Drivers License after marriage to a K-1

[Tech66 17]

First off, Merry X-Mas and Happy Holidays to all VJ members. My question is about driving in New Jersey. Can my wife use her unexpired Philippines Drivers License in NJ while waiting for our AOS/EAD approvals? NJ DMV won't issue a license because my wife currently is no longer K-1 since we were married. They said we must wait for EAD first. I thought I read somewhere that Philippines here can drive

legally as long as their native license is still current. I'd appreciate anyone who is familiar with this issue to shed some light for us. We were so disaapointed when we went to DMV that we never thought to ask them about this. I can always try to call them or go back but was hoping for a reply from someone who had the same issue as we do. Thanks and have a great holiday!

[kris&me 572]

it would have helped if she had applied for international driving license before leaving her country

go to AAA and see if they can help her get one

if not, she needs to wait of EAD

[Unlockable 7,306]

Hi,

Some DL from certain countries allow foreigners to drive in the state for a limited amount of time. Call the DMV to get clarification on this. If NJ only allows 90 days and your wife is within those days then she would be fine. If not, then you will have to wait until the EAD.

NJ is one of the strict states when it comes to obtaining licenses. Be prepared for her to take the written and driving test. Sometimes the driving test can be up to a month after passing the written test, which sucks.

Good luck

[Tech66 17]

Thx for the replies. I agree calling or even stopping by again would be best. NJ gives one answer on the phone but different answers in person, too. Maybe if their employees had a PRINTED book of rules to refer to, they would be on the same page. Frustrating as hell but what can you do?

[ddtenor2 80]

Here's a link to the New Jersey DMV page on driver's licenses:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/LicensesNon-Citizens.htm

Of particular note:

You may use your country's driver license as proof of driving experience if you have an International Driver Permit issued by your country or if your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and your license is translated into English by a consulate or an MVC approved translator

Be sure to print out the web page and bring it with you if you plan on using this as the basis for applying for a license as not all DMV personnel are up on the regulations.

Good luck!

[Tech66 17]

Hi, ddtenor. I also saw that page weeks ago. It doesn't specifically cover a K1 visa, not as far as I can interpret from their list of categories. The best wsy, I guess, is to get clarification from DMV. And, the Philippines is on the list of countries that are allowed to drive in the US.

Edited December 26, 2016 by Tech66

[TBoneTX 43,058]

*** Thread is moved from the AOS/Family-Based main forum to the Moving to the US forum, to be among similar threads. ***

[Light27 5]

It's a state to state basis I think. CA does allow Phil drivers license to drive but need to apply once become resident(green card holder). Check your DMV site. Informations should be there. 

[Ontarkie 13,916]

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