Wouldn't allow me to get a Driver's License :(

[AlinaH 38]

Ok, so my i-94 and K-1 Visa expire tomorrow. I have applied for AOS and have gotten the email NOA1 saying that they are processing it. A month ago, I went to the DMV in California to apply for my license. They allowed me to get my temporary license after I took the written test but because they are so slow in there, there was no time to do the behind the wheel test. The next appt. they had was today. So I go back in today and now they tell me that I can't do it because I have no more valid immigration documents. ARGH. I tried explaining the process to the lady but of course she didn't understand and just said that I need something to prove my status here.

So my question is, what can I take in to prove that I am allowed to get my drivers license?

Thanks!

[Anh map 2,098]

You don't have a status that will satisfy most DMV's. You will likely have to wait until you have green card in hand.

[AlinaH 38]

I guess my NOA doesn't prove anything does it? What about when I get my EAD, would that work?

[Harsh_77 718]

From what I have seen most DMV would want to see your actual GC.

[AlinaH 38]

Ugh so frustrating! Ok thanks, guess I'll just have to wait it out.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

I guess my NOA doesn't prove anything does it? What about when I get my EAD, would that work?

Think about what the NOA actually proves, only that you have applied for a Greencard. The DMV wants to see that you are in status not in limbo which is all the NOA proves.

Sorry...

[Inky 1,111]

Cali is one of the harder DMVs to please, you need your GC with them sadly.

[Harsh_77 718]

Cali is one of the harder DMVs to please, you need your GC with them sadly.

Not just Cali, most DMVs are strict now.

I had my DL even before I got CR1, when I went to get address changed on my DL I had CR1 stamped on my passport.

DMV only gave me 1 yr on my new DL as CR1 stamp was only valid for 1 yr. I had to take my GC when it came to get another DL that was beyond 1 year limit.

And yes I had to pay for the cost of the card every single time even though it’s the change in DMV process…

[calibob 73]

Cali is one of the harder DMVs to please, you need your GC with them sadly.

AND your birth certificate AND your proof of insurance AND your title AND a blood signed contract AND you must be able to juggle 6 balls while hoola hooping through a tunnel of fire!!!! (blindfolded!!!) Purely an exaggeration but you get the picture.....best when you go to have all the info they may need. I found they'll ask for things till you don't have it, then send you out after it. You come back just to find that you need something else after waiting 3 weeks for an appt. Ask for everything you'll need and write it down. They won't offer anything or any info to you at all. Also sometimes the requirements change from teller to teller.......VERY FRUSTRATING!!!!

Bob

[Inky 1,111]

Not just Cali, most DMVs are strict now.

I had my DL even before I got CR1, when I went to get address changed on my DL I had CR1 stamped on my passport.

DMV only gave me 1 yr on my new DL as CR1 stamp was only valid for 1 yr. I had to take my GC when it came to get another DL that was beyond 1 year limit.

And yes I had to pay for the cost of the card every single time even though it's the change in DMV process…

Canada has agreements with US DMV generally you can get your new drivers license on the spot with your Canadian license only needing to take the written test or booking a driving test and getting your license right away after that.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I guess my NOA doesn't prove anything does it? What about when I get my EAD, would that work?

You're right, the NOA proves nothing except that you filed. You could have been denied by now. You could have your packet rejected and are just carrying around the NOA to try and get benefits. I'm not saying you ARE but that's why they don't usually accept it (some states do, a lot of things in the US are state dependent).

Some states are fine with the EAD but the licence would only be valid until the EAD expires and you'd have to go back and renew it.

Do you have a Canadian licence? Some states permit just handing over the Canadian licence for a US one. Even if i COULD do that (which I can't) I would still prefer to keep my Aussie licence for times when I visit. Taking the tests weren't that big a deal.

Anyway, look up the DMV info here: http://dmv.ca.gov/portal/home/dmv.htm

Here is the process: http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two500 and the link to prove birth date and legal presence: http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#BDLP and you can see "Employment Authorization card" is in the list.

Cali is one of the harder DMVs to please, you need your GC with them sadly.

No they don't. I posted the list above. The EAD is also accepted.

[AlinaH 38]

You're right, the NOA proves nothing except that you filed. You could have been denied by now. You could have your packet rejected and are just carrying around the NOA to try and get benefits. I'm not saying you ARE but that's why they don't usually accept it (some states do, a lot of things in the US are state dependent).

Some states are fine with the EAD but the licence would only be valid until the EAD expires and you'd have to go back and renew it.

Do you have a Canadian licence? Some states permit just handing over the Canadian licence for a US one. Even if i COULD do that (which I can't) I would still prefer to keep my Aussie licence for times when I visit. Taking the tests weren't that big a deal.

Anyway, look up the DMV info here: http://dmv.ca.gov/portal/home/dmv.htm

Here is the process: http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two500 and the link to prove birth date and legal presence: http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#BDLP and you can see "Employment Authorization card" is in the list.

No they don't. I posted the list above. The EAD is also accepted.

Thanks! Yeah I kinda figured about the NOA, was just trying to push my luck .

[Harsh_77 718]

Canada has agreements with US DMV generally you can get your new drivers license on the spot with your Canadian license only needing to take the written test or booking a driving test and getting your license right away after that.

yes there might be an agreement as each states have these kinda agreement with various countries.

But it seems OP is not going that route and is just going via a normal process to get DL.

If you go via the CA DL route she would only get a 6 month US DL, after that she will have to go back with her GC and get new DL with longer expiry time.

[AlinaH 38]

yes there might be an agreement as each states have these kinda agreement with various countries.

But it seems OP is not going that route and is just going via a normal process to get DL.

If you go via the CA DL route she would only get a 6 month US DL, after that she will have to go back with her GC and get new DL with longer expiry time.

Would I have to give up my CAD drivers license? If that were an option, wouldn't they have told me that when I showed them my CAD license?

[Harsh_77 718]

Would I have to give up my CAD drivers license? If that were an option, wouldn't they have told me that when I showed them my CAD license?

Yes as far as I am aware you have to give up your CA lic if you go that route, its more like exchanging one for another.

ummm not all DMV folks are that smart to offer you another solution..... its unfortunate.

When I was looking up the only information I found was one would need a SSN to exchange the Lic, if that is true then you back to square one as you cannot get a SSN until AOS is complete.