What do you do when your driving licence expires?

[Roosterwife 0]

As an H1-B in the midst of the AOS process (I just did my biometrics this morning), I was wondering what to do when my FL driver's licence (and H1-B status) expires at the end of December.

Can I not get a new licence until my green card is approved?

Or do I have to wait until I get my EAD (which will hopefully be before then)?

Help!

Thanks

[khool 0]

As an H1-B in the midst of the AOS process (I just did my biometrics this morning), I was wondering what to do when my FL driver's licence (and H1-B status) expires at the end of December.

Can I not get a new licence until my green card is approved?

Or do I have to wait until I get my EAD (which will hopefully be before then)?

Help!

Thanks

I assume you have a social security number...that should be enough to renew your license. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I would just go to your local DMV and ask to renew.

[Roosterwife 0]

Yes, I do have a SSN.

However, for non-immigrants, I believe that your licence can only be issued for as long as you have legal status (ie: the length of my H1-B) and you have to take your immigration docs with you when you go to renew.

My I-94 is only valid until the end of December, so I'm not sure what to do about driving after that time (although I have received a note to renew in the mail, asking me to bring proof of status with me.)

It's bad enough that I won't be able to work again until the EAD comes through, but to not be able to drive either ... oy!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Check with the Florida State Department of Vehicles to ensure this, but you should be able to use your EAD as proof of your legal status. Some states do require the Green Card but I don't believe Florida is one of them. Hopefully, it will arrive before your current license expires so you don't have to do the tests all over again to get re-approved.

Edited October 12, 2006 by Kathryn41

[Waiting in Vancouver 6]

Couldn't you drive on your UK license for a certain time frame in Florida ?? I know in Illinois I can drive for 90 days on my Canadian License ... Although I am unsure if the 90 days is from when you first arrive on the K-1 visa or 90 days after you receive your GC (I have been unable to find a definate answer to this one) ...

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Couldn't you drive on your UK license for a certain time frame in Florida ??

Depends on how long the Limey has been on H1-b (up to 3 years on one issuance, another three on first renewal, AOS renewal in 1-year increments); but it's likely to have been too long for UK licence to be usable.

I know in Illinois I can drive for 90 days on my Canadian License ... Although I am unsure if the 90 days is from when you first arrive on the K-1 visa or 90 days after you receive your GC (I have been unable to find a definate answer to this one) ...

[Roosterwife 0]

I don't have a UK licence and I've already been here for 3.5 years, so I don't think that will work for me. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I don't have a UK licence and I've already been here for 3.5 years, so I don't think that will work for me. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

BTW, you realise you could have gotten away without EAD and AP (H1-b's are allowed to renew in 1-year increments till AOS complete)?

[Roosterwife 0]

No, actually I didn't know that. But I applied for the EAD because I want to be free to "explore my options" with other employers once it arrives. ( nudge-nudge, wink-wink!)

And since my family lives abroad, I wanted to be able to travel at will after the H expires, hence the AP application.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

No, actually I didn't know that. But I applied for the EAD because I want to be free to "explore my options" with other employers once it arrives. ( nudge-nudge, wink-wink!)

And since my family lives abroad, I wanted to be able to travel at will after the H expires, hence the AP application.

Well, I guess if you're going to apply for the EAD, the AP needs to be there as package for travel abroad; those renewing H1-b in increments can travel "freely" on it.

[aidan80 9]

As an H1-B in the midst of the AOS process (I just did my biometrics this morning), I was wondering what to do when my FL driver's licence (and H1-B status) expires at the end of December.

Can I not get a new licence until my green card is approved?

Or do I have to wait until I get my EAD (which will hopefully be before then)?

Help!

Thanks

I got my Florida learners license at the local DHSMV office. Check the DHSMV site it’ll tell you exactly what documents they require to issue a license to a non USC.

I showed up with my EAD Card, Passport, Social Security Card and my AOS Interview Notice.. which they ignored. All my documents were scanned; I took the rules of the road test and paid $20 for the license. About 1 week later I had the license in the mail and as expected it was valid for the duration of my EAD.

Good Luck!

[Roosterwife 0]

Thanks Aidan80.

I passed the test three years ago and already have a full FL driver's licence ... I just wanted to know how to renew it after my H1-B status expires.

From the responses on the forum I've received so far it seems that I will have to wait until my EAD arrives before I can renew it, but I'll check the website and see eactly what they want.

[Peikko 1,575]

So, finally I have an SSN number and want to set about getting my California driving licence.

I booked an appointment online for 8.50 this morning in Westminster. I arrived early and was seen immediately because of my booking.

I filled in an application form, handed over my GC and UK driving licence and waited while he did the date entry thingy. He then did a perfunctory eye test!

Once that was completed it was off to have my digits scanned and the gruesome portrait. I was then sent over to another desk where I was given a strip of card/paper with some multi choice questions on and I thought, woah nellie, I haven't studied for this yet!

Oh well, I thought I would give it a go, and I got enough right! Ok, I got two wrong but you are allowed to get 3 wrong if it's a renewal and 6 if it's your first time, which I think is odd but hey! I had to guess a few, like the legal alcohol limit, like, I know it's illegal to drink and drive, so I don't, but what's the legal percentage of alcohol units? I managed to guess that one right though.

So, I thought, now I have to wait until I do my driven test before I can drive. WRONG! As I had a full and current UK licence I am entitled to a 60 day temporary licence.

I now have a nice window to get the driven test done and in the meantime I can legally drive. Happy days.

[aidan80 9]

Thanks Aidan80.

I passed the test three years ago and already have a full FL driver's licence ... I just wanted to know how to renew it after my H1-B status expires.

From the responses on the forum I've received so far it seems that I will have to wait until my EAD arrives before I can renew it, but I'll check the website and see eactly what they want.

I would imagine you could have you’re EAD before you’re current visa and drivers license expires in which case could take the EAD, SSN and old license to the DHSMV and have it renewed for the duration of the EAD. I think but not 100% sure it’s around $10 or there about for a renewal.

Well the DHSMV website essentially had the same requirements for obtaining a State ID, Learners Permit and a standard Driving License. I got my license with an EAD, SSN and passport I assume you shouldn’t have a problem once you get your EAD.

Good Luck!

[mybackpages 0]

http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqkeys.html#RenDupRep

According to this link you must renew your lisence in person because you are non USC, btu all you have to show is you have legal status not completed AOS. Youare in legal status wile adjusting.

Hope it helps