International driver license while waiting for green card ( Maryland)

[Rossella 1]

Hello everyone!

In less than a month I’ll be finally living in the US! However I have some question about t getting a driver license in Maryland :

1) I necessarily need to be able to drive, so I was thinking about getting an international driver license which I already used when I visited as a tourist, would that be valid even though this time I would be considered an immigrant?

 

2) for what I understood I need to wait for an actual green card to obtain a valid driver license there, is that correct? Or would a pending AOS and SSN be enough?

My fiancé  tried to talk to the MVA but they had no idea what he was talking about and were confused on what to suggest.

3) please help! 🩷🥰

[Crazy Cat 39,313]

You will be considered a new resident, not a visitor.  

 

 

[Rossella 1]

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

You will be considered a new resident, not a visitor.  

 

 

So an international driver license is a big no?

[Mike E 11,723]

20 minutes ago, Rossella said:

2) for what I understood I need to wait for an actual green card to obtain a valid driver license there, is that correct? 

I just went through the Maryland drivers license pre application process.

 

Maryland appears to be one of those states that allows  foreigners who cannot show an EAD, green card, or I-94 (yours will expire in 90 days so not likely to be of use) to get a drivers license. Oddly you appear to need an SS card. As a K-1 you can apply for an SS card and SSN and you should do 2 working days after you arrive.

 

You will also need proof of residency in the state. Your

marriage certificate to a state resident seems to suffice.

So I think you will be fine.  

[P055UM 259]

43 minutes ago, Mike E said:

I just went through the Maryland drivers license pre application process.

 

Maryland appears to be one of those states that allows  foreigners who cannot show an EAD, green card, or I-94 (yours will expire in 90 days so not likely to be of use) to get a drivers license. Oddly you appear to need an SS card. As a K-1 you can apply for an SS card and SSN and you should do 2 working days after you arrive.

 

You will also need proof of residency in the state. Your

marriage certificate to a state resident seems to suffice.

So I think you will be fine.  

Can’t emphasise enough how important that SSN may be for the DL. My state also allows you to get DL with no EAD/GC as a K-1 (AoS 797s are sufficient), but if you don’t get the SSN, there is no DL til EAD/GC. 
 

Fully agree that all K-1s should make getting SSN a priority. OP, heed @Mike E advice. 

[Rossella 1]

1 minute ago, AW1704 said:

Can’t emphasise enough how important that SSN may be for the DL. My state also allows you to get DL with no EAD/GC as a K-1 (AoS 797s are sufficient), but if you don’t get the SSN, there is no DL til EAD/GC. 
 

Fully agree that all K-1s should make getting SSN a priority. OP, heed @Mike E advice. 

I was already planning on getting a SSN asap! 🥰

49 minutes ago, Mike E said:

I just went through the Maryland drivers license pre application process.

 

Maryland appears to be one of those states that allows  foreigners who cannot show an EAD, green card, or I-94 (yours will expire in 90 days so not likely to be of use) to get a drivers license. Oddly you appear to need an SS card. As a K-1 you can apply for an SS card and SSN and you should do 2 working days after you arrive.

 

You will also need proof of residency in the state. Your

marriage certificate to a state resident seems to suffice.

So I think you will be fine.  

Thank you so much!!!

[P055UM 259]

1 minute ago, Rossella said:

I was already planning on getting a SSN asap! 🥰

Good luck!