questions about DL and SSN

[umikoikaze 12]

Here's my situation:

My driver's license expired in August and I can't renew it without showing them proof of my legal status. My F-1 is out of status and California DMV doesn't accept NOA-1 as proof. So my options are to wait for either green card or EAD.

My interview is scheduled for Monday, November 7th as for EAD I haven't received it yet. Today I got a notification that my card is being produced, so I assume I'll receive it next week.

My goal is to renew my driver's license as soon as possible and I have a few questions in regards to that:

1) For example, if I'm approved on the spot after my interview and get a I-551 stamp in my passport, can I use that stamp to apply for SSN and DL before my green card arrives?
2) If I get approved the next day and don't get a stamp in my passport and receive my EAD that week, can I use my EAD before my green card arrives? If not, what can I do in that situation to expedite the process?

3) When I apply for SSN will they issue me the number right away or do I need to wait for the card to arrive to know my number? (Or can I find out my number sometime in-between?)

4) Do I need to receive my SSN before I can renew my DL? Or can I apply for DL, wait for my SSN to come and then let DMV know my number once I have it?
5) How long does it usually take to receive social security card after the paperwork's been submitted? On their website, it says 10 business days after processing but doesn't say how long the processing takes.
6) All in all, what would be the fastest way for me to renew my license?


I wanna know this so I can plan on when to schedule my DMV appointment as waiting times tend to be about 2-3 weeks, so I wanna schedule it in advance if possible.


Thanks for your help!

[Star561 10]

You need a SSN before you can get a DL.

You can ask for an I-551 stamp but you may be refused without travel plans, but you can always ask.

According to the SSN website they will accept the stamp, but I don't know from experience.

Best case you will get SSN within 2 weeks, if for some reason they need to confirm something with immigration it could take up to 4 weeks (even though I had my EAD in hand they still had confirm as I wasn't showing in their database yet).

I'm not sure of a way to get the number before it arrives in the mail.

Do you live near a DLPC, it's a DMV that only does licenses (no in car tests) and there is one north of LA in Granada Hills. I found this was a quicker way to get a license without an appointment personally and I could check the waiting time online before I went, which was a lot less waiting time than my other local DMV.

[umikoikaze 12]

You need a SSN before you can get a DL.

You can ask for an I-551 stamp but you may be refused without travel plans, but you can always ask.

According to the SSN website they will accept the stamp, but I don't know from experience.

Best case you will get SSN within 2 weeks, if for some reason they need to confirm something with immigration it could take up to 4 weeks (even though I had my EAD in hand they still had confirm as I wasn't showing in their database yet).

I'm not sure of a way to get the number before it arrives in the mail.

Do you live near a DLPC, it's a DMV that only does licenses (no in car tests) and there is one north of LA in Granada Hills. I found this was a quicker way to get a license without an appointment personally and I could check the waiting time online before I went, which was a lot less waiting time than my other local DMV.

I actually live 10 mins away from Granada Hills. Do you think I could just show up to that office without an appointment once I have my SSN? And I didn't realize I could check waiting times online. That's very helpful! (Already found where to check).

Do you know if me EAD will be valid between the times I get approved and until I receive the green card? Or is it automatically invalid once I'm approved?

[Star561 10]

Yes I went to the one in Stanton with no appointment and it was no problem at all. The DLPC are the ones they encourage you to go for license renewals or new licenses If you have no appointment. And in the case of Stanton compared to my local DMV, there was more desks and the wait was always less.

I have no idea on whether the EAD would be valid, but you could ask at your interview tomorrow. Good luck!!