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Monday, April 2, 2012

Waiting for H1B/ L1 extension, driving license expired, WHAT TO DO?

You can renew your driving license for another 240 days from the expiry date of your VISA / Driving license. It is possible in North Carolina State, check with your DMV.

Required Documents

1. Passport (including all old passports) with I94
2. I797A – Notice of Action (if you have)
3. I797C – Notice of Action
4. SSN Card
5. Vehicle Insurance
6. Old / Current Driving License


I797A – Notice of Action

I 797A: Is issued to people ONLY in the USA currently undergoing a change of status (f1-h1, h1-h1, l1-h1 etc), the “A” is for Change of status approved which means the applicant can continue to remain in the USA and work. Hence i 797A will have a green i94 attached to it approving the status approved.

I797C – Notice of Action

I 797C – is a COPY of the approved petition /receipt of payment. THIS IS USUALLY GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR REFERENCE FILE.


Reference Links

1. uscis

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54 comments:

  1. janani ganeshramApril 3, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    Good info arun

    ReplyDelete
  2. Arun RadhakrishnanJune 29, 2012 at 5:49 PM

    Thanks Janani

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 24, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    Good Info Arun. This helped me as well. Got my license extended by 250 days :) @Charlotte Univ DMV

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 3:02 AM

    I am in same situation and after seeing this i feel i can get DL extension...thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownAugust 19, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Hey Arun, Do you know if i would need to take original I797C or copy would do? My attorney gave me the copy of receipt notice.

    Thanks
    Pawan

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownSeptember 11, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    Do you know if i move to North Caroline i can renew my driver license ?.I live in florida and apply to change and extension visa from F2 to F1 , but the driver license here in florida only give me 30 days in extension

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanSeptember 11, 2013 at 3:30 PM

      If you have address proof (with North Carolina address) then it should not be a problem.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    Hi Arun, I am in the same situation. But I dont have a I 797C original. It is with my employer. I just have a copy of it. Any chance to get the renewal with I 797C copy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:29 AM

      Courtesy copy worked for my friend. You may also try with copy.

      Delete
    2. sreeSeptember 27, 2013 at 2:34 PM

      Hey Arun, thanks for your info..really helped me.. Copy worked for me also.. got extended for another 8 months..

      Delete
    3. Arun RadhakrishnanSeptember 27, 2013 at 7:01 PM

      You are welcome. Safe and happy driving.

      Delete
  8. UnknownOctober 21, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Hello Arun,
    I am doing H1-F1 change and my h1 / I94 and hence my licence expired last week. The F1 COS is still in progress.

    The I797C says that "this notice does not grant any immigration status or benefit"

    Do you think i can get an extension ? I have already started school and all -- not sure how will i get to college without a licence .. This has become really frustrating

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanOctober 21, 2013 at 6:18 PM

      Nishant,

      if you are in NC then sure you can.

      Regards
      Arun Radhakrishnan

      Delete
  9. ShobbyOctober 24, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    Arun,

    Following are the document which I took yesterday(Memphis,TN)
    1. I797C Notice of Action.
    2. Old DL
    3. Passport
    4. Two valid address proof. (Electricity bill, apartment Rental aggrement)
    5. SSN
    and got new DL for 240 Days ..
    Thanks for your info.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanOctober 24, 2013 at 9:55 AM

      you are welcome Shobby.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMarch 10, 2017 at 3:43 PM

      Hi, Does Tennessee states allows the above option?
      I stay in Nashville. Hope it works out here as well.

      Any advice?

