Driver's license in Chicago, Illinois during ROC

[AK_2014 113]

Here's our experience, in case it helps other searching for this topic.

Situation:

- We recently moved to Illinois.

- 2-year green card will expire in 2 weeks (along with old driver's license from previous state on same day)

- NOA1 extension letter received a few weeks ago.

- We went to the downtown DMV to get new licenses.

Mine was easy-peasy (USC), but spouse was told she would have to take the driving test, even though she is coming in with a valid license from another US State.

We don't even have a car here, so we rented one & went to the North facility on Elston. There, the gatekeeper took one look at her documents, said "Why did they say you have to take a driving test? You have a valid license from state X. You shouldn't have to do the driving test. Go check with the supervisor over there."

Supervisor concurred, said no driving test was needed. She was able to get the license issued on the spot.

Outcome: License is on its way in the mail. They took the extension letter at face value, no questions asked. We think the license will expire one year from current green card expiry date, and hopefully 10-year card will have arrived by then.

Moral of the story: Different DMVs do say different things. We got unexpectedly good news!

[AK_2014 113]

Update: official license arrived in the mail & will expire a year from conditional green card expiration date.

Best of luck to anyone dealing with getting/renewing a license during ROC.

[AK_2014 113]

Second update, almost a year later, in case anyone ever searches for this situation and finds the thread:

 

ROC still pending. Have applied for citizenship in the meantime. The extension letter is about to expire. Got an I-551 stamp from the Chicago Field Office, which apparently only gives out 6-month rather than 12-month stamps.

 

The "express" DMV that processes renewals in downtown Chicago refused to renew her license. Said she had to go to the bigger office a few blocks away, and that it would require somebody making a phone call (supervisor situation?). At the bigger office, the worker renewed it with no problem, and no phone call or other extra fancy stuff required. Just pony up the full $30 yet again for a license that is valid only a short time... :-/ But hey, at least they renewed it! :-)

 

Long story short: She was able to renew the Illinois driver's license today on the basis of an I-551 stamp that expires in just under six months. Hopefully ROC and/or Citizenship will have come through by then!