I mentioned I was immigrating and they didn't change their answer.)
They also "don't really care about immigration status" when applying for the DL, "only identification".
I did however find all sorts of issues trying to get someone to insure me with a foreign license - which was laughable, in that "we need a state DL for your driving history", because either way it's going to be zero. The only thing I can guess is someone who has a horrible driving history, and is going to try to pretend to be on an international license, and bank on them not verifying even its existence (silly - such a thing is fraud, anyway, so shouldn't be a deterrent in most cases).
They also "don't really care about immigration status" when applying for the DL, "only identification".
I did however find all sorts of issues trying to get someone to insure me with a foreign license - which was laughable, in that "we need a state DL for your driving history", because either way it's going to be zero. The only thing I can guess is someone who has a horrible driving history, and is going to try to pretend to be on an international license, and bank on them not verifying even its existence (silly - such a thing is fraud, anyway, so shouldn't be a deterrent in most cases).
QUOTE(lisanne @ Apr 23 2007, 08:06 PM)
For those who received a drivers license, was it a temporary paper license or did they send out a regular license? My husband still hasn't received anything but a temporary paper license and we were wondering if this is usual.
Georgia issues the driver's permit (plastic card with photo) the same day.
Thanks for all of the great info regarding International Driver's Licenses. Digging deeper, I've even found the following document from a police department in Maryland that 'debunks' a lot of the scam around IDLs. Good reading and really explains a lot in common terms.
http://www.berwynheightspd.com/internation...%20licenses.htm
So I guess what our next steps are, unless we wait another 3 months or so for an EAD, are:
1) Contact the Florida DMV to ask if there will be any issues if Lena obtains an Internal Driver's Permit from Russia and carries this with her actual Russian-issued Driver's License.
2) If the answer to #1 turns out to be 'no, there will not be any problems', then we have to go on a 'scavenger hunt' so to speak to figure out who in Russia is allowed to issue an International Driver's Permit and find out if she can apply for it while here in the USA.
In the interim, if anyone knows of any good links to documents from either the Florida DMV, or the Russian government that answers either of these questions for me, please share! Thanks!
http://www.berwynheightspd.com/internation...%20licenses.htm
So I guess what our next steps are, unless we wait another 3 months or so for an EAD, are:
1) Contact the Florida DMV to ask if there will be any issues if Lena obtains an Internal Driver's Permit from Russia and carries this with her actual Russian-issued Driver's License.
2) If the answer to #1 turns out to be 'no, there will not be any problems', then we have to go on a 'scavenger hunt' so to speak to figure out who in Russia is allowed to issue an International Driver's Permit and find out if she can apply for it while here in the USA.
In the interim, if anyone knows of any good links to documents from either the Florida DMV, or the Russian government that answers either of these questions for me, please share! Thanks!
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 23 2007, 07:54 PM)
QUOTE(Bharat @ Apr 23 2007, 08:53 PM)
my wife wants to get a drivers license for Texas. Can we bring our NOA-1, fingerprint appointment, and Passport..Will those documents be sufficient??
You'd have to look at the TX DMV website and see what they say.
Texas doesn't have a DMV. It has a DPS, though.
QUOTE
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.
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.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...s_dl_id.htm#q51
And:
QUOTE
1) I am new to Texas, what do I need to do in order to get a Texas license?
A new resident moving into Texas who has a valid driver license from his home state, has 30 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas driver license. In addition to testing, all first time original applicants must visit a Texas Driver License office and present and do the following: Texas Transportation Code 521.029.
New residents previously licensed in another state:
NOTE: If you have an EXPIRED out-of-state license, you will be required to pass both the written and driving* exams, in addition to a vision test.
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
New residents from out-of-country:
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
A new resident moving into Texas who has a valid driver license from his home state, has 30 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas driver license. In addition to testing, all first time original applicants must visit a Texas Driver License office and present and do the following: Texas Transportation Code 521.029.
New residents previously licensed in another state:
- Proof of Identity. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.24.
- Proof of Social Security Number. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.42, Texas Transportation Code 521.044.
- Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
- Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
- Pay the required fee. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.40, Texas Transportation Code 521.421.
- Pass the vision exam. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51, Texas Transportation Code 521.161.
- Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.44, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.45, Texas Transportation Code 521.142.
- If you have a VALID out-of-state license in your possession, please bring it to the driver license office to surrender. Texas Transportation Code 521.182.
NOTE: If you have an EXPIRED out-of-state license, you will be required to pass both the written and driving* exams, in addition to a vision test.
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
New residents from out-of-country:
- Proof of Identity. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.24.
