We had a horrible experience at the California DMV on Friday trying to get a drivers license for my husband. Now that our AOS application is waiting to be processed and he has a SS#, we figured he could finally get a drivers license (which means be able to get insurance for one thing). They were so rude and then sent him away, telling him he is "illegal" because his I-94 expired . I talked to a supervisor and tried to explain the K-1 situation. He told me that my husband could not get a drivers license until he had a green card but he also can't drive on his foreign license. I know the last part has got to be false.

Why they have to be so mean is a question I don't expect anyone here to answer. But what is the driving situation for AOS applicants? Could he have gotten his license when he arrived on K-1 (with a valid I-94) and we just missed the opportunity? What was the point of getting the SS# in the first place?

I don't know if this will help you, and certainly there are more knowledgeable people on VJ than I, however, here is what I discovered. I had to renew my license the other day and asked about my fiance, so that we could be prepared when he comes. I was told by my DMV in Seattle that a) he can drive legally with his German license until he gets residency in Washington or he could bring his German license, proof of identity (passport, birth cert) and his K1 stamp (or whatever the official name is) and a piece of mail showing his name and our Washington address. That's it. He doesn't need to surrender his German license nor does he have to take the driving or written test. I called another DMV to find out if this was true and was told yes.

Now, we are a high immigrant area, but I would assume that where you live is also? I think he unfortunately got a rude person taking out a bad day on him.

I forgot to mention that my SO already has a SSN and had a green card once before as a minor, so that may make a difference, but I doubt it. I didn't tell the clerk at the DMV this at any rate.

Hope this helps and if it doesn't, I know someone else will come along to help you

I'm not sure about the K-1 part.
As far as using his foreign driving license, I think there is a 90 day limit starting from his arrival. Longer if he obtained an 'international driving license' back in his home country (good for about 6 month if I remember).

There are new laws when it comes to driving licenses and in many states now, they only make them good for the time of your visa, so it probably wouldn't have helped you anyway.
Good luck.

Sorry for your experience with that person at the DMV. I came in on a K-1 and was issued a Florida driver's license upon presentation of my AOS I-797 notice of receipt (among other things). I have no idea if every State has different rules but a quick check of the California DMV mentions that document also. Is it possible for you to drop into another office to apply? You may get someone who is not as rude as the person you dealt with.

Every state is different.... you need to check your states DMV website for rules on getting a lincese... Here in MA you need an SSN and an EAD or Greencard to get a License...

Kez

State run, Colorado requires EAD.

No such thing as an International Drivers License.

As far as using your own license or if needed your license with an IDP, that also vares by State. CO legislations vague. They had the Chief of Denever Police on the radio, he said that as they can not tell when someone became resident thay can not tell when the time limit ran out.

He also quoted 60 days, whatever the time limit is, its not 60 days! So the Police have no clue anyway.