Driver's license renewal problems and I-94 dates

[bailoor]

Guys,

Some of the states had made the driving license expiry date as the H1 extension date. Also, its the same for the dependent visa holders(H-4 visa). The DMV staffs do not understand our concerns and they just follow the rules defined by their congressmen or DMV head office.

As the IV team members are meeting each states congressmen, senators and law makers, why not we mentioned this issue also ??

[Libra]

yeah thats true, will do that for you. or why dont you do that for yourself, we have meeting with lawmakers in DC face to face. Let's go to DC to talk about DL problems.

Guys,

Some of the states had made the driving license expiry date as the H1 extension date. Also, its the same for the dependent visa holders(H-4 visa). The DMV staffs do not understand our concerns and they just follow the rules defined by their congressmen or DMV head office.

As the IV team members are meeting each states congressmen, senators and law makers, why not we mentioned this issue also ??

[bailoor]

Yes.. I belong to IL state. I am coming to DC on Sept 17th. So, I will ensure that this is one of the point to be discussed or informed.

The other states chapter leaders need to have this issue as their checklist point to be mentioned.

[rockstart]

Yes it is a issue but in Virginia we can get a 1 Yr extension on DL by showing our H1 application receipt. My license was expiring on Sept 30th 2007. I applied for extension on August 22nd. There is no way I will get my H1 by 9/30 so I took the receipt to DMV and they extended my license by 1 Yr to 8/22/2008. I think if other states can least get this rule implemented it will be of great help.

[sukhwinderd]

Yes it is a issue but in Virginia we can get a 1 Yr extension on DL by showing our H1 application receipt. My license was expiring on Sept 30th 2007. I applied for extension on August 22nd. There is no way I will get my H1 by 9/30 so I took the receipt to DMV and they extended my license by 1 Yr to 8/22/2008. I think if other states can least get this rule implemented it will be of great help.

one of my co-workers got it in FL (for 1 yr), but only after the lawyer called the supervisor and the company issued a letter of continued employment.

[sracharla]

I am in different situation...my H1B expires next month 23rd...but in 2005 i showed another H1B which expired on Sept 12th...on Sept 7th i showed EAD for my DL renewal...they couldn't find my EAD details...they sent me to S.A.V.E department ....they took my EAD copy and asked me to wait for 3 or 9 weeks as they sent request to INS for clearance...right now working from home without driving license....very saaad situation...

[rockstart]

In Virginia they did not ask for letter from employer. Also I could get it done at the counter itself as the staff was aware of immigration issues did not have to talk to manager or someone. They did not ask for proof of address only other document requested was original SSN card she photocopies both SSN & H1 receipt asked me to take an eye test. After that issued 1 Yr license. :o

[gimmeliberty]

After moving to NC from a different state, cannot apply for Driving License merely on the H4 visa petition (valid for next 2 years). Have been driving with a license showing old address and state. This should definitely be discussed with the law makers.

Guys,

Some of the states had made the driving license expiry date as the H1 extension date. Also, its the same for the dependent visa holders(H-4 visa). The DMV staffs do not understand our concerns and they just follow the rules defined by their congressmen or DMV head office.

As the IV team members are meeting each states congressmen, senators and law makers, why not we mentioned this issue also ??

[rockstart]

Guys I think we can use this thread to compile license issues in each states. This will provide us with a deeper understanding of the problems. As I have mentioned that in Virginia it is relatively simpler. But I have heard that it is really worse in Maryland. Can some one shed light. This will help 1st timers as going to any DMV office on aturday morning to get work done wastes an entire weekends

[reddysms]

Rockstart,
Can you please let us know, which place in Virginia did you get your one year extension.Thanks in advance.

[msandhu]

The rules differ from state to state. Here in PA they will renew or issue you a DL only if you have approved H1-B petition in original. They do not issue any temporary license if the decision on the petition gets delayed. It sucks
MS

[sands_14]

My wife has an IDP that expired last month and she could not appear for Driving licence exam because of H4 extension in process.
Now,is there a way to extend or renew the IDP???I am from Delhi,India

[saimrathi]

Hi,

I have my approved I-797C for Extension of H1 and my spouse has the same for H4 Visa. Is that sufficient for renewal of DL in PA?

