Where to get a license with B1 Visa

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Best place to obtain a license with a valid B1/I-94 Visa

Well, what a nice place to get some actual first hand feedback on obtaining drivers licenses in the U.S.

This turned out to be a quit long post. Anyways, I appreciate everyone taking the time to read through this and going through the efforts of posting a reply. I am pretty certain that this information will be valuable to lots of people... :)

So, here it goes... I originally obtained my drivers license in Washington state, Year 1997, at the age of 17. This was while I was attending Highschool on a J1 Exchange Studen Visa.

I transfered the WA state license to a GA state license (DMV on Highway 400) year 2000.

I am currently living in Germany and have lost my GA state drivers license. Also, I had never obtained a German/European drivers license. So, after having lost my GA license a couple months ago I am stuck without a license. Obtaining a new license in Germany will take many months (due to mandatory driving lessons, etc..) and cost a small fortune... (think along the lines of $2.000!)

So, instead of doing that I would very much like to return to the U.S., hold a couple important business meetings in Las Vegas, NV (which had been scheduled anyways) and get a NV state drivers license. This would be done on a B1 business/tourist Visa with valid I-94 form, but without a SSN#.

In theory though, it does not really matter where I get a new license. I would be willing to travel to any state to get a new drivers license!

Can anyone advise on which state should be my choice and/or if Las Vegas/NV will work?

I emailed the NV state DMV about this issue and got the following response:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Good morning,

In regards to your question, To obtain a Nevada driver license you will need to bring proof of identity such as; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, Permanent or Temporary Resident Card, Resident Alien Card or I-551 Receipt, Valid Foreign Passport stamped "Processed for I-551", Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with Visa or Passport or Permit to Reenter the U.S. If Social Security Card has been issued to you, you will need to bring it. Obtaining a Nevada driver's license or an ID will depend in the status of your immigration documents. Nevada DMV does not accept Driver's license from other states as solid proof of identity. http://www.dmvnv.com/dlresidency.htm

Sincerely,
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Lastly, I obtained the following list of states that issue licenses to "illegal aliens". That status is not going to apply to me (valid B1 and I-94) but I figured it might still be easier, in these states?!
I would be able to provide an address from several business contacts of mine. However, I would be unable to provide any real proof, such as utility or phone bills, bank accounts, etc...

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Background
States are in control of driving and license laws. By the summer of 2004, some 40 states agreed to allow some alternatives to the social security card requirement, although this can involve much red tape. Motor vehicle administrations in 18 states (HI, IL, MI, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, RI, TN, UT, VT, WA and WI) do not require driver’s license applicants to be legal residents.
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I really hope somebody can help out... I am in the process or setting up a new company in the UK (will be moving to the UK within weeks) and most definately do need a drivers license.....
 
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don't you think it will be easier for you to get this license in UK?
I was actually looking for this kind of information myself.I need it for a friend of mine,who has the same situation.B1 visa with valid I-94 form.
I know one thing though.If you go to social security office and tell them that you are a visitor and need to drive in this country,they will give a letter addressed to DMV,saying that you are eligible for the driver's license.
But you will still have to show them a proof of residence.So you will have to open a bank account here,I think this will be the easiest for you.
To make a long story short,it will take you at least 2-3 weeks,if not longer.
 
You can go to GA, right now the steps are as follows:
1. Go to the SSA, get online and fill out the form SS-5 or S-5 form for a new SSN, show your valid passport and I-94, you just need a denial letter form SSL676 or something like that. It doesn't take long but go early so you can get everything on the same day.

2. Then go to the nearest DMV, then show your denial letter, your passport and your unexpired I-94.

You are done!
They will issue a DL with the expiration date of your I-94 I think.
For me this is silliest thing I ever heard in my life! because you can drive in the US in your country's driver license since you are a tourist, well this is not for you but is silly anyway.

And yes in Europe will cost a LOT, actually I am agree with more restrictions on the drivers classes not the price of course, here your test is in the parking lot of the DMV! ha!

Good luck,
 
No driving license or renewal without H1 visa Stamp in the PP

One of my friend is (He is in H1 last 4 years, but no stamp on his pp) reporting following in the State of MO

To take new or renew driver's license one should have following

1. Letter from Employer
2. Valid I 94 Card
3. Valid Visa (H1) in the passport (Expired not accepatable).

We know people are staying many years legally in status but no visa stamp. DMV is very much strict on this issue from July 2005.

Any comments or experisence welcome.
 
Getting a licence is becoming increasingly difficult as new rules come into effect. In New York state, you will be denied a driver's licence if you have an I-94 valid for less than 6 months from the date you go to get your licence. In short, if you have a small project (3-4 months) with a corresponding I-94 permit, you cannot get a driver's licence. My project gets funded every 6 months and I get the new I-94 typically in the last week before the 6 months are up. It is a real fight to make it to the DMV and get the licence in time.
Hope things get better someday....
 
For me this entire thing of the driver's license is silly as a peppermint without stripes!

I mean most of the time you will get your I-94 for 6 months! what is that thing if is longer than that?
Second, if I am a tourist for what I want a driver license if many states recognize my international driver license with a valid I-94!
Third, we are getting punish as same as the illegal aliens since the ones who are in status (but with no SSN) or status between (adjustment of status) can't have a driver license until something like an EAD or something more, they are not follow the federal law!

I don't know you but for me I hope that soon the ID card bill be in place, there is a section for driver's license and make a relief for people in this situation. Of course by that time I will have all in order and will be able to drive...finally!

Good luck,
 
great guru said:
One of my friend is (He is in H1 last 4 years, but no stamp on his pp) reporting following in the State of MO

To take new or renew driver's license one should have following

1. Letter from Employer

Definitely not required in NY & NJ

2. Valid I 94 Card

Probably yes.

3. Valid Visa (H1) in the passport (Expired not accepatable).

Definitely not required in NY & NJ

We know people are staying many years legally in status but no visa stamp. DMV is very much strict on this issue from July 2005.

Any comments or experisence welcome.
Click to expand...
 
Recently helped a friend of mine through sticky situation. Back in 1995 we went to NYC (Harlem) DMV office surrendered our international DL and walked out with New York drivers licenses. Renewed online once. He moved to Canada last year and joined back this month in Pennsylvania. When he went to local DMV to return his Canadian license he was denied PA drivers license as the computer system returned "broken arrow" even though all the paperwork was OK and his driving record has been impeccable. It took us a week to establish his credentials through his work place and utility bills(arrived just in time). Local DMV obtained an over-ride from their main office (Harrisburg) and finally issued a license. Does anybody has any idea what this "broken arrow" is?
 
European DL

In response to the original question , one suggestion I would make (being EUropean myself) is try to find out which Mickey Mouse new-EU joiner country will issue DLs "easily" (if you see what I mean) that can then be exchanged against "real" DLs. I am sure that the standards for issuing DLs in say Slovenia must be more "lax" than Germany and that other arguments than driving skills may get you the necessary document, that can then be swapped.
 
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