Driver's License for EWI?

[ARodrigues]

My husband only has a valid Brazilian driver's license. My insurance company coveres him with that, but I'm having a hard time finding the specifics of whether it is actually legal to drive on or not. There seems to be some gray area and I can't get a straight answer from our DMV here. It seems to be that the police officer who stops you may use his own discretion about it. Right now, my husband does not drive very far, but he will drive within a couple of miles from home. Does anyone have experience with this or with trying to obtain a driver's license for someone without status here?

[Pinkpig]

We had this very same issue. Our DIL had the Brazilian national drivers license that everyone gets there. We could not validate that it was official beyond the first few weeks.

So she took the learner's permit test and now is practicing for her driving exam.

She did not have much experience driving in Brazil and it is so totally different from driving in LA. So she is practicing (I am the instuctor at the moment) last week we almost got smashed.

Learning to drive in Southern California is nothing short of impossible.

But we are figuring it out.

Might be just as easy for your guy to just go to DMV and apply for his license again. Really not that difficult to do and not too much money. He could get it that same day if he has any experience.

She had to take the written test twice before she passed it. The language still gives her some problem. She wanted to know what she was supposed to say to the pedestrians when she yelled at them. Yelled = Yielded.. Did I tell you I just adore my DIL and am so delighted to have her here?

[ARodrigues]

LOL..language barriers amount to funny stores..we have the same thing. My problem is that he is out of status here currently and can't provide the documentation needed for A FL license. I'm finding that most states now want to verify with INS before they issue a license.

[Pinkpig]

Yes, she did have to show her greencard and her social security card. They check the social security number before they will allow you to apply.

I did not realize that your husband was out of status. Sorry for my no help information.

[Laura]

My problem is that he is out of status here currently and can't provide the documentation needed for A FL license. I'm finding that most states now want to verify with INS before they issue a license.

Wisconsin used to be one of the 10 or 11 states that issued driver's licenses for DRIVING, not as some sort of national ID... Oh well, those were the days.

My husband had/still has a valid Wisconsin driver's license, but since the Real ID law passed a year or two ago all the states that once allowed people to get driver's license without proving their legal status had to make the change. Wisconsin made the change April 1st (or was it May...)

Anyway, ARodrigues, I am 99% sure that the states do not accept driver's licensing from any other countries, so basically, your husband is SOL. I'm not sure what penalties there are for driving without a license. I suppose as long as he drives well he should never get pulled over and it should never be a problem... that's what millions of people who are here with no status do anyway. Not ideal, but you have to do what you have to do...

[angela256z]

My husband just took the test at the DMV and that was it they gave him a license. I know that some states require a SS#, but not WA.

[USnoiva]

You can use the Brazilian license to get what is called an "international drivers license".
Supposedly, this is for tourists who come here and need to register a car or drive.
While you are allowed to register a car and obtain insurance, it will not renew after 1 year.
(Unless you fly under the radar like my husband did)
The international license is crap for police officers. It gives them so much of a headache and so much paperwork that if they pull you over they will almost definetly let you go.
You can not use it as an ID (it's not a recognized form) in most states, I think.

You may want to try checking the requirements of obtaining one in your specific state.

[ARodrigues]

I do know several people who drive with an international license issued from their home country. Can one be processed and issued here? My girlfriend's mother (is a US citizen) and has been driving on one for years without problems. I know you are right about the police not really knowing what to do with them. Everyone I've known has just been let go. They have to be used in accordance with your valid driver's license from your home country.

Also, the SSN is not the problem with the DMV offices I'm finding. That doesn't seem to be a big deal..The problem is that they are wanting to see actual valid visas or green cards. I know that North Carolina is very easy to get a license through if you have a Mexican driver's license, but it only applies to Mexico.

[jsierra1982]

it depends on your state- in maryland it is possible to get a license without a ssn, you just need to have a jigsaw puzzle of other id to get around it--they call it "exchanging a foreign license for a md license," and you have to take a 3 hour drug and alcohol class (offered in spanish) and an 8 hour traffic school class if you have any violations. you also have to take the written and road tests, and you have to make an appointment at the mva (why don't they just call it the dmv like everyone else?) which takes about 3 months. however, i think they're changing the laws as of 1/1/08 to make it a lot harder.

check with your state to see what their laws are. although you can get a license here, you can also be arrested AND JAILED for driving without a license.

[Coventrated]

Each State varies slightly, in Colorado you need a EAD or GC to obtain a US Drivers license.

Non residents can drive on their owns State or Country's license. Non working Residents have 90 days to apply for a CO icense, 30 days if working.

An International Drivers Permit is basically a translation of your home contry license. You need to carry both.

