K1 Visa holder. EAD in process. How can I apply for bank account and driver's license?

[Brinuh 0]

Hi everyone,

I came to New Jersey on a K1 visa back in December 2015. I got my SSN upon 2 weeks after my arrival. I got married in February 2016 and filed for my AOS, EAD and AP right after. I am expecting my EAD this month (going by the average 90 days waiting period). Is the EAD enough to open a bank account and apply for a driver's license?

Thanks in advance.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from Fam-based AOS to Moving the US and Your New Life in America Forum~

~Similar topics are very often discussed at this forum~

(mod hat off)

When you get a chance, It helps everyone that uses, or is helped by the forum.

The individual States have jurisdiction over driver's licenses, each State can have differing requirements. As such, you should do a Google search to find the New Jersey Dept of Licensing or DMV, and review their specific requirements. You can also review recent threads, perhaps someone has recently obtained a New Jersey driver's license.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[Mykonos 10]

It depends on your state, but I believe you should be able to get a drivers license and open a bank account with your EAD. If you have trouble, I would recommend getting a state ID and using that to get your stuff in order.

[ryna 132]

It depends on your state, but I believe you should be able to get a drivers license and open a bank account with your EAD. If you have trouble, I would recommend getting a state ID and using that to get your stuff in order.

State ID is almost certain to have the same documentation requirements as a driver's license (minus driving related docs) but the OP should not have a problem getting either with the EAD, although some states might require that you have additional documentation - name on utility bill as proof of residence, etc. Again, check with your state Dept. of Motor Vehicles for the exact requirements.

This should be useful:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/Licenses/ident_ver_posterpint.pdf

[Yuri S 4]

I applied a bank account using my Ead card. I also used my Ead card to take the written instruction permit test and attempted to proceed with drivers license but they took too long it needed approval from USCIS first. Some states even like kansas would allow with just the ssn. So i just waited for my green card before taking the driving test because I need time to practive anyway before taking the test. So yes you can use it. Most states allows it. Even if not. It does not hurt to try. You will not know the answer unless you try.

Edited May 2, 2016 by Yuri S

[Pinkrlion 2,612]

You also need your SSN to do both. It depends on the state and bank what documents they accept.