JimC

Hello everyone,

My wife wants to update her driver's license to reflect her new last
name. However, she was told that she should wait until she gets her
green card because the DMV wants proof that she is a permanent
resident. We just turned in the papers to adjust her status from J-1
student to permanent resident. She currently has her updated I-20.

Will there be any problems with her getting the driver's license
updated?

Thanks!

ladygwennie

Hi I applied for my permit at the beginning of dec/end of november, as thats when i got my ss card. At the time i was still in adjusting mode, I showed my EAD card and ss card and proof of address etc and they told me the evidence was good but they had to send it to a central office to verify it before they could give me the card. They gave me a piece of paper saying i could drive and that i should get my permit in 60 days. Still haven't received anything yet, but since ive applied ive become a resident so i dont know if that will have any effect. I think what one needs to change or get a new license depends on what state you're in. In indy, you just need to show that you have lawful status in the us (like residency card, EAD, some visas etc). SS card, proof of address and a secondary proof of identity (my bank statement worked for both address and secondary). I would look at your states dmv/bmv or whatever's website, should list what u would need to get a license issued or changed.

Lagomorpheus

I also think it is highly dependent on the state. My husband lived in
CA on a J1 visa and did not have trouble obtaining a DL. When we moved
to TX, he showed his passport, SS Card, and CA DL and also did not have
any problems. The offices in both states did not seem concerned about
his immigration status at all. They just wanted valid proof of
identification, which he was able to provide, even without a green
card.

Good luck!
Marie

fatbrit

DL is state specific, and they all do things differently. Further, it also tends to be somewhat specific whoever you have the pleasure of meeting behind the counter and the phase of the moon. Please give a state.