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Old 04-18-2014, 02:57 PM
 
2 posts, read 3,419 times
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Hi - I'll be moving with my partner from Berlin to SF this fall for a job offer in Palo Alto. Since I never needed a car in Berlin, I don't have a license and plan to get one when we move. Until my H1B1 visa application gets approved, I will be traveling to the US on a regular basis to continue to work as a contractor and would like to use the opportunity to get my license.

So, I was wondering whether it would be possible for me to get a driver's license while I wait for the final lag of my H1B1 visa application to be get fully processed?

Thanks!

Last edited by Neuintown; 04-18-2014 at 03:05 PM..
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Old 04-18-2014, 03:16 PM
 
Location: East Bay, San Francisco Bay Area, CA
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A couple of my H1B colleagues have driver's licenses, so I believe that it is possible.
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Old 04-18-2014, 11:06 PM
 
881 posts, read 1,809,702 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Neuintown View Post
Hi - I'll be moving with my partner from Berlin to SF this fall for a job offer in Palo Alto. Since I never needed a car in Berlin, I don't have a license and plan to get one when we move. Until my H1B1 visa application gets approved, I will be traveling to the US on a regular basis to continue to work as a contractor and would like to use the opportunity to get my license.

So, I was wondering whether it would be possible for me to get a driver's license while I wait for the final lag of my H1B1 visa application to be get fully processed?

Thanks!
You need a SSN, to get a license. To get a SSN, you will need to have a valid H1B Visa, stamp in your passport and the I-94. So no, you can't get a license until the H1B has been approved and you enter the country on it.
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Old 04-19-2014, 12:19 AM
 
3,229 posts, read 6,255,556 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnomatic View Post
You need a SSN, to get a license. To get a SSN, you will need to have a valid H1B Visa, stamp in your passport and the I-94. So no, you can't get a license until the H1B has been approved and you enter the country on it.

"Exception to the SSN requirement:

If you are legally present in the US, but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements. However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any DL/ID card application OR provide a valid SSN."


https://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#SSN
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Old 04-19-2014, 12:29 AM
 
881 posts, read 1,809,702 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by capoeira View Post
"Exception to the SSN requirement:

If you are legally present in the US, but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements. However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any DL/ID card application OR provide a valid SSN."


https://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#SSN
The OP didn't mention on what status they will be in the US while "visiting as a contractor" pending their H1B approval. If they are entering as a visitor, I do not believe that qualifies them for a CA license. The OP best contact the DMV for clarification.
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Old 04-19-2014, 12:47 AM
 
2 posts, read 3,419 times
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Thank you all, this has been great help!
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Old 04-21-2014, 05:10 PM
 
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My friend from Austria found it the most expedient to drive with his Austrian License while waiting.

Had absolutely no issues with a valid Austrian License and International Addendum which is basically a translation. He had rental cars and drove mine.

In the past... it was easy to get a California license... had friends that would get them while on Holiday and just need a passport and to pass the written, driving and eye test...
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