Driver's license during AOS

[aph]

I am wondering if anyone has been able to obtain a Driver's license whiles AOS. If yes, can you provide a list of documents provided? I have checked online for my state's required documents but I would be glad if someone could share his or her experience with me.

Thank you very much.

[Johnny6751]

They are certain that states that allow people to obtain driver licenses without a social security number, most of those licenses are different from a regular driver license, they however give the privilege to drive under their state law. I'm not really sure what state you are in which could have been very helpful if you said so, but while on adjustment of status if you haven't gotten a social security number or work permit then you cannot obtain one.

Good luck.

[jojoPL]

I live in Florida and was able to extend my DL for 1 year last month.
I had a previous EAD card which was expired, but used my I-797c for I-765 as an "extension", the officer didn't check if the categories of application agreed and renewed my license.
I needed my social security card, foreign passport, expired EAD card, I-797c for I-765.

If it's your first time obtaining a DL you might not be as lucky and especially if you don't have a social security card

[waitinggame2020]

I live in FL and had to renew my license before I even got my work permit. Here is what I needed: old drivers license, I-797 proof that I'm with pending status (I took all of them not surre which one was actually needed) my passport, marriage license, my husbands birth certificate (I needed to proof that he is American citizen) she also asked about my I94 and I20 because in their system I was still a student (graduated 3 months prior)

[Hotaru-Grace]

I am wondering if anyone has been able to obtain a Driver's license whiles AOS. If yes, can you provide a list of documents provided? I have checked online for my state's required documents but I would be glad if someone could share his or her experience with me.

Thank you very much.

While in Florida, even though I had a SSN and a driver's license from another state, I could not get a Florida driver's license unless I had the actual GREEN CARD. They didn't even accept the approval letter as a document of proof. Also, I attempted to get my license using the initial acceptance receipt I got; they refused that too. Most DMV, prefer the actual Green Card, but a few will might accept other supplemental documents.

[Cornflake]

Live in MO and just got a 60-day temporary driving permit when my license expired. I emailed the state Dept of Revenue (which manages driving licenses) to confirm the situation and the person who replied was very helpful. When I went to the DMV, the I-797 was the key document – the guy saw that and that was the green light. If you go to a DMV in person, remember that the people there might not be experienced with these situations, so ask them to check with a manager or call somebody further up the chain.

I'm not sure what happens when my 60 days TDP expires, as it seems certain to do so before I get my EAD, but I'm just going to go back to the DMV and ask if I can get another 60 days.

[aph]

Thank you all for your inputs. I should have mentioned that I am in the State of Indiana. I’d give that a shot and relay any feedback to y’all.

[Johnny6751]

Thank you all for your inputs. I should have mentioned that I am in the State of Indiana. I’d give that a shot and relay any feedback to y’all.

Oh very nice, I'm here in Chicago haha! Yeah, in Indiana you'd need your work permit, social security number, and bills showing your name and address, no other way around. And the license will be issued with the expiration date on your work permit.

[aph]

So it turns out BMV/DMV needs the following to issue someone in AOS with a DL in Indiana:
i. Passport
ii. I-797 (NOA) for the I-765
iii. 2 evidence of proof of address (bank statement, bills, insurance policy, lease, etc...)
iv. Social Security Number**
v. I-94 (whether expired or not)

**I am fortunate to have my SSN, so I was able to apply for the DL.

Thanks everyone.

[Hotaru-Grace]

So it turns out BMV/DMV needs the following to issue someone in AOS with a DL in Indiana:
i. Passport
ii. I-797 (NOA) for the I-765
iii. 2 evidence of proof of address (bank statement, bills, insurance policy, lease, etc...)
iv. Social Security Number**
v. I-94 (whether expired or not)

**I am fortunate to have my SSN, so I was able to apply for the DL.

Thanks everyone.

You are welcome Aph. Congratulations! that must be such a relief. It is so odd how different states can be more accommodating or have more flexible conditions than others. I took all documents that Indiana outlined to Florida DMV and was denied, back in 2017 (haha). I'm so glad that your outcome was different. It shows how doing your own research can give you desired results. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

All the best.

[Cornflake]

So it turns out BMV/DMV needs the following to issue someone in AOS with a DL in Indiana:
i. Passport
ii. I-797 (NOA) for the I-765
iii. 2 evidence of proof of address (bank statement, bills, insurance policy, lease, etc...)
iv. Social Security Number**
v. I-94 (whether expired or not)

**I am fortunate to have my SSN, so I was able to apply for the DL.

Thanks everyone.

That's great – thanks for sharing the update.

[Enub4]

I was able to get a 6-year license in TX. I was expecting one for a few months to match the EAD expiration date.

[aph]

Update:

So I got my DL in the mail yesterday only to realize the card had already expired (it had the expiry date of my I-94). I went to the BMV to find out how and why they would issue an already expired DL to me and they say that day was what DHS/USCIS gave to them. I was like "but my I-94 has expired and that's why I presented my NOAs) but it appears there's nothing the BMV can do. So I guess I have just "wasted" money?!!

Smh

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concurrent filing (I-130, I-131, I-765, I-485, I-864, I-944, I-130A)

Day 1 = March 25

Day 1 - Application sent to USCIS Chicago lockbox
Day 2 - Application received by USCIS
Day 17 - Checks cashed
Day 20 - 4 text messages received from USCIS
Day 22 - Four I-797Cs (NOAs) received by mail
Day 39 - RFIE email for tax documentation received
Day 43 - Hardcopy of RFIE received in mail
Day 44 - RFIE response sent
Day 49 - RFIE response received by USCIS
Day 57 - Courtesy letter for I-693 received
Day 78 - Applied for Driver's license
Day 89 - Driver's license received but card already expired (expiry date was the date of I-94)

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

DMVs or BMVs (haha, at first I thought it was a typo) are notorious for complicating the process of getting a driver's license when all you have is your I-797. Here's the link to the documents they require. https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/BMV_Documentation_List.pdf
The list of acceptable documents to prove lawful status includes "I-797 Notice of Action received by DHS and accompanied by other U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents."
It's worth asking to speak to a supervisor who understand the requirements. You may also try a different branch.
Either way, do not discard the expired driver's license. It serves as evidence of bona fide marriage.

[Cornflake]

aph Ask the DMV if they will give you a TDP (temporary driving permit) as an "extension" to your driving license. It's a piece of paper that together with your driving license shows that the DMV has authorized you to drive. In MO, they gave me a 60-day TDP when I showed them my i-797 and driving license. This week I need to go back to the DMV to ask for another extension.

And yes, be prepared for the person at the DMV to not be familiar with the situation we're in. If the person who you talk to at the DMV doesn't seem to understand, ask to speak to a supervisor, or ask them to call up somebody at the State office of the DMV who can advise.