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Kingk · Jun 1, 2008, 07:06 AM

How can I get a state ID, drivers, while waiting for my papers to finish?

lawanwadee · Jun 1, 2008, 08:13 AM

What is your legal status?

Fr_Chuck · Jun 1, 2008, 12:08 PM

Where are you living at, in the US?? If in the US what state.
And what is your current legal status in the US. Each US state has separate laws as to driving license for people in the US on various visas.

lawanwadee · Jun 1, 2008, 05:10 PM

To apply for driver's license, you need to provide proof of legal status, either work permit or green card. It usually takes 3-4 weeks for DMV to verify your personal info with USCIS.

If you have submitted I-485 and I-765 (work permit) concurrently, you should receive approval notice for I-765 in 90 days. With this work permit, you can obtain social security number and driver's license. If you did not submit I-765, then you would have to wait until you receive the green card.

By the way, as visitor, if you have valid driver's license from your home country, you can drive in US as long as you have proof of auto insurance in your name. You can find this info in DMV manual, page 3-4.

Fr_Chuck · Jun 1, 2008, 05:14 PM

Actually no, in some states like TN a illegal immigrant can get a driving permit, a special license started in the state in 2004.

lawanwadee · Jun 1, 2008, 10:47 PM

Info obtained from our clients who are new immigrants in many different states all over US, only a few DMV offices in NC and VA issue driver's licenses to applicants who entered US legally with spouse visa, but not illegal aliens. Most offices require SSN, and proof of legal status.

Are you certain that they are illegal aliens not those with temporary work visa (seasonal agricultural worker) ? There are huge number of this category in US.

Fr_Chuck · Jun 2, 2008, 05:23 AM

Can illegal aliens obtain drivers' license? :: United States Justice Foundation :: Your Conservative Voice in the Courts

Yes it is not a "license" and not legal for ID, but it is a permit to drive, which is basically the same difference.

You do not know how upsetting it is, to be in line and as a citizen I had to have proof of residence, my birth certificate and more, the illegal alien had to prove almost nothing and was in and out in 1/2 the time I was.

lawanwadee · Jun 2, 2008, 11:44 AM

I can imagine what it's like... sorry to hear that.

Here I go to DMV in Pasadena, CA, even though illegal aliens are not in the picture but there are always long lines.. all day and every day. I usually made an appointment online 3-5 days in advance, so it helps but still have to have 2-3 hours just to renew my DL.