      Delete
    3. Arun RadhakrishnanMarch 10, 2017 at 10:01 PM

      Rajat Patil,

      I am not sure, one of my friends told me he couldn't renew his license in Nashville, but you may try with mega centers (big ones),


      Regards
      Arun Radhakrishnan

      Delete
    4. Arun RadhakrishnanMarch 10, 2017 at 10:26 PM

      Looks like, you may get your license renewed using I-797c action notice in TN. If DMV officials could not find supporting details on their system regarding your legal presence (after current I94 expiration), then request them to initiate "SAVE" (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)

      It might take 5-10 business days to get verification letter. Once your legal presence is verified you would receive a letter from Department of Homeland Security. Present that letter to DMV to renew you driver's license.

      https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/article/tennessee-citizenship-status-verification-law

      Delete
  10. www.loksattasupporter.comDecember 3, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Hi Arun, Did anyone try in Charlotte, NC and got it renewed? I have original I-797C. Thanks
    Hari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanDecember 3, 2013 at 7:35 AM

      Yes, I did,
      Go to Kannapolis NC. It will be done in 20 minutes.

      Delete
    2. www.loksattasupporter.comDecember 4, 2013 at 9:12 AM

      Ok thank you, Arun!

      Delete
    3. www.loksattasupporter.comDecember 4, 2013 at 9:13 AM

      Thank you, Arun!

      Delete
    4. www.loksattasupporter.comDecember 4, 2013 at 9:22 AM

      Is this the location you got your DL renewed with I797C?

      1509 Dale Earnhardt Blvd.
      Kannapolis, NC 28083

      Delete
  11. UnknownDecember 28, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    Hi Arun,

    This is kumar, i was looking Kannapolis NC location details but i could not find it, can you please help me with the same.

    Appreciated.

    Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanJanuary 7, 2014 at 1:10 PM

      Hi,

      2192 Kannapolis Hwy, Concord, NC 28027

      I went to this DMV two years back.

      Delete
  12. CrearyIncJanuary 7, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    I tried to do this at DMV Garner and they couldn't do it they say I have to wait until they get conformation from Homeland Security, is this right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanJanuary 7, 2014 at 1:01 PM

      Hi,

      As per the state law they should be able to do with I797C document.
      They might not aware of this procedure I believe.

      My friends have done in Winston Salem, greensboro, charlotte and Kannapolis with I 797C document.

      You may try with some other DMV from different county. You may also call Raleigh DMV office to get more details.

      I am sure it's possible.

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2014 at 8:13 PM

    I moved to Charlotte 1 & 1/2 year ago due to job, still i am in F1 status with STEM extension working on OPT, currently working and living here but still i have not transferred my driving license to NC state. Now I am applying for H1B this april and planing to transfer driving license to NC state before my old registration from connecticut expires in august 2014. any of you have same situation like mine if suggest me how difficult is it to get DL here in NC esp. charlotte??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanJanuary 12, 2014 at 9:06 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Arun RadhakrishnanJanuary 12, 2014 at 9:08 PM

      I don't have much idea about this scenario but usually you have to transfer driver's license before 3 months from the date you have moved to new state.

      Transfer procedure is very simple. You may need the following documents

      1. ID Proof (old / current driver's license)
      2. Address proof (bank statement or utility bill or rent agreement with new address)
      3. Auto Insurance (from current state)

      You need to pass vision test and online knowledge test

      Delete
    3. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:14 AM

      Thanks for the reply, showed my Documents, EAD card, gave vision and written test and got the DL license of NC. Now once my H1B get approved and at the time of renewing my license not sure whether i have to go through the same procedure with vision and written test or just i can show my immigration documents and i will be fine.

      Delete
  14. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2014 at 8:37 PM

    Hello All,
    I went to the DMV in Durham and they refused to give me a temporary license with my I797C Receipt Notice. I'm thinking to try it in another DMV around. Has anyone got a license with I797C around RTP area?
    Suggestions are much appreciated.

    Thank you!
    Badaga

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2014 at 4:50 PM

    Hello again!
    This is an update to my previous post. I called up the Raleigh DMV and they connected me to the Verification Department and I was told that the DMV should give me a temporary license for 180 days and if in case they deny to issue then ask the DMV officer to call the Raleigh office.
    Then I went to a different DMV from my last time, this time to Cary. The officer took my papers (expired license, I797C receipt notice and expired I94) and checked online for a date and issued me a license for 8 months.
    So by law the NC DMV should issue a temporary license atleast for 6 months for someone with an I797 Receipt Notice.
    Just thought this might help someone...

