Drivers licenses in Mississippi

[breter 0]

Anyone have an experience with getting a DL here in MS as foreign spouse of a US citizen? MS requires proof that you are legal to reside in the US for 180 days or more before issuing a drivers license. I know once you filing the I-130/I-485 (visa waiver marriage) and it is accepted, you are legal until the process is complete, but does the NOA specifically state this and can it be used to get a drivers license?

[payxibka 10,044]

Anyone have an experience with getting a DL here in MS as foreign spouse of a US citizen? MS requires proof that you are legal to reside in the US for 180 days or more before issuing a drivers license. I know once you filing the I-130/I-485 (visa waiver marriage) and it is accepted, you are legal until the process is complete, but does the NOA specifically state this and can it be used to get a drivers license?

Not just MS... most states are like this..

the best answer comes from the MS DMV website as to what they will accept as acceptable docuemnts

[YuAndDan 153]

Once you have EAD card, then apply for driver's license, the EAD card is proof of legal presence. Most states require SSN and proof of legal presence (EAD card, Green-card, US citizenship, I-94 card valid longer than 90 days (K-3), I-551 stamp, (Some accept the I-485 NOA1 letter))

[breter 0]

Anyone have an experience with getting a DL here in MS as foreign spouse of a US citizen? MS requires proof that you are legal to reside in the US for 180 days or more before issuing a drivers license. I know once you filing the I-130/I-485 (visa waiver marriage) and it is accepted, you are legal until the process is complete, but does the NOA specifically state this and can it be used to get a drivers license?

Not just MS... most states are like this..

the best answer comes from the MS DMV website as to what they will accept as acceptable docuemnts

Unfortunately, that isn't true. The website is outdated and they really don't have much on there at all about getting a license without a social (other than its possible)

[payxibka 10,044]

Anyone have an experience with getting a DL here in MS as foreign spouse of a US citizen? MS requires proof that you are legal to reside in the US for 180 days or more before issuing a drivers license. I know once you filing the I-130/I-485 (visa waiver marriage) and it is accepted, you are legal until the process is complete, but does the NOA specifically state this and can it be used to get a drivers license?

Not just MS... most states are like this..

the best answer comes from the MS DMV website as to what they will accept as acceptable docuemnts

Unfortunately, that isn't true. The website is outdated and they really don't have much on there at all about getting a license without a social (other than its possible)

the a trek to the DMV office appears to be in your future

[belgrade09 0]

My fiance just got her learners permit in NC, but it expires on the date that her K-1 expires. I am assuming we will have to wait for her EAD before applying for a full license.

[Stella08 0]

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/div...us?OpenDocument

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

I've heard more than once that employees have given applicants a hard time and that they didn't know all the laws and regulations when it comes to immigrants. For example, my friend had a hard time renewing her driver's license because all she had was her expired greecard plus a letter stating that she has applied for a new greencard and that this letter was her extension valid for a year or until she received the new greencard. The employee at DMV didn't want to accept this letter as a valid document that she was a legal alien. Well, that much said, a lot of times it helps to ask to speak to a supervisor (you might have to be persistent about this). Also, take the printout from the official website with you as proof what documents are required. Good luck!

If nothing works, contact your congressman.

[YuAndDan 153]

My fiance just got her learners permit in NC, but it expires on the date that her K-1 expires. I am assuming we will have to wait for her EAD before applying for a full license.

Correct,

Keep in mind the DMV is controlled by the state, NOT the US government, so rules and requirements varry by the 50 states.

[breter 0]

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/div...us?OpenDocument

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

I've heard more than once that employees have given applicants a hard time and that they didn't know all the laws and regulations when it comes to immigrants. For example, my friend had a hard time renewing her driver's license because all she had was her expired greecard plus a letter stating that she has applied for a new greencard and that this letter was her extension valid for a year or until she received the new greencard. The employee at DMV didn't want to accept this letter as a valid document that she was a legal alien. Well, that much said, a lot of times it helps to ask to speak to a supervisor (you might have to be persistent about this). Also, take the printout from the official website with you as proof what documents are required. Good luck!

If nothing works, contact your congressman.

Exactly, we went to the drivers license office and she was told that she had to take a driver test... She got the book, studied for a few days, then after standing in line another couple of hours, we were told she cannot get a drivers license because her I-94 expires in a month. Then he showed me a memo from some LT stating that the person is required to be legal for 180 or more days. I'm not sure what peice of paper (other than green card) specifically says someone is legal for 180 or more days, but I'm hoping the NOA helps somewhat. She needs to be able to drive!

