He Just Wants To Drive!

[Dar&Shan 3]

Hey there fellow VJers! Please forgive me for asking multiple questions in this post My now husband came here on a K1 in January, and we married that same day. About a week later, we went to the DMV, and he was issued an Arkansas driver's license; however, it was only valid for 3 months. So that expired in April, and he obviously isn't driving now. We got notification this week that his EAD has been ordered, and we should have it in a few weeks. The problem is-how can he go to work if he can't drive? The lady at the DMV said he can't get a permanent license until he receives his GC! Is this true? My other question involves the USCIS website. When we enter his case number, we get the status update for the EAD. How, or can we, track the advance parole and the 485? Any advice is much appreciated

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Odd. The DMV here gave me a temporary license - they had it expire when my EAD expires. I suggest, when the EAD comes, to go back to the DMV.

[ceadsearc 516]

It varies by state. Some states will give another temp license that expires when the EAD expires so you can check into that. Otherwise, he will have to wait.

You should have NOAs with different numbers for each application that you can use to track. If they just aren't showing up its because USCIS's computer system is glitchy sometimes. Our 485 took 3 months to show up online.

[Dar&Shan 3]

Odd. The DMV here gave me a temporary license - they had it expire when my EAD expires. I suggest, when the EAD comes, to go back to the DMV.

Thanks for the fast response-that is exactly what we'll do!

[Dar&Shan 3]

It varies by state. Some states will give another temp license that expires when the EAD expires so you can check into that. Otherwise, he will have to wait.

You should have NOAs with different numbers for each application that you can use to track. If they just aren't showing up its because USCIS's computer system is glitchy sometimes. Our 485 took 3 months to show up online.

I feel like a complete dork! I didn't even pay attention to the fact that we had 3 separate numbers But, thanks to you, I just checked the website and got some great updates!!!

[rocks 494]

It depends on your state and who you deal with at the DMV. They wouldn't issue me a learners permit without the approval notice for my GC. The lady at the DMV was adamant that a work permit wasn't enough. It is very difficult to get around here without a car too, he must be getting cabin fever! Hopefully the DMV will accept his EAD, if not maybe he can get the bus?

Edited May 19, 2012 by rocks

[LinaMD 8]

Hey there fellow VJers! Please forgive me for asking multiple questions in this post My now husband came here on a K1 in January, and we married that same day. About a week later, we went to the DMV, and he was issued an Arkansas driver's license; however, it was only valid for 3 months. So that expired in April, and he obviously isn't driving now. We got notification this week that his EAD has been ordered, and we should have it in a few weeks. The problem is-how can he go to work if he can't drive? The lady at the DMV said he can't get a permanent license until he receives his GC! Is this true? My other question involves the USCIS website. When we enter his case number, we get the status update for the EAD. How, or can we, track the advance parole and the 485? Any advice is much appreciated

Wait... How is your husband working without an EAD?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Wait... How is your husband working without an EAD?

She didn't say that he was, I don't think. I think she meant that he was receiving approval to work, but how could he work without being able to drive?

[Dar&Shan 3]

It depends on your state and who you deal with at the DMV. They wouldn't issue me a learners permit without the approval notice for my GC. The lady at the DMV was adamant that a work permit wasn't enough. It is very difficult to get around here without a car too, he must be getting cabin fever! Hopefully the DMV will accept his EAD, if not maybe he can get the bus?

Unfortunately, our town is too small for public transit

Wait... How is your husband working without an EAD?

Oh, he's not working yet, we're just thinking ahead.

She didn't say that he was, I don't think. I think she meant that he was receiving approval to work, but how could he work without being able to drive?

Exactly

[Tinchen_ 21]

With the dmv and driver license do they accept it when he shows his ssn and the I-797 form. That shows he applied for the green card.and that he has a permant address in the states. like the lease for your apartment or house where he is on it as well. Maybe they could accept that.hope it all works out.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

With the dmv and driver license do they accept it when he shows his ssn and the I-797 form. That shows he applied for the green card.and that he has a permant address in the states. like the lease for your apartment or house where he is on it as well. Maybe they could accept that.hope it all works out.

Most states require some proof of lawful presence before they'll issue a license or identification card. The type of proof they'll accept varies from one state to another.

[rocks 494]

With the dmv and driver license do they accept it when he shows his ssn and the I-797 form. That shows he applied for the green card.and that he has a permant address in the states. like the lease for your apartment or house where he is on it as well. Maybe they could accept that.hope it all works out.

They accepted my NOA2 at the DMV, that might save him a few extra weeks of waiting at least.

[LaSoleil 0]

I had the same problem at the DMV in Tennessee. They didn't want to accept the EAD because it's only valid for a certain time.. That's what the lady there told me. I went there yesterday with my GC and got my learner's permit.

As the others said, it really depends on the state you're living in.

[Tygrys 143]

North Carolina DMV will issue DL based on EAD. DL will have the same expiration date as EAD.

[Smiley-one 13]

I got my drivers license in Virginia and I got it for 1 year. All I had to show them was my unexpired I94, my passport, marriage license, bank statement and my unexpired Ontario, Canada drivers license. When I get my green card I will go back and get my license for a longer period of time.