Requirement for getting a DMV ID in Va

[bxman 13]

We live in Virginia and have filed AOS

We travelled to USCIS in Norfolk on 10 June for biometrics

We have received Social Security Card in her married name

When we went to DMV to get an ID card using PH passport marriage license a bank statement with both our names & address and SSI card we were advised that their legal people said they could not issue an ID card until she receives her I-797 that extends her stay here in America.

Is this correct?

Any advice / experience is welcome

So far she cannot even get a resident fishing license! lol

Thanks!

Don

[Hank_ 9,172]

Could be...

Seriously at the moment the only thing that is allowing your wife to stay in the USA is the I-94 (and its most likely expired), so they just want proof that your wife is "legal"

We waited until my wife had her EAD/AP combo card before heading to DMV to get her learners permit, the card arrived about 2 months after filing AOS. When she passed the drivers test she already had her GC and DMV tied the expiration of her driver's license to the date on the GC.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Hank_

[Hypnos 6,576]

You will need to show proof of legal presence. VA is one of those states that no longer accepts the EAD for this purpose anymore.

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/legal_pres_review.pdf part (i) indicates that an applicant for AoS is eligible for an ID card; you should show them a copy of the I-797C receipt for your wife's pending I-485 as proof of this.

[bxman 13]

Could be...

Seriously at the moment the only thing that is allowing your wife to stay in the USA is the I-94 (and its most likely expired), so they just want proof that your wife is "legal"

We waited until my wife had her EAD/AP combo card before heading to DMV to get her learners permit, the card arrived about 2 months after filing AOS. When she passed the drivers test she already had her GC and DMV tied the expiration of her driver's license to the date on the GC.

Hey thanks Hank

Guess we'll just give it a couple months

I just can't understand how illegals can get so MANY things and she can not even get an ID or resident fishing license!

Too Crazy

[bxman 13]

You will need to show proof of legal presence. VA is one of those states that no longer accepts the EAD for this purpose anymore.

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/legal_pres_review.pdf part (i) indicates that an applicant for AoS is eligible for an ID card; you should show them a copy of the I-797C receipt for your wife's pending I-485 as proof of this.

Thanks IMM

I think I'll return with the I-797C with the Biometric stamp

She WOULD fall under the eligible as an individual with a pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident status

Thank you for sharing that DMV link!

I printed a copy to take with me to DMV

Don

[Hank_ 9,172]

Hey thanks Hank

Guess we'll just give it a couple months

I just can't understand how illegals can get so MANY things and she can not even get an ID or resident fishing license!

Too Crazy

Tell me about it... illegals seem to get their butts kissed and it very annoying. Here in AZ it all too well known.

I don't believe in amnesty for any of the illegals, to me that is rewarding them for breaking the law. Here your wife is following the rules, same as with my wife, jumping through every hoop, dotting the "I" crossing the "t" .... errrrrrrrrrr don't get me started.

I see from another post that VA won't accept the EAD card, well you have the 797 notifying you that USCIS has your application so that should be good enough.

Don't rush or stress... it will all happen.

[ppihtr123 68]

Yes Va. DMV is a pain. they will issue with a 797 but it will expire in one year. then you have to renew for 2 when you get the CR, then again when you get the 10 year, then again for citizenship. If I remember right, they only take the 797 for the 485, not the 130 at that first step.

EDIT: USCIS form I-797 displaying applicant's name (depending on the purpose and nature of the form, the I-797 may not be accepted - an I-797 issued for an I-765 petition/work authorization is not acceptable).

Edited June 18, 2013 by ppihtr123

[KrystelKyle 16]

True true DMV Va is a little pain. I have to wait too to get mine. I also live in VA?

[Jim-Michelle 5]

Good timing on this topic. I was going to take Michelle for her learner's permit when her SS card arrives. More waiting.

[bxman 13]

I guess this makes us expert waiters??

I'll post our results after we retry on Saturday

[bxman 13]

Sorry I forgot to update this

We went to DMV as planned on 22 June with plans on getting an ID card

When we asked for an ID card the lady asked my wife if she had been studying her learners manual to which she screamed :YES!!! lol

Anyway she was told she could try for that and if she failed she could still get the ID

It is mandatory you get all of the first 10 questions right in order to proceed to the next 25 questions I believe it was

The first 10 were about road signs

The 25 were general questions and 70% was passing

When my wife got a passing score she yelled YEAH!

The whole place applauded!!! lol

Anyhow she now holds a valid learners permit which we put to use as often as possible

She smiles from ear to ear everytime we go out for driving lessons

Oh and yes the Learners Permit is a valid state issued form of ID

It took about 6-7 working days for it to arrive by mail

Hope this helps

Edited July 9, 2013 by bxman

[Hank_ 9,172]

Congrats on the permit!

It takes about 6 - 7 minutes for the permit to arrive in AZ, they are printed on the spot, same for driver's license. That was one thing that impressed me when I first moved here.

[bxman 13]

Virginia once issued them at the local DMV also until a DMV clerk got caught selling permits and ID cards. lol

Now they ALL get done in Danville Va. for control purposes