- Proof of Social Security Number. (If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to complete a Social Security Affidavit (DL-13) form.) 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.42, Texas Transportation Code 521.044.
- Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
- Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
- Pay the required fee. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.40, Texas Transportation Code 521.421.
- Pass the written, driving* and vision examinations. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.52, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.56, Texas Transportation Code 521.161.
- Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.44, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.45, Texas Transportation Code 521.142.
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...s_dl_id.htm#q51
QUOTE(homesick_american @ Apr 29 2007, 03:49 PM)
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 23 2007, 07:54 PM)
QUOTE(Bharat @ Apr 23 2007, 08:53 PM)
my wife wants to get a drivers license for Texas. Can we bring our NOA-1, fingerprint appointment, and Passport..Will those documents be sufficient??
You'd have to look at the TX DMV website and see what they say.
Texas doesn't have a DMV. It has a DPS, though.
QUOTE
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.
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.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...s_dl_id.htm#q51
And:
QUOTE
1) I am new to Texas, what do I need to do in order to get a Texas license?
A new resident moving into Texas who has a valid driver license from his home state, has 30 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas driver license. In addition to testing, all first time original applicants must visit a Texas Driver License office and present and do the following: Texas Transportation Code 521.029.
New residents previously licensed in another state:
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
New residents from out-of-country:
A new resident moving into Texas who has a valid driver license from his home state, has 30 days after entry into the state to secure a Texas driver license. In addition to testing, all first time original applicants must visit a Texas Driver License office and present and do the following: Texas Transportation Code 521.029.
New residents previously licensed in another state:
- Proof of Identity. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.24.
- Proof of Social Security Number. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.42, Texas Transportation Code 521.044.
- Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
- Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
- Pay the required fee. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.40, Texas Transportation Code 521.421.
- Pass the vision exam. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51, Texas Transportation Code 521.161.
- Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.44, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.45, Texas Transportation Code 521.142.
- If you have a VALID out-of-state license in your possession, please bring it to the driver license office to surrender. Texas Transportation Code 521.182.
* Applicant must provide vehicle.
New residents from out-of-country:
- Proof of Identity. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.24.
- Proof of Social Security Number. (If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to complete a Social Security Affidavit (DL-13) form.) 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.42, Texas Transportation Code 521.044.
- Proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
- Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
- Pay the required fee. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.40, Texas Transportation Code 521.421.
- Pass the written, driving* and vision examinations. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.52, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.56, Texas Transportation Code 521.161.
- Application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.44, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.45, Texas Transportation Code 521.142.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...s_dl_id.htm#q51
I realize different states have different names for the DMV sometimes, but if the person who asked that (and he was posting for his wife, so he's the Texas state resident) couldn't figure out Texas' equivalent to the DMV, being a state resident, then there's no help you or I could provide.
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 29 2007, 03:47 PM)
I realize different states have different names for the DMV sometimes, but if the person who asked that (and he was posting for his wife, so he's the Texas state resident) couldn't figure out Texas' equivalent to the DMV, being a state resident, then there's no help you or I could provide.
Possibly, but if he's a resident of the state of Texas he could pick up a telephone and call the DPS after about 30 seconds flipping through the blue pages, and get his question answered. But he didn't; he asked us.
Handholding requested...handholding given.
QUOTE(homesick_american @ Apr 30 2007, 04:07 AM)
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 29 2007, 03:47 PM)
I realize different states have different names for the DMV sometimes, but if the person who asked that (and he was posting for his wife, so he's the Texas state resident) couldn't figure out Texas' equivalent to the DMV, being a state resident, then there's no help you or I could provide.
Possibly, but if he's a resident of the state of Texas he could pick up a telephone and call the DPS after about 30 seconds flipping through the blue pages, and get his question answered. But he didn't; he asked us.
Handholding requested...handholding given.True, true. I'm used to so much more initiative.
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 30 2007, 09:36 AM)
QUOTE(homesick_american @ Apr 30 2007, 04:07 AM)
QUOTE(meow mix @ Apr 29 2007, 03:47 PM)
I realize different states have different names for the DMV sometimes, but if the person who asked that (and he was posting for his wife, so he's the Texas state resident) couldn't figure out Texas' equivalent to the DMV, being a state resident, then there's no help you or I could provide.
Possibly, but if he's a resident of the state of Texas he could pick up a telephone and call the DPS after about 30 seconds flipping through the blue pages, and get his question answered. But he didn't; he asked us.
Handholding requested...handholding given.True, true. I'm used to so much more initiative.
Yeah, me too. I didn't even sign up for this site until after my husband had his IR1 interview. We got no help at all.
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