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-   -   Can I exchange a driver's license? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-57/can-i-exchange-drivers-license-407168/)

birdsleeps Nov 9th 2006 10:03 pm

Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could
transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer
service center?

Merci

ian-mstm Nov 9th 2006 10:52 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by birdsleeps
I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer service center?

Each state has its own law concerning driver's licenses. You will most likely be required to take a written exam, a driving test, or both. Contact your local DMV. Be prepared... while getting a D/L sounds like it should be a simple procedure, you may very quickly find that it's a long and complicated process.

Ian

Noorah101 Nov 9th 2006 10:53 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by ian-mstm
Each state has its own law concerning driver's licenses. You will most likely be required to take a written exam, a driving test, or both. Contact your local DMV. Be prepared... while getting a D/L sounds like it should be a simple procedure, you may very quickly find that it's a long and complicated process.

Ian

Many states also require you to have your SS card, too. As Ian said, check with your DMV and be prepared to be confused. LOL

Rene

Mh Nov 9th 2006 11:12 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
In article <[email protected] .com>,
<[email protected]> wrote:
    >I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could
    >transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer
    >service center?
    >Merci

Exactly what are you asking? What do you mean by "local customer service
center"?

What we used to refer to as MOT (Ministry of Transportation) in Ontario, is
usually called DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) in the US.

Are you asking if you can trade in your Canadian driver's license for a US
license?

I think the answer is: it depends, but probably not.

I think some states won't even transfer from other states, although I'm NOT
sure on that one. Perhaps some states will.

I had to redo the written and the driving test in California.

There was a longer thread about this a couple of months ago. You might want
to search for DMV, or maybe even my userid..

MH

Rete Nov 9th 2006 11:48 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
I was just going to ask where in Canada you are and where you are going in the US. I see from your closing "merci" that you are French/Canadian and are coming from a Quebec province I would think.

As others have said it depends on the state you are moving to. New York State will exchange your Canadian license for a New York State license but you must have proof of residing here and a valid piece of identification from the USCIS stating you are here legally, i.e. EAD (work permit) before you can get your license. Most states also require a SSN.

Driver's licenses are handled differently in the US. Your fiancee is the one who would be best able to help you find out that type of information and what is required for your marriage license, etc. It all depends on the State.



Originally Posted by birdsleeps
I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could
transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer
service center?

Merci


birdsleeps Nov 10th 2006 1:57 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
Thanks for the posts.

I think I will call the customer service center directly in my area and
ask about it. However, shall I go after I obtain the SSN card or
before?

Thanks

On Nov 9, 7:48 pm, Rete <[email protected]> wrote:
    > > I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could
    > > transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer
    > > service center?
    > > MerciI was just going to ask where in Canada you are and where you are going
    > in the US. I see from your closing "merci" that you are French/Canadian
    > and are coming from a Quebec province I would think.
    > As others have said it depends on the state you are moving to. New
    > York State will exchange your Canadian license for a New York State
    > license but you must have proof of residing here and a valid piece of
    > identification from the USCIS stating you are here legally, i.e. EAD
    > (work permit) before you can get your license. Most states also
    > require a SSN.
    > Driver's licenses are handled differently in the US. Your fiancee is
    > the one who would be best able to help you find out that type of
    > information and what is required for your marriage license, etc. It all
    > depends on the State.
    > --
    > I'm not an attorney. This disclaimer is valid in NYS!
    > Posted viahttp://britishexpats.com

Folinskyinla Nov 10th 2006 2:48 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by birdsleeps
I just moved to the states with a K1 visa. I am wondering if I could
transfer my Canadian driver's license directly from any local customer
service center?

Merci

Hi:

Licensing is a function of each indiviudal state. Each state has its own program for transfer of immigrants from foreign jurisdictions. Given that the there are 50 states in the US plus the District of Columbia, each state has a well set-up procedure for people with out-of-state licenses. Inquire with the local licensing authority [usually known as "DMV"].

jada7222 Nov 10th 2006 3:01 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
You have to apply for SSN first. DMV is linked directly to SS database
for the purpose of comparing data with the Social Security Office. It
takes about 72 hours for SS Office to load the data (that's what I was
told by the DMV employee). I moved to California from Vancouver and I
had to take both written and driving test.
When it comes to the car insurance you can use your driving experience
in Canada to keep your insurance down.

Anaj6882

[

birdsleeps Nov 10th 2006 3:10 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
Thank you for your post. I will do th SS as soon as possible. I still
hope I don't need to do the driving test and written test all over
again.
    :(

birdsleeps Nov 10th 2006 3:47 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
I just found out that I can do a out of state transfer of the driver's
license in Canada. However, they need the proof of evidence. So after
I apply for SSN, I will do the bank and then the driver's license.

Noorah101 Nov 10th 2006 3:54 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by birdsleeps
Thank you for your post. I will do th SS as soon as possible. I still
hope I don't need to do the driving test and written test all over
again.

Have you checked out your local DMV website to find if you have to take the tests again? It should tell you on there. Then you can be prepared.

Rene

birdsleeps Nov 10th 2006 5:12 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 
I called DDS on phone and they said I need to prepare birth
certificate, passport and proof of residence. I dont have proof of
residence at all so I just have to wait after I open a bank account
here.

THanks for the posts

Noorah101 Nov 10th 2006 5:51 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by birdsleeps
I called DDS on phone and they said I need to prepare birth
certificate, passport and proof of residence. I dont have proof of
residence at all so I just have to wait after I open a bank account
here.

What is DDS?

Just for the record, and I know it varys from state to state....but my fiance did not have to show his birth certificate or proof of residence in Arizona. He only needed his passport with the K-1 visa and I-94 inside of it. At that time, he didn't even need a SSN (2004), although now I think it might be a requirement.

Rene

Rete Nov 10th 2006 6:26 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by Noorah101
What is DDS?

Just for the record, and I know it varys from state to state....but my fiance did not have to show his birth certificate or proof of residence in Arizona. He only needed his passport with the K-1 visa and I-94 inside of it. At that time, he didn't even need a SSN (2004), although now I think it might be a requirement.

Rene


Don't have a clue what DDS is either, other than a Dentist.

In NYS you need proof of living residency, i.e. lease, bills, your passport with a valid visa in it, and proof of age.

andrea874 Nov 10th 2006 6:46 pm

Re: Can I exchange a driver's license?
 

Originally Posted by Rete
Don't have a clue what DDS is either, other than a Dentist.

In NYS you need proof of living residency, i.e. lease, bills, your passport with a valid visa in it, and proof of age.


And in NYC you need all that + a whole lot of patience, and stubborness in order to convince them that you actually can get a license :)


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