Hi,

My husband will be arriving next week on a K-3. Anyone know if the California DMV accepts the K-3 without a social security number? The website was a bit vague....it seems that they will accept the passport and I-94 but also have some social security number requirements that may or may not apply. Thanks!

No state will issue a drivers license without an SSN there is a federal law requiring SSN for license.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dlapp_lnks.htm

File for EAD then use EAD to get SSN, and then apply for a driver's license.

I firstalled the California DMV to check, after having read the website. I was told that my husband needed to apply for a SSN, even though we already knew what without his EAD he would be inelligible for a SSN. Then my husband and I took the letter from SSN stating he was ineligible for a SSN. The DMV can check a database with names and SSNs. The DMV accepted, after we persisted, his K-3 visa and I-94 as proof of legal residence. I had to be very persistent because they thought the I-94 was a border crossing card only valid within 80 miles of the border!!!! Thankfully I asked for a supervisor who knew about K-3s and I-94s. So, even though it seems silly, you'll have to apply for a SSN before you get your EAD, then you can go to the DMV and get your license. Good luck!

Very interesting.

So K3s, who cannot get SSNs due to status, CAN get a CA DL W/O EAD.

Meanwhile, K1s, who CAN get a SSN, cannot get a CA DL (at least one that does not expire when I-94 does) without EAD. Even after marriage, having applied for AOS, and paid $1000.

Who dreams this nonsense up?

Is the purpose of the K1's work authorization really only to get us a SSN, but not to allow us a get a DL or become functioning members of society?