SSN and DL questions

[Sparkey 17]

I will be moving from Canada to Florida on a K1 visa and importing my car when I cross the border. 

How do I go about getting a drivers license?

Can I drive with my Canadian license until I receive my EAD and SSN?

 

[Crazy Cat 39,615]

https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/canadian/

[Sparkey 17]

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/canadian/

I already saw this but this is not what I'm asking. 

I won't have an SSN until it is issued after sending in the AOS. 

I'm asking if I can drive with my Canadian DL until that is received even though it will be like 8 months. 

[JeanneAdil 6,244]

Be very careful when you search the internet for this answer as one site says the following:

 

Non-Immigrants are entitled to a one year driver license or ID. ... Non-immigrants who have never been issued a US social security number are not required to provide proof. However, all customers who have been issued employment authorization cards are required to obtain and provide proof of a US social security number.

 

but the florida DMV says residents have 30 days to change to Florida license 

and you are (according to DMV) a resident if you reside in Florida for 6 months

 

so,  i would have the USC contact the DMV and ask 

i see confusing info

[Sparkey 17]

Does importing the car make any difference? I plan to import st time of crossing. 

Can I still continue to drive it while waiting for EAD?

[Crazy Cat 39,615]

22 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

I already saw this but this is not what I'm asking. 

I won't have an SSN until it is issued after sending in the AOS. 

I'm asking if I can drive with my Canadian DL until that is received even though it will be like 8 months. 

You asked "How do I go about getting a drivers license?".  That answers your question.

[Crazy Cat 39,615]

3 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

Can I still continue to drive it while waiting for EAD?

For the first 30 days, it seems.  

 

26 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

I won't have an SSN until it is issued after sending in the AOS. 

You should apply for a SSN immediately after arriving BEFORE marriage.  

Edited April 24, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Sparkey 17]

3 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

You asked "How do I go about getting a drivers license?".  That answers your question.

That doesn't answer the 2nd part of the question.  

But thanks. 

[Sparkey 17]

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

For the first 30 days, it seems.  

 

You should apply for a SSN immediately after arriving BEFORE marriage.  

Thanks! Will I need to get a new SSN after marriage? 

I was told if I get a SSN before marriage and then get a DL, the DL would only be valid for 90 days. 

[Crazy Cat 39,615]

12 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

Thanks! Will I need to get a new SSN after marriage? 

I was told if I get a SSN before marriage and then get a DL, the DL would only be valid for 90 days. 

You would not need to get a new SSN after marriage.  The length of your DL depends on state law.  A SSN is used for many things.  I strongly suggest you apply before marriage and immediately after arrival.  It will come in handy for several reasons.  Good luck.

 

[neca 166]

23 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

Does importing the car make any difference? I plan to import st time of crossing. 

I don't think importing your car makes any difference in the license acquisition process.

I think it probably will affect your search for insurance, however. With how crazy insurance companies can be, I'm pretty interested in what your experience will be with trying to get an imported car insured. If you could share, I would be grateful.

 

Good luck!

[Sparkey 17]

Just now, neca said:

I don't think importing your car makes any difference in the license acquisition process.

I think it probably will affect your search for insurance, however. With how crazy insurance companies can be, I'm pretty interested in what your experience will be with trying to get an imported car insured. If you could share, I would be grateful.

 

Good luck!

This whole process is a pain lol 

I wonder if I can import my car at time of crossing but then continue to drive with my Canadian DL and registration until I receive an SSN and can get a US DL.

9 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

You would not need to get a new SSN after marriage.  The length of your DL depends on state law.  A SSN is used for many things.  I strongly suggest you apply before marriage and immediately after arrival.  It will come in handy for several reasons.  Good luck.

 

If I take his name, won't I need an updated SSN?

[neca 166]

8 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

This whole process is a pain lol 

Wonderful, wonderful bureaucracy

8 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

I wonder if I can import my car at time of crossing but then continue to drive with my Canadian DL and registration until I receive an SSN and can get a US DL.

As Lucky Cat said, I think you can drive for the first 30 days on your foreign license, but from my own research it seems like the laws can vary from state to state, and what happens if you are stopped is at the discretion of the officer that stops you. The thing I know less about is insurance...you're not meant to drive an uninsured car, but I don't know if there is a window of time that you can still use your old credentials before switching over. I've seen plenty of Canadian plated cars in my travels, so there must be something to that effect...

 

Think this might be a job for outside research.

 

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

Quote

Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements.

Don't know if this applies to you as a future resident.

 

https://cars.lovetoknow.com/Can_I_Take_my_Canadian_Car_to_the_US_to_Stay

This suggests contacting a Florida DMV for specific instructions, but it seems like it'll be best to register your car with your local DMV as soon as you can after arrival.

 

It might be fruitful to look into getting an International Driver's Permit, in case the covid delays on anything means you'll have to wait longer than is convenient. It might let you drive legally longer than the first month, depending on state laws (though, I don't know if you being a new resident as opposed to a visitor will change the efficacy of that).

 

I'm sorry I can't give you anything definitive as far as knowledge goes. I hope this helps, at least.

[Lemonslice 4,583]

28 minutes ago, Sparkey said:

This whole process is a pain lol 

I wonder if I can import my car at time of crossing but then continue to drive with my Canadian DL and registration until I receive an SSN and can get a US DL.

If I take his name, won't I need an updated SSN?

Answer will depend on the state you're moving to.  Keeping your name will save you the hassle.

[Neonred 3,461]

You will not have much luck getting a drivers license until after you do your AOS.  My wife was able to get it with her NOA1 for AOS, but I have heard others having problems getting a drivers license until the green card is in hand.

 

We do get plenty of Canadians that own property here and live here for just under 6 months and they drive with their Canadian license.

 

People hate it when I ask, how can one be considered a resident if they are not a legal permanent resident?

 

Edited to add:  Get your SSN ASAP.  Don't worry about how name change for that.

Edited April 24, 2021 by Neonred