Getting a Driver's license using a I-797 extension letter

[sweet01 39]

Hi everyone,

 

I just want to ask if did anyone of you tried to get their driver's license for the first time using their I-797 extension letter? Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a DL during my 2-year stay here in the US since I did became busy at work and got pregnant. I'm wondering if I can still get a permit and DL using the extension letter. I've been reading some reviews and said that DMV officers are giving others a hard time even for just renewing their licenses. Any advice and sharing your experience would be really helpful. Thanks!

[Sukie 1,440]

A lot depends upon the state in which you live.  Best way to try is to be ready to explain that your green card is expired, but the I-797 extends the date on your green card for one year.  Your state may only give you a driver's license up until the extension date - and then you'll have to come back once you get your 10-year card.

 

If the clerk you are dealing with pushes back, ask for a supervisor.  Just explain things clearly, and with confidence if the clerk starts to hassle you.  Best of luck.  Hopefully, if Massachusetts is your state, you won't have any issues.

 

Sukie in NY

[Leo7777 243]

Yes, as Sukie and others have said;  it all depends on your state and even your city and even which office you go to.

 

I had worried about this here in WV and finally asked a supervisor about it a few months ago.  He said "I am well aware of the one year extension and it adds one year to the Green Card, not one year added to date of letter (which had been another aspect with different interpretations in different offices)."

 

But I still have some residual worry when we apply for spouse's next DL in October 2017.

Why?  This supervisor may be gone!!

[sweet01 39]

On 6/4/2017 at 6:58 AM, Sukie said:

A lot depends upon the state in which you live.  Best way to try is to be ready to explain that your green card is expired, but the I-797 extends the date on your green card for one year.  Your state may only give you a driver's license up until the extension date - and then you'll have to come back once you get your 10-year card.

 

If the clerk you are dealing with pushes back, ask for a supervisor.  Just explain things clearly, and with confidence if the clerk starts to hassle you.  Best of luck.  Hopefully, if Massachusetts is your state, you won't have any issues.

 

Sukie in NY

Thank you so much Sukie! Yes, I live here in MA. Hopefully I'll be able to do so. I will let you know my experience. Kind Regards.

[sweet01 39]

On 6/5/2017 at 12:51 PM, sweet01 said:

Thank you so much Sukie! Yes, I live here in MA. Hopefully I'll be able to do so. I will let you know my experience. Kind Regards.

Hi Sukie,

I once again saw this thread and thought I give you an update on this esp. if anyone wants to know my experience. Yes, you're right, I was able to get a driver's permit even just showing my extension letter, my city ID and expired GC and they gave me a two year driver's permit  The DMV employee actually knew the whole process thing and agreed that it's a long process so he knew what's going on with my whole paperwork thing. So it works  I'm just taking my time too, took the exam and got the permit last October and I intend to take the road test around April or May in time for my 10-yr GC. (fingers crossed for VSC filer ROC)  

 

Thanks Sukie!

 

Kind Regards,

Marie