Usually Insurance cover will be dependent on the driver having a valid license, not having insurance could be a much more panful experiance than any fine, something to check with your agent.

[ARodrigues]

My insurance company does insure him with his Brazilian license only. I have Progressive and they do charge me a slightly higher premium for it, but as long as he's covered..

[USnoiva]

My husband was issued an international drivers license here in the states.
Maybe you can try doing a google search for offices that will issue one.
After that, he obtained insurance, but it kept renewing year after year and it wasn't supposed to.

[ARodrigues]

I tried, but the info I found said the IDL was only issued in the home country. Also, a number of websites issued what was clearly a fake one..I couldn't find anything about getting a legitimate one while in the US.

[Coventrated]

I tried, but the info I found said the IDL was only issued in the home country. Also, a number of websites issued what was clearly a fake one..I couldn't find anything about getting a legitimate one while in the US.

IDP's are issued in the home country, they are an adjunct to your drivers license.
I do not have my Insurance Policy to hand to check, but the issue is if your policy requires a driver to have a valid license to drive, if someone has exceeded the State's time lmits to get a State License, they do not have a valid license to drive in that State.

If the Insurance Claim was large enough, I am sure they would check those details.

[mymexicanman]

hi all...

arodrigues as you know i am in Orlando, anyway about 3 month ago my husband made his license here in orlando. he never had any license in his live b4. all what we had to show is marriage certificate and proof that we applied the I-130. he had to do the 4 hour alcohol test (online) then he had to to the written test and he had to do the road driving test.

the lady that did our paperwork did say indeed that she is not sure if they will give us the DL but she was sending the paperwork to tallahassee and about 3-4 weeks later we recieved his license in the mail. its only good for 1 year though. it says temporary in the front of the DL.

maybe we just got lucky I dont know....

[ARodrigues]

Really? I'm going to try it.The worst is they say no after running it through INS..they already know he's here anyhow...I know that several Brazilians in this area were going to Orlando to get licenses a while back, but I'll give it a try in Jacksonville.

[ARodrigues]

mymexicanman, I made the appointment for tomorrow and emailed the DMV to let them know about the documents I had. She said they require an I-94. Obviously, you didn't provide one, right? All I have is the 797NOA.

[deborahalvarez]

Here in TN it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a driver's license.... You can't even get a State ID card. My husband had a car accident in 2005 and lost all of his ID's. His TN state driver's license and his mexican voter's registration card and driver's license. The only thing he has now is that stupid fake green card (only used if he gets carded for something, doesn't keep that on him at all and doesn't use it for work either...) Anyway, after his wreck we thought that we'd be able to go back down to the Driver's License Examining Office and just pay the fee for getting a "reprint" of his current license... They said that the law had changed and now he had to show ss#, green card, I-94, passport, birth certificate or any other documents proving legal status. I said, "OK, well, can we at least get a state ID." Nope, had to show the same documents even for a state id. I tried to explain that he doesn't have ANY photo ID now and that's soooo dangerous. They just told me that it wasn't their problem, it was our problem. So, for 2 yrs now my husband hasn't had any type of picture ID. It's soooo nerve-wracking. The only other forms of documentation that we have for my husband is his mexican birth certificate, school records, shot records, some other type of document (can't remember what), our marriage license of course........and our approved I-130 if you want to count that.

I just wish it was a little easier to get a stinkin' photo id. Of course w/ Luis not having one, my mind goes crazy thinking, "Well, what if something happened and he couldn't speak, how would I find out where he was or how he was....." I'm thinking of just making copies of the docs that we have, so that way he can keep them in his wallet. Anything is better than nothing I guess....

[ARodrigues]

We went down today and after throwing a small fit, i did get them accept the 797(NOA1). He passed both tests, but is only issued a paper one until it goes through the check in Tallahassee. We'll see what happens.

[kitkat1]

We went down today and after throwing a small fit, i did get them accept the 797(NOA1). He passed both tests, but is only issued a paper one until it goes through the check in Tallahassee. We'll see what happens.

That would be an amazing feat if it works.

By the way, an International Driver's Licenses mean nothing. It's just a translation of a foreign license to make it easier on the local police. If the state says a person can only drive on their international license for 3 months, for example and it has been more than that, the IDL is worthless.

It doesn't appear that Florida recognizes foreign country licenses for a specific period of time (most states do).For example, IL states:

Sometimes you may drive in Illinois without a valid Illinois driver’s license.

You are exempt if you:

move to Illinois and have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country. You may drive with that license for 90 days.

Their site says:

If you do not have the required documents showing legal presence, your driver license or identification card will be retained and a receipt issued. If you have an unexpired driver license, you will be issued a 30-day temporary permit. When you return with the required documentation, you will be processed for a renewal, duplicate or replacement license and the expiration date will be changed to the expiration date on your INS document.

