Tag: DMV

H4 EAD Subsequent Processes

Once you get your work permit through H4 EAD, you must apply for Social Security Number and driving licence. These are some of the documents required to get you an identity and a job in the USA.

Applying for SSN

Social Security Number is acquired for US citizens at birth. For all other immigrants and non immigrants, SSN can be acquired at the local social security office. There are some special cases where you can get a SSN even though you do not have a work permit or work visa. Here are the documents needed for applying SSN once you get your H4 EAD:

  1. EAD card
  2. Passport
  3. Valid I94 either in passport or extended version

Check the work hours of your local SSN office. You are required to take a token at the entrance. At the window, the officer will verify your documents. They will take a copy of your documents and issue an acknowledgement which shows your address, name, date of birth, and so on. The SSN card will be mailed to your address within two weeks.

Applying for Driving License

If you do not have a TVDL, you have to apply for fresh driving license after you get your EAD and SSN. If you already have a TVDL, you can get your driving license without a computer test and road test. The documents required at the DMV include:

  1. TVDL
  2. EAD card
  3. SSN Card
  4. SSN Acknowledgement Letter
  5.  Spouse’s Driving License and Spouse signature (Spouse is required to present at the DMV)

You have to take a token at the DMV. They will verify your documents and issue a token. Once your number is called, the officer will verify your documents. You will be required to take only vision test. Your driving license will be issued for five years from the current date. This is regardless of your date of validity of the H4 EAD card or I94. Again, check the timings and take all the originals. The fee is $30 plus one dollar for service fee if you pay through credit card.

Temporary Visitor Drivers Licence (TVDL) New Updates

Continuing my articles about Temporary Visitor Drivers License (TVDL), here are some updates based on the new government regulations. You may not need some documents any more but still have to visit the nearest DMV office which processes your TVDL.

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Non visa Undocumented TVDL

TVDL is issued to temporary visitors to the United States in order for them to carry out their day to day chores. It may not be the same license issued to the Social Security Number (SSN) holders. Illinois started issuing TVDL for non visa undocumented drivers since January 2013. The documents required will  be address proof, consular card, twelve months of residency in Illinois and any current driving license from the same state or other state.

Your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be able to process your DMV for non visa TVDL. Drivers are requested to schedule an appointment online through the website of Secretary of State. You can also call the toll free number and schedule an appointment. 855-236-1155. However, there are limits on the number of attempts you can make an appointment. After the documents are verified, you may require to take a vision test, computer test, and road test. If you are renewing your license, you will require only vision test. Your TVDL will be issued at a later date after completing a facial recognition background check.

Visa TVDL

TVDL is also issued for drivers with valid visa who do not have a social security number. Earlier, they were required to submit a SSN denial letter along with the documents. This document is not required anymore. You will still need two proofs of address, unexpired passport, I94, valid visa document. If you do not have two address proofs, a certificate of residency from a person with a valid SSN is also accepted. Visa TVDL will also be issued two weeks later after facial recognition check. You will be given a temporary driving permit which will let you drive until your TVDL arrives in mail.

While some may be totally unaware of this process, it is a good opportunity for drivers. It is also a cumbersome process to get a TVDL. After all the effort, a TVDL can be used only for driving purposes. It is not a valid identification for boarding airplanes or entering a federal facility. Uninsured drivers or drivers with DUI may face severe punishments or suspension of TVDL. Also, check in other states if your TVDL is valid there.

Let me know how your experience with the DMV went and share your license routines. 🙂

 

 

How to get driving licence – Tips to alien dependents in Quad cities, IL

Step 3: Road test

Once you are comfortable and are bored of driving practice you can go for the test. If you want to gain more confidence, you can ask your family friend or other experienced driver to rate your driving skills and ask for suggestions. This is useful as you may be blinded by your spouse’s positive as well negative comments.

Check Points

Stopping at the signals and Stop signs, Indicators, Lane change rules, Left and right turn, Backing up from a parking lot, Parking are some of the basic skills tested. The other resources and rules of Illinois can be found at Rules of the Road.

You will be tested to start the vehicle, back the vehicle, turn about, park uphill, start uphill, park downhill, start downhill, control the vehicle and so on. 

Acceptable Documents

Along with the passport, I-94, letter with your name and address printed, it is mandatory to have the letter from SSN office. Also, insurance card of the vehicle is mandatory.

  • The validity of the proof of address, that is, a letter with your name and address printed is only one month.
  • The letter from SSN office is valid for only three months or 90 days.

So, check the validity before you decide to go for road test.

Car Condition

The car you are taking for the test must be in good driving condition. Make sure all the indicators, lights, wipers and other controls are working. The tyres and seats must be clean and in good condition.

Clean the car windows, rear-view mirror, side-mirrors, rear window shield with clean cloth. Keep the dash board and the cup holder clean and cluster free.

Day of the test

I started early and drove to Rockford along with my spouse and kid. The journey was smooth though the kid got bored in the backseat. After reaching the office, here is what happened.

  • As it was a week day, the office was not crowded and I was led directly to the counter
  • The officer checked my documents and learner’s permit and insurance card of the vehicle
  • After checking the documents, they asked me to wait until the officer arrives
  • The officer was a white American. He appeared friendly and was soft spoken
  • He instructed me to sit in the car and turn on the signals and break
  • He checked the left signal, right signal and then the break light
  • After he was seated, I  asked him to adjust the seat height and leg distance
  • He instructed me to take the car through the parking lot to a small road at the back of the DMV office
  • He observed whether I stopped correctly at the STOP signal and traffic signals
  • The officer checked whether I was scanning the road, whether I was using the indicators properly and how I started from a STOP signal
  • The officer asked me to take right and left turns in a small residential road with maximum speed limit if 30 mph
  • At a downhill, I was asked to park the vehicle and immediately asked to get to the main road. Remember to switch on the parking light, when you park the vehicle at the downhill or uphill
  • I was asked to take a three-point turn at an intersection
  • And finally after multiple left and right turns we came back to the DMV office
  • The officer suggested that I could park anywhere I like
  • I waited for ongoing pedestrians and then parked opposite the DMV office
  • I was really scared now as the car was in a cross position and was not parked straight
  • Then, the officer turned to me, smiled and said that I ‘passed the test’

Finally, the officer instructed me to wait in the office. After a while, the counter officer called   y name to take a picture. They took the picture and a minute later handed me my licence.

I was happy to see  my face on the card in the outlined by the border of Illinois state. My spouse and kid were happy. My spouse was happy that all his training was fruitful and I had successfully completed the test. My son for having passing the test and he could go to karate classes. 🙂

What was surprising is the test is far easier than actual driving on the road. I wonder what would happen if the officer tested me on a highway or in the downtown.