Applying for a Driver's License (MA) with extension letter

[DaisyJ 35]

Hi all, 

 

I'm finally getting around to applying for a driver's licence here in the US. In the application for a learner's permit it asks what evidence I'm using to prove I am here legally. My instinct is to tick the GC (I-551 card) option, but will my extension letter would be accepted along with it, as it's technically *not* the I-551 card I'm saying I will use? They don't have an option for the I-797C extension letter, only for a I-797A but I know the extension letter isn't the same thing....I know the DMV/RMV can be horrible for bureaucracy and I'd hate to be penalised because my agreed-upon evidence has 'expired' and nothing else will do, even though my extension letter should be accepted. 

 

Thanks for any advice! 

 

 

[.yana 597]

Do you have a valid EAD? It looks like it's one of the accepted documents:

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/04/21/Acceptable Forms of Identification online 041818.pdf

 

I got my DL in California with an extension letter although it took some convincing and speaking to the supervisor.

[DaisyJ 35]

3 minutes ago, .yana said:

Do you have a valid EAD? It looks like it's one of the accepted documents:

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/04/21/Acceptable Forms of Identification online 041818.pdf

No I don't have a separate EAD, I've only ever had my original I-551 passport stamp and then my 2 yr GC. Good to know you got by ok with your extension letter, even if it did take some convincing!

[.yana 597]

30 minutes ago, DaisyJ said:

No I don't have a separate EAD, I've only ever had my original I-551 passport stamp and then my 2 yr GC. Good to know you got by ok with your extension letter, even if it did take some convincing!

I do however recall, that CA DMV site specifically listed I797C form + expired GC as one of the valid documents. So it’s a little different yet still wasn’t a smooth process.

 

if I were you, I’d print out whatever explanation of what the form I797C is and its validity from USCIS website, bring it with me, and ask to speak with a supervisor if they push back.

 

MA is a huge state, undoubtedly they’re familiar with this form.

[OldUser 6,860]

I'd check I-551 box. Technically, you cannot use just I-797. It's not an ID, it linked to I-551 since it's extending it.

So you're showing expired GC (I-551) and I-797 which extends its validity.

 

Boring part

 

Also, very important, I-797 and I-797C are different things! Make sure you show original watermarked I-797 and not its black and white copy (I-797C).

Obviously, do not surrender I-797 for DMV to keep, as you'll need it for travel etc.

 

Also, I-797 and I-797A are also different things. I-797A is a replacement for I-94. I-797A is not issued for I-751. I-797 is issued, and I-797C (copy). I-797A is issued to non-immigrants, such as people on H1B etc.

Edited September 16, 2023 by OldUser

[biscoito1r 73]

You no longer need to prove legal status to get a driver's license in Massachusetts. You won't be able to get a real ID though.

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2023/07/04/undocumented-immigrants-drivers-license-massachusetts-application-process/

[jztelemark 19]

My wife was able to renew her Idaho Driver's License for eight years with her extension letter.  The odd thing her original license expiration date was tied to her green card expiration date.  

[Bob in Boston 734]

extension letter and Expired green card worked for us. if you get pushback from clerk ask for a supervisor. They are the Brains of the outfit. Do the real ID upfront, saves problems later.

[powerpuff 6,727]

Topic moved from Removal of Conditions on Residency to Your New Life in America forum to be among other DL/ID renewal threads.