[mymexicanman]

LOL thats excactly what I did. We got a piece of paper first and the lady said that she wasnt sure if we gonna get a DL but she is sending all papers to Tallahassee and let them decide. Well about 3-4 weeks later we got the DL but its only good for one year. Better then nothing... hopefully we will get to renew it once the year is up.


mmm

[ARodrigues]

I realize what the international license is, and I also know that several people who have been stopped with them have not had any problems. If he has to keep his Brazilian DL, it would at least be better than just that.

Anyhow, I'm not sure what criteria Tallahassee looks for, but maybe we'll get lucky and get the one-year one.

[deborahalvarez]

I forgot to mention in my other post about how TN accepts the International DL..... They don't. If someone is pulled over with an IN DL then they still write them a citation for no DL, give them a court date and at court they give them 30 days to get a DL. If they can't, then they pay a fine and court costs along with it being put in the computer that this person has no DL (and cannot receive one....) I'm assuming the penalty for being caught again is worse.

My BIL has an IN DL and this happened to him. Luis and I had to come and get him because they wouldn't let him drive home. I asked the officer why he couldn't use his IN DL, just said that it didn't abide by TN State Laws. Court said the same. (They don't even accept the IN DL if it's along with the Mexican DL..... It's so crazy around here....)

I hope you can luck out and get a "real" DL......or at least not have any problems with the one you have. Good luck to ya :)

[Lachulagreeneyes]

ARodrigues that is how they all do it here in florida. You will receive the one year license 3-4 works after you applied. My problem is that my fiance was in a minor accident the night before it expired and it was also suspended 30 days for 12 points in 12 months. I was wondering if maybe once he gets done paying the fines and the weekend work release, if he can maybe get his license fixed once we get a receipt for I-130. I sure hope so, because I hate having to be the one to drive everywhere.

[ARodrigues]

We still haven't heard anything. I'm expecting to get either the temp license or the denial letter this or next week.

[mymexicanman]

please keep us posted about the DL... I hope you will get it. Like I said my husband did his sometime in April.

[ARodrigues]

My poor husband is checking the mailbox everyday like a kid at Christmas. I hope he doesn't get let down..

[JennIsabella]

Your husband can only obtain a drivers license in Washington state. He will need 5 different forms of ID (Yes 5, usually a Brazilian drivers license, military ID, US Tax ID card, Passport, and Birth Certificate) As of May, He would also need to have proof of a Washington State Address (or proof of residency). This could include utility bills (water, phone, power, cable, ect.) vehicle registration, or mail from a government agency (i.e the IRS or a state agency). It is best to have two of these. Technically for most things residency is legally aquired after 60 days, but for the purposes of obtaining a license, I do know that a LOT of people will come, stay for a brief period to obtain the above documents to meet the requirements, and leave with a perfectly valid, and Legal, drivers license. My husband is from Brazil also, and we have struggled with a lot of these issues also. (Our daughter is now 8 months old and we have been married for 1 1/2 years). I would really like to know how your filing the I330 goes. Out of curiosity, did your husband enter the country with a visa, or illegally?

[ARodrigues]

Jen, they just let us apply in FL without one. I know they are phasing it out in most states, but they let him take the test and everything. I dont see them letting us get that far if the SSN is required, especially since I specifically told them he does not have a SSN. I also know that in NC, they will ask you for a SSN, but if you are not eligable for one, they do not push the issue.

He is EWI from Brazil.

[mymexicanman]

ARODRIGUES, did you get the DL yet ? I hope you have good news for us to read.....

[Coventrated]

Your husband can only obtain a drivers license in Washington state. He will need 5 different forms of ID (Yes 5, usually a Brazilian drivers license, military ID, US Tax ID card, Passport, and Birth Certificate) As of May, He would also need to have proof of a Washington State Address (or proof of residency). This could include utility bills (water, phone, power, cable, ect.) vehicle registration, or mail from a government agency (i.e the IRS or a state agency). It is best to have two of these. Technically for most things residency is legally aquired after 60 days, but for the purposes of obtaining a license, I do know that a LOT of people will come, stay for a brief period to obtain the above documents to meet the requirements, and leave with a perfectly valid, and Legal, drivers license. My husband is from Brazil also, and we have struggled with a lot of these issues also. (Our daughter is now 8 months old and we have been married for 1 1/2 years). I would really like to know how your filing the I330 goes. Out of curiosity, did your husband enter the country with a visa, or illegally?

If you reside in another State then that license will become useless after whatever period that State requires to obtain a license.

[ARodrigues]

Update:

I emailed the DMV because the temp license is abut to run out. They say they have issued the license and it should be mailed out shortly.