The rules differ from state to state. Here in PA they will renew or issue you a DL only if you have approved H1-B petition in original. They do not issue any temporary license if the decision on the petition gets delayed. It sucks
MS

[rockstart]

Here is the address

100 Free Court
Sterling, VA 20164-3201

I went here 09/01/2007. With my original H1B receipt & SSN card and got a 1year extesnion. I know a friend who did the same in Richmond

Rockstart,
Can you please let us know, which place in Virginia did you get your one year extension.Thanks in advance.

[probe]

I think laws need to be formulated for DUII (Driving Under Intent to Immigrate) :D

Ohio DMV rules seem to differ from License Agency to License Agency. Some of them don't mind to provide applicant with 4 years extension,provided you have SS card , employer letter requesting license extension duration, passport.
Let me know if any one needs further details

[rockstart]

I have heard that some of my friends in VA faced trouble extending their license's with H1 receipt in absense of approval notice. Its strange I guess such people should meet the manager at the local DMV. In the meanwhile I will try to pull the relevant sections of laws in VA for the same

[ARUNRAMANATHAN]

If you renew your Driver's License using the DMV website (online) you would be given a 3 or 5 year extension based on the state where the license was issued....as along as you have the same address and no criminal record ....

I renewed mine for 5 years ....VA Drivers's license

Hope/Should work for other states too....

You do need a online access with a pin number request the same. You should get the pin no in 10 days.

ArunRamanathan

[Libra]

I went to local office and they gave me only 2 months based on original h1 app receipt. Can we do that for MN too?

[msandhu]

DMV will let you renew your license online if your license was issues before DMV started checking and adding the immigration status to your sriving record. If the DMV has added your immigration status in their database then you cannot renew your license online. They will ask for proof of immigration status and expiry date of your immigration status before they renew it. This is what has happened to me in PA .
Cheers
MS

[JulyFiler]

In california, they need an actual approval notice of H1. I went around to 3 different locations in SoCal and none of them accepted the receipt notice. The receipt notice is good to work and pay taxes but apparently not enough to drive to work. Not sure what CA DMV's logic is behind this? Currently going to work by bus and it takes 1 hr for what would've taken 15 mins. :mad:

[mohitb272]

In california, they need an actual approval notice of H1. I went around to 3 different locations in SoCal and none of them accepted the receipt notice. The receipt notice is good to work and pay taxes but apparently not enough to drive to work. Not sure what CA DMV's logic is behind this? Currently going to work by bus and it takes 1 hr for what would've taken 15 mins. :mad:

I have the same issue. CA DMV has no logic for this. Waiting for EAD to renew this.

[texanmom]

I am shocked - both at the laws and my ignorance :) I thought you just go and get your drivers license!!

I don't believe there are any such rules in Texas. All you need is an SSN. I got my last DL in 2001, which was valid for 6 years. I just renewed it online....took me all of 30 seconds...and it is valid for 6 years - my H1B is only valid until 2009, while my DL is valid until 2013!!

I really empathize with all of you guys that either cannot get it or get it for shorter durations. Some of the laws just don't make sense.

[JulyFiler]

CA DMV's logic is really stupid.

The idea, behind this, as per DMV is to deny licence to illegas.
Now, I dont know what in the world makes them think that someone who jumped over the fence or tunneled into the country would walk into a DMV and ask for a DL?

[tnite]

I am shocked - both at the laws and my ignorance :) I thought you just go and get your drivers license!!

I don't believe there are any such rules in Texas. All you need is an SSN. I got my last DL in 2001, which was valid for 6 years. I just renewed it online....took me all of 30 seconds...and it is valid for 6 years - my H1B is only valid until 2009, while my DL is valid until 2013!!

I really empathize with all of you guys that either cannot get it or get it for shorter durations. Some of the laws just don't make sense.