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

This is only for work, or student visa holders apparently, and those with green cards, not someone applying for AOS.

Edited June 5, 2009 by Terry D

[payxibka 10,044]

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/div...us?OpenDocument

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

I've heard more than once that employees have given applicants a hard time and that they didn't know all the laws and regulations when it comes to immigrants. For example, my friend had a hard time renewing her driver's license because all she had was her expired greecard plus a letter stating that she has applied for a new greencard and that this letter was her extension valid for a year or until she received the new greencard. The employee at DMV didn't want to accept this letter as a valid document that she was a legal alien. Well, that much said, a lot of times it helps to ask to speak to a supervisor (you might have to be persistent about this). Also, take the printout from the official website with you as proof what documents are required. Good luck!

If nothing works, contact your congressman.

Exactly, we went to the drivers license office and she was told that she had to take a driver test... She got the book, studied for a few days, then after standing in line another couple of hours, we were told she cannot get a drivers license because her I-94 expires in a month. Then he showed me a memo from some LT stating that the person is required to be legal for 180 or more days. I'm not sure what peice of paper (other than green card) specifically says someone is legal for 180 or more days, but I'm hoping the NOA helps somewhat. She needs to be able to drive!

If push comes to shove, the EAD card will have a 1 year expiration date when it comes

[NickD 202]

http://www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/div...us?OpenDocument

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or identification card except for providing a social security card. The license or identification card will be valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.

You must present valid immigration papers, including a birth certificate (translated by a state run university), passport, I-94, proof of domicile and alien resident card (if you have one).

I've heard more than once that employees have given applicants a hard time and that they didn't know all the laws and regulations when it comes to immigrants. For example, my friend had a hard time renewing her driver's license because all she had was her expired greecard plus a letter stating that she has applied for a new greencard and that this letter was her extension valid for a year or until she received the new greencard. The employee at DMV didn't want to accept this letter as a valid document that she was a legal alien. Well, that much said, a lot of times it helps to ask to speak to a supervisor (you might have to be persistent about this). Also, take the printout from the official website with you as proof what documents are required. Good luck!

If nothing works, contact your congressman.

We had problems renewing my wife's driver's license with an expired conditional resident card by with that one year extension notice, DMV officer said, what in the hell is an extension notice. I raised holy hell with my governors office on this, not our fault the USCIS is so damn slow. He had a newly appointed immigration officer that didn't know anything either, so had to spend a week educating him. Wife finally got her eight year driver's license with an apology from our state.

Ironically, when we got her USC certificate, I brought that in to our local DMV office, they didn't even want to look at it, just said, when she reapplies, just to check that she is a USC. Could only reply, can illegals do that too? No comment.

Have to admit, before I met my wife, was totally naive about immigration, did hear about a green card, but thought it was a card that was green. Thought we could just get married and live happily ever after, boy, was I in for a surprise. State passes laws without proper training to their employees, the newest law is making employers responsible for only hiring legals, they are also dead lost on this subject.

Thought immigration was a federal issue, but since they ain't doing nuttin, states are taking over, they are doing something, but don't know what they are doing.

Anyway, don't bother your congressman, but do bug your governor.

[bslsailor 0]

Terry -

Just stopped by the DMV in Bay St Louis, MS Friday -

Same story - must be legal for 180 days -

My SO is still on her K1 Visa for 90 days, plan to marry in mid-July

(She has her SS card now)

They also want her Brazilian Birth Certificate translated by a University -

Have you gotten a translation yet? Would like to hear from you if you have a contact for that!

Thanks, John

[Kathryn41 3,205]

moved from Citizenship forum to Working and Travelling prior to getting a green card forum

[soniew910 0]

Wait for your EAD to arrive. Then you can apply for driver license. You will have to wait a month before a driver license will be mailed to you.

Edited June 7, 2009 by soniew910

[breter 0]

Terry -

Just stopped by the DMV in Bay St Louis, MS Friday -

Same story - must be legal for 180 days -

My SO is still on her K1 Visa for 90 days, plan to marry in mid-July

(She has her SS card now)

They also want her Brazilian Birth Certificate translated by a University -

Have you gotten a translation yet? Would like to hear from you if you have a contact for that!

Thanks, John

Yes, it took a few days but we just went to Jackson State University. http://international.jsums.edu/

Just find the closest state run university and I'm sure they can handle that for you.