Obtaining a Driver's License After Moving to US

[Paul and Kathy 2]

My husband moved to Colorado in early March and has been trying to get his driver's license for the past 4 months. We filed for the AOS and green card in May. After getting the run around from the DMV, we just received a letter saying he is not eligible for a driver's license at this time because his I-485/I-765 application is pending.

Does anyone know if he needs his green card or AOS to be complete prior to getting his driver's license? Any info is much appreciated!

[yumpop076 0]

You can't get a DL until the 1-765 is approved. The 1-765 will most Likey be approved within one or two months before of the 1-485 interview.

[NikLR 13,227]

He will at this point, need his EAD/AP card to get a driver's license. Does he have that?

if you go here: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1177024843137 click on driver's license and a pop up shows what is acceptable ID. You have to fufil all the requirements - Identity, Age, Name, and Lawful Presence.

Here is the pop up page anyhow...

(clickable thumbnail)

If they can't find him in SAVE he'll have to wait for his green card (which is the I-551) and then try again.

This will also help: http://www.colorado.gov/apps/dor/dmv/smartstart/apply/newLicenseForeignNationals.jsf

[NinaD 6]

I moved to Ohio from Canada. I needed my SS# AND my green card to get my DL. He can use his UK or International DL to drive with until he is able to get the US one . He just won't have US ID for now.

Edited July 12, 2013 by NinaD

[Adrian-Danielle 12]

I used my Canadian (Ontario) drivers license to swap it with a New York state license using my k1 visa . No problems at the DMV.

[Pitaya 2,577]

As has been often mentioned in this forum, driver's license requirements vary from state to state. Check the local requirements of your DOL/DMV, etc. for specifics. Here is a great spreadsheet from fellow VJ member, LeftCoastLady:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alp-hKNFww4IdDZ4eWtmRnhDVWw4d1JYV2p6RVExTnc#gid=0

Good luck.

[sofasonics 3]

I'm from germany and my I-765 has not been approved yet but I got my DL just showing up there and showing my marriage license, SSN and my pending AOS.

Also, Germany and Colorado have a special agreement, so I was able to trade my german DL!

Edited July 23, 2013 by sofasonics

[Paul and Kathy 2]

I'm from germany and my I-765 has not been approved yet but I got my DL just showing up there and showing my marriage license, SSN and my pending AOS.

Also, Germany and Colorado have a special agreement, so I was able to trade my german DL!

Thanks to everyone for the information.

The EAD arrived today so I will be going to the DMV tomorrow to try again.

If it wasn't for VJ I know this whole process would have been so much harder.

Paul & Kathy

[Paul and Kathy 2]

So after yet another trip to the DMV, this time with my EAD they still cant issue a permit. They advised going to the SAVE office in Lakewood, Denver. The office is only open on Wednesdays and only until 2pm. Apparently there is a note on SAVE and they can't issue a permit until its resolved. After some searching on google, it appears that I need to make an INFOPASS appointment with the USCIS. Apparently they are the only ones who can update SAVE. So the appointment is booked and I will update everyone when I get any more news.

[Paul and Kathy 2]

So after visiting USCIS infopass things got better. They are really helpful and they called the DMV direct. It first appeared that the DMV had completely screwed up my SAVE record but in the end it turns out that the paperwork they gave me had the wrong case ID on it. So after yet another visit to the DMV (the main office in Lakewood) they ran the check again and it turned out that the local DMV office should have issued me with a permit. So at last I have a permit and a test already booked for next week.

I would highly recommend anyone using the USCIS infopass route. They guy was really great and helpful. It was so good to be able to talk to a real person face to face.

Once again, thanks everyone for the help. We couldn't do it without you