[samantha]

I was wondering if any body knows how DL for EWI with approved I130 looks like in Connecticut??? I chcek the Dmv web but it says that they need SS or some letter from local SS office, and also that they chcek with USCIS for legal status. Is there anybody who has any expiriences with CT DMV??

[Coventrated]

They should all check for legal status, the I130 confers no status, here it is:

Acceptable Forms of Identification
To obtain a new (first time) Driver's License or Identification Card, a certified Birth Certificate or valid Passport must be presented, in addition to one form of identification from the lists below.

To obtain a replacement Driver's License or Identification Card, two forms of identification must be presented. One of these forms of identification must be from the Primary Document list.

Two forms of the same identification will not be accepted. Identification being presented must be in the name in which you are applying. If any document presented is in a language other than English it must be translated by an approved translator (a list of approved translators can be obtained in any one of our full service branch offices).

Primary Documents: (Photocopies will not be accepted)

Valid United States (U.S.)/U.S. Territory or Canadian Photo Driver License (non U.S. citizens must also provide legal status).
Valid Out of State or Canadian issued learner's permit with photo (non U.S. citizens must also provide legal status).
Certified Birth Certificate or Registration of Birth (must be original or certified copy, have a seal, and be issued by an authorized government agency such as the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health. Hospital issued certificates are not acceptable).
Connecticut Non-Driver Identification Card if original issue date is October 1, 2001, or later (must be surrendered when driver's license is issued).
Valid Passport (if foreign passport appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents also required).
Military ID or Dependent Card with photo.
Military discharge/separation papers.
Connecticut Pistol Permit with photo.
Certified Adoption Papers.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents (must be a valid unexpired document) as follows:


Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Foreign Passport containing an I-551 Stamp
Foreign Passport containing an I-94 and Visa Type
Alien Registration Receipt Card (Resident Alien Card)
Temporary Resident Card
Employment Authorization Card
Refugee Travel Document
Note: If you are not a citizen of the United States, you will be required to show proof of your legal status in this country.
Holders of a B1 or B2 Visitor's Visa are not eligible for a driver's license or identification card unless a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card and verification of an application pending for Lawful Permanent Residence is provided.
Foreign students with an F1 Visa status must show USCIS document I-20 and verification of current enrollment in a Connecticut school.
J1 Visa holders are required to show USCIS document DS2019.
H1B Visa holders are required to show a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card and an employee verification letter from a Connecticut employer.
All applicants will be verified through USCIS for legal status before a driver's license/identification card will be issued.

Secondary Documents: (Photocopies will not be accepted)
Expired U.S./U.S. Territory or Canadian Photo Driver's License.
Court Order (must contain full name, date of birth and court seal. Examples include adoption document, name change document, gender change document, etc. Does not include abstract of criminal or civil conviction).
Foreign birth certificate (must be translated by approved translator).
Marriage license (certified copy only).
Pilot's license (issued by the U.S. DOT Federal Aviation Administration).
School record/transcript (must be certified).
Social Security Card (laminated or metal cards are not acceptable).
Connecticut State Department of Social Services (DSS) Issued Photo Public Assistance Card.
Expired Passport.
Baptismal Certificate or similar document.
Divorce Decree.
Employee Identification from State or Federal Government with signature and photograph and/or physical description with or without date of birth.

[samantha]

Thanks Coventrated, but I still don't get it how Arodrigues and other peaple in this post got their DL with just NOA or I130. Anybody, how is it possible, ARodrigues can you give me some info, what exactly did you had at the time, what papers?? Anybody from Ct?

[mymexicanman]

samantha,
in april 2007 my husband went to dmv with his birthcertificate, passport and noa i-130 (which says -reciept-) I also printed out the statement on the uscis website where it says case is recieved and pending. he did the written test and road test, the dmv lady took our papers and went to her supervisor (she first didnt want to take them, but after I talked some sence into her she at least took it to the supervisor) she came back and said that she is not sure if my husband will get the DL but she will copy all papers and sent them to the HQ in tallahassee fl. husband got his temporary DL for 30 days on a simple white paper and after 3-4 week he recieved his DL in the mail. DL are valid for 1 year only. I did call and asked about whats gonna be after the year and they said they dont know yet.
MMM

[mymexicanman]

arodrigues, i just talked to my husband and he said he remembered that he got the dl one day b4 the 30 days temp license was up.

[samantha]

thank you, i think I will give it a try, will see I will keep you guys posted!!!!

[mymexicanman]

Any News Yet ????????

[ARodrigues]

they say they mailed it last wed., and the number shows valid on the site, so we're just checking the mailbox!!

[mymexicanman]

thats great news... keep us posted please.