International Drivers License

[KandD 1]

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

Check with your state's requirements. In California, a valid driver's license from another country is adequate for driving while visiting, however, for someone who resides here, I believe they have 45 days to get a state issued. Some people here have argued over the legality of that - but IMO, legal residency doesn't start until your foreign spouse is approved for a Green Card, has a job, or is attending school. I believe the California requirements define residency as such. Again, check with your state's DMV.

[natty bumppo 297]

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

Check with your state's requirements. In California, a valid driver's license from another country is adequate for driving while visiting, however, for someone who resides here, I believe they have 45 days to get a state issued. Some people here have argued over the legality of that - but IMO, legal residency doesn't start until your foreign spouse is approved for a Green Card, has a job, or is attending school. I believe the California requirements define residency as such. Again, check with your state's DMV.

check your State requirements ... the requirements may differ from State to State ....

Edited October 17, 2008 by Natty Bumppo

[diday 0]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

[natty bumppo 297]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

visiting the US and living in the US (residence) are two entirely different things ....

[one...two...tree 2,762]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

visiting the US and living in the US (residence) are two entirely different things ....

I figured you drop in on this. You are not recognized as a legal resident under a K1 until you apply for AOS and are approved, hence why you can't legally work (without an I-765). A foreign K1 spouse, is in every sense of the word, not a legal resident until then. There's no reason why, if her spouse has a legal license from his country and her state recognizes that license that he couldn't or shouldn't drive with it up until AOS.

[KandD 1]

I just want him to be able to drive when he gets here cuz from what i hear in the state of IN , it takes a while to get the state issued Drivers license; they do some kind of check with the USCIS first before they will issue a drivers license.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Here's a similar answer to mine: (K1 visas are called non-immigrant visas for a reason)

How Long can a foreigner drive in Florida, USA, with his country's driving license?

A 19 YEAR OLD MALE WITH A DRIVER LICENSE FROM ECUADOR NEEDS TO KNOW HOW MANY MONTHS CAN I DRIVE WITHOUT HAVIENG TO OBTAIN A FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE.

......

The laws vary by state (I dont live in Florida and I dont know), but generally you have 30-60 days from when you establish residency to get a license. IF you are here on a student Visa or work Visa, you arent considered a resident. Once you get green card, a social security, and become a permanent resident you have the 30-60 days to get a license.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qi...27123207AAG73Oh

Edited October 17, 2008 by Jabberwocky

[IAMX 3,055]

I figured you drop in on this. You are not recognized as a legal resident under a K1 until you apply for AOS and are approved, hence why you can't legally work (without an I-765). A foreign K1 spouse, is in every sense of the word, not a legal resident until then. There's no reason why, if her spouse has a legal license from his country and her state recognizes that license that he couldn't or shouldn't drive with it up until AOS.

Indeed.

This is how it works in California. Hell, by the time your AOS is approved you should long have a CDL already.

Edited October 17, 2008 by SRVT

[natty bumppo 297]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

visiting the US and living in the US (residence) are two entirely different things ....

I figured you drop in on this. You are not recognized as a legal resident under a K1 until you apply for AOS and are approved, hence why you can't legally work (without an I-765). A foreign K1 spouse, is in every sense of the word, not a legal resident until then. There's no reason why, if her spouse has a legal license from his country and her state recognizes that license that he couldn't or shouldn't drive with it up until AOS.

the person asking the question must check the laws their State ...

(unless you are offering pro bono legal advice and will financially support their actions which may be based on your profound wisdom)

[KandD 1]

Thank you everyone for your responses looks like it wont be a problem.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Some states do not accept an IDL, MA being one of them. They accept a valid license from most countries and it is legal to drive using this for up to one year. But as others have suggested, check the laws of your state.

[William33 110]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

This will work with most Cops for an extended period of time, unless you do something stupid....e.g. DWI.

[natty bumppo 297]

you still need to a driver's license in your state. so check it out.

Has anyone thought about having their SO get their international drivers license so that when they immigrate to the US they will be able to drive prior to getting their state issued drivers license? Does anyone know anything about it?

She's wondering if her spouse can legally drive prior to getting a license and in general, most states will recognize a legal driver's license from another country. We have foreign visitors come to the U.S. all the time, rent cars and drive. This situation is no different, except that her husband will eventually become a legal resident. We had family visit us from the Netherlands. They rented a car and drove with no issues.

This will work with most Cops for an extended period of time, unless you do something stupid....e.g. DWI.

Research is your friend .... Start looking for data .....