Getting drivers license in California during a visit

[ClickityClackity 133]

Hi all!! 

I'm visiting my fianceé for 3 months on a WT, and I would like to know if I can get my drivers license while I'm there. I've read that anyone in California can do so, but I want to make sure I definitely can without messing anything up for my K1.

 

Thank you!

[Ontarkie 13,917]

~~Moved to Moving Here and Your New Life, from K1 P&P- The OP is asking about getting a DL~~

 

 

[Crazy Cat 39,261]

12 minutes ago, Mary&Rafa said:

Hi all!! 

I'm visiting my fianceé for 3 months on a WT, and I would like to know if I can get my drivers license while I'm there. I've read that anyone in California can do so, but I want to make sure I definitely can without messing anything up for my K1.

 

Thank you!

You must be a resident of California to get a driver's license....https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/residency_requirement

[ClickityClackity 133]

10 minutes ago, missileman said:

You must be a resident of California to get a driver's license....https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/residency_requirement

Oh well, that was short lived. I missed the part of the residency requirement. So basically I need to wait for a year before I get my license?

That's kind of ridiculous....

[Khallaf 649]

3 minutes ago, Mary&Rafa said:

Oh well, that was short lived. I missed the part of the residency requirement. So basically I need to wait for a year before I get my license?

That's kind of ridiculous....

when you officially get to USA, and you get married you will be able to provide proof of residency, that is required to get the DL

[ClickityClackity 133]

4 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

when you officially get to USA, and you get married you will be able to provide proof of residency, that is required to get the DL

Showing the K1 visa is enough to prove residency? Or what else should I bring?

 

 

[Khallaf 649]

1 minute ago, Mary&Rafa said:

Showing the K1 visa is enough to prove residency? Or what else should I bring?

 

 

when you get to USA and you do all things needed to get married, mail starts coming to your finance address, gets you added to his bank accounts, any home utility bill, cell phone bill with your name on it anything that goes to you at the address will show proof of residency

[ClickityClackity 133]

1 minute ago, Khallaf said:

when you get to USA and you do all things needed to get married, mail starts coming to your finance address, gets you added to his bank accounts, any home utility bill, cell phone bill with your name on it anything that goes to you at the address will show proof of residency

oooh I see. Well, that's very helpful! Thank you very much!!! 

[Khallaf 649]

3 minutes ago, Mary&Rafa said:

oooh I see. Well, that's very helpful! Thank you very much!!! 

your welcome

@missileman is there anything that comes in the papers from entrance on K1 do you think that could be used to support residency?

Edited December 7, 2018 by Khallaf

[Geisinger 13]

Based on the following I would just be sure that you still have a valid driver license from your country, as you are still not a resident from US.

 

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license (DL). California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#international

[ClickityClackity 133]

1 minute ago, Geisinger said:

Based on the following I would just be sure that you still have a valid driver license from your country, as you are still not a resident from US.

 

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license (DL). California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#international

Oh, that's good to know. I was going to apply for an Internacional DL, but if my Spanish one is okay that's fine. I have had trouble before with police not being able to understand my Spanish DL in Canadá, but California is different for what you say. 

[Boiler 43,438]

California do not give you very long to get a a DL as a new Resident, the firt document you will have is EAD to support your application.

[ClickityClackity 133]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

California do not give you very long to get a a DL as a new Resident, the firt document you will have is EAD to support your application.

Well EAD is taking almost 8 months, so I sincerely hope I can get my Dl well before that

[Crazy Cat 39,261]

39 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

your welcome

@missileman is there anything that comes in the papers from entrance on K1 do you think that could be used to support residency?

This is what they say is proof of California residency:

Proof of California Residency

The list below provides the documents acceptable as proof of California residency.  One (1) acceptable document is required. All residency documents must list the applicant’s first and last name, and the California residence address must match the residence address listed on the driver license application, with the exception of the last 2 items.

If the applicant includes a separate California mailing address on their application, the California address on the residency document must match the mailing address on the application.

Note: If an applicant is applying for a REAL ID compliant card or a Commercial DL, the applicant’s mailing and residence address must be in California.

• Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident.
• Deed or title to residential real property.
• Mortgage bill.
• Home utility bills (including cellular phone).
• School documents including any document issued by a U.S. education institution that either includes the applicant's date of birth, or if a foreign school document, is sealed by the school and includes a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
• Medical documents.
• Employment documents.
• Faith based documents that include the name and address of the issuing organization.
• Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental, and vehicle.
• Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board tax return.
• California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Title or Registration.
• Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service (Form CNL 107).
• Any document issued by an entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state that is typed and contains the agency name, department name, state seal, or is on official letterhead.
• Property tax bill or statement.
• Record of any state or national banks, state or federal savings associations, trust companies, industrial loan companies, state or federal credit unions, and any institution or entity that has issued a credit card.
• An acceptable No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form.
• Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer.
• Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education located in California.
• An original copy of an approved Claim For Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor.
• Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California.

An address is not required to be listed on the following two (2) documents and must list the applicant’s first and last name:

[lauragp91 31]

Speaking from my own experience with the California DMV. K1 holder here and waiting for EAD. I tried to get my license in San Jose, CA in September after I got my NOA from filing AOS. I brought my i-94 (which wasn’t expired) and the NOA along with my lease agreement and electricity bill with my name on it. They didn’t let me get my license. Mind you the person who checks documents at the entrance thought it was fine so she let me get in and take a number. It took 7 hours (9 am to 4 pm) for my number to be called. When I reached the window the lady there said I need to come back once I get my EAD. 7 hours wasted and here I am 3 months later and still don’t have a license. 

Edited December 8, 2018 by lauragp91