I think CT has the same as Texas except for one requirement-h1B Approval Notice is required but CT gives out for 5 yrs(men) and 7 yrs(women).
CT allows renewal of licence thru AAA offices.
If anyone from CT has had any issues, please update here

[waitnwatch]

colorado not only requires the actual approval notice but also you have to be on some immigration system they have which actually is connected to the USCIS. Even if you have the approval notice you will not get a drivers license if you are not on their "immigration system". Infact once they check the system at the local office and don't find you on the system you automatically have to drive down to some big office in Denver which deals with the "immigration system". Also they have instituted FBI checks at random and if you are moving from some other state it will take them a few weeks to get you through that FBI checking system.

It's a big mess and they say that they are doing it to get illegals out of the system. In fact even for US citizen they will not accept a passport alone as evidence. You also have to provide additional ID or a birth certificate.

It seems that the politicians are jumping over each other to show how strict they are on immigration issue - the public of course can go to hell while their tax money is wasted implementing and enforcing this idiotic system.

[Hermione]

Good news for those who are in NY - the DMV stopped investigating immigration status. They just confirm your identity, make sure you know the rules of the road, and that you do not have outstanding suspensions and revokations.

[fandu]

:(
Same law applies in kentucky!

The driver license validity date is the H1-B validity date. They wont accept extension notices.

I have a question. Once the EAD is received what would be the validity of the drivers license? Would it have to be renewed yearly? Please suggest!

[kmk2002]

Last week, My wife did not get the learner's permit from CA DMV as they now needed her SS#. Apparently the DHS has changed her status to something else after applying 485.

She is on H4 and before 485 she did receive learner's permit after getting a waiver/OK from SS office.

we have applied for her SS# now. apparently that is taking a month now.

I got mine at the time of applying itself but that was 7 years ago.

[mohitb272]

Last week, My wife did not get the learner's permit from CA DMV as they now needed her SS#. Apparently the DHS has changed her status to something else after applying 485.

She is on H4 and before 485 she did receive learner's permit after getting a waiver/OK from SS office.

we have applied for her SS# now. apparently that is taking a month now.

I got mine at the time of applying itself but that was 7 years ago.

My wife's license is in a similar situation but unlike you (my guess) we haven't got our EAD cards yet, hence cannot apply for SSN. Would CA DMV give a temporary license based on the EAD itself since SSN takes about 3-4 weeks?

[lrindy]

My wife's license is in a similar situation but unlike you (my guess) we haven't got our EAD cards yet, hence cannot apply for SSN. Would CA DMV give a temporary license based on the EAD itself since SSN takes about 3-4 weeks?
You take copies of all receipt notices into BMV or DMV (all of according to where you live) Having gone through this mess in Indiana. Valid Passport, 2 proof of address (bills etc), valid I-94 for H visa. If you have EAD card in hand AND have applied for SS# (you should have been given a special letter from SS office confirming date # was applied for. This gives you ability to work). If they say NO then go a level higher at window. If they get snotty with you take names, on their badge hanging around their neck. Point out that you are here legally and that you want it raised to local HQ (for Indiana it is in Indianapolis). Ask them the question "If this is good enough for me to get legal employment and pay taxes then why is it not valid for a mere DL? Be polite, do not raise your voice. It is surprising how far you can get doing this.

One reason this law came into effect was due to, and this was happening in Indiana a couple of years ago, BMV staff selling DL's to illegals. The ringleaders were based in Chicago. They were getting a few grand for each card produced. So, to cover their butts it is now valid PP, I-94 and as above. If you get passed on to state HQ you can put in complaint. But, regardless, each state has own version of law, even down to each BMV deals with this slightly different to the next one. No matter what, all your paperwork goes to state HQ and in 3 or 4 weeks is returned to you via USPS. They do issue you with paper license whilst you wait.
Without SS# or paperwork EAD is not acceptable. By law they should issue on initial letter from SS office confirming SS# has been applied for. FYI: tHThe more illegals there are in your area; the more critical BMV is of who gets DL. If the staff are not as knowledgeable as you, which is typical, then you can ask to speak to manager. If they do not know then get them to call state HQ. You have the right to ask for this. What I have done in the past is call HQ before going to local branch. Get everything sorted with them. Let them know when you are going, get the persons name and extension number just in case you need back up. You will be surprised how much they will actually help you out with this. If you take correct paperwork into local BMV, with the backing of HQ then you have nothing to worry about.

Cheers,

LRIndy.