Drivers License

[korameri 0]

Hi,

We just sent my wife's AOS last week. Of course, I've not heard anything from the USCIS yet, but no worries I know for sure that it's gonna take some time.

Anyway, before we had submiited her AOS, my wife received a SSN first which will last as same as the expiration for the I-94 according to SSN office. Thus, I was wondering if she can still get her drivers license in California before she gets something from USCIS like EAD.

Also on her SSN card shows "Valid for work only with DHS authorization", does it mean that she can't either work or drive?

Please let me know...

Thank you very much

[Otto 83]

First - the social security card doesn't expire - it is hers for life.

Secondly - the Valid for Work only with DHS authorization means she will need either the EAD or PR/Green Card to work. In California, I believe they want to see the PR/Green Card in order to issue the DL (some states they want to at least see the EAD).

[Ed+Cindy 1]

Each state is different.

Google the California DMV.

In Oregon, you need at least EAD to get a license.

There are a few states that allow it without EAD or PR/GC.

[Hannah+Vito 0]

You need proof of residence with at least 60 days validity left for learneds permit or 90 days for full licence in ca. When you get ead you will be able to apply for drivers licence in ca but licence will only be valid for same ammount of time as proof you used. Also make sure her name on ssn is the same as the proof you are using I couldn't process my application last week because ssn was in maiden and ead was married. So had to go change it, which I did sucessfuly now gunna try again tomorrow.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I was looking at this yesterday. Some people have found they can get a temporary license with the SSN (60 days) and a one year with EAD. I also think a few people couldn't get it until EAD.

The way the laws are set up there is a gap in terms of licensure with regards to your current foreign license (based on a state technicality), though if you word things carefully you should have no problem if stopped.

Edited August 27, 2009 by lancer1655