    -Badaga

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:39 PM

      Congrats Badaga,

      Problem is most of the DMV employees they don't know about this procedure. They are not aware of passport and VISA related details. What you have done is the right option.

      We have to ask DMV official to call head office (Raleigh) if they refuse.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJune 19, 2014 at 8:10 AM

      Thanks for your info.

      Delete
  16. AnonymousJuly 24, 2014 at 8:34 AM

    Hi, a week i moved from NY to NC, Charlotte. My driving license(from NY) expires by 30th sep 2014(actually valid till 2018, but my i-94 and h1b approval are till 30th sep 2014. And my new employer applied for h1b. i have i797c. Now i need to register my car to NC and get NC registration plates. now, in this case, can i apply for NC license, if so, till what time, do i get my license? i.e. 30th sep 2014 or 240 days added to that? please help answering this question.

    thanks
    Nagaraj

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arun RadhakrishnanJuly 24, 2014 at 5:35 PM

      Hi Nagaraj,

      If you have 797c then you may go for driver's license transfer. You should complete vision/sign test and online knowledge test.

      Mostly it will be 240 days validity license.

      Don't forget to buy NC auto insurance before your for license transfer.

      Don't go to N.Tryon St DMV. You might need to wait for long time.
      Try with "Kannapolis" DMV.

      Let me know if you need any other details.

      Regards
      Arun Radhakrishnan

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJuly 25, 2014 at 2:01 PM

      thanks Arun. Let me try. i have to go to North tryon street, which is open on saturday and close my stay.

      Nagaraj

      Delete
    3. AnonymousAugust 4, 2014 at 7:51 AM

      Hi Arun,

      update : i went to DMV on saturday. the officer said, he can give till 9/30/14, then i said, it should be 240 days, as i have i797c, i also told him that i called the customer care. he looked at some of the documents and he said will give till 03/30/15. which is 6 months from 09/30/14. which is ok. I will wait for the arrival of license.

      thank you so much for this help.

      i will update, once i get the license.

      thanks again.

      Nagaraj

      Delete
    4. Arun RadhakrishnanAugust 4, 2014 at 12:58 PM

      Congratulations Nagaraj,

      It's good news.



      Delete
    5. AnonymousAugust 28, 2014 at 6:18 AM

      Hi Arun, Update is that "there was some drama, i got the license, but the date they put is 9/30/2014, inspite of he confirming its going to be 03/30/2015. So, i went to another DMV office, where the same story was repeated, where the officer was telling that they couldn't give the license beyond 9/30/14. Then i showed my i797c and told him that i called customer care and they confirmed that they should issue 240 days extra and finally officer agreed to issue till 05/28/2015.

      Today, i got my license with 05/28/15 as the date.

      so, thanks again for this informative link and advise to all is that don't give up. it is just some of the officers not aware of the rules, give them the rules. all should be good.

      regards
      Nagaraj

      Delete
  17. AnonymousAugust 6, 2014 at 4:12 PM

    Hi Arun,

    Thanks for the informative post. I got the Driver's License renewed for 240 days based on I-797C document at the Durham (S. Roxboro) DMV.

    The officer initially resisted, but later he checked some piece of paper on the side of his cube and then informed me about this temporary license renewal of 240 days.

    Ramesh.

    ReplyDelete
  18. RajaNovember 11, 2014 at 5:01 PM

    What about applying for new license with expired visa??

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJuly 7, 2015 at 5:17 PM

    Dear Arun,
    Recently I moved from PA to NC at last month. I am at charlotte. I have I-797C doc.
    Could you please let me know which location in charlotte can get Liscence renewal?

    Your information will be highly helpful to me.

    Thanks
    Muthu

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousAugust 5, 2015 at 12:52 PM

    Thanks Arun. I went to the DMV Concord with my H1B receipt no. today and was able to get the driving license renewed for 240 Days. No questions were asked. They have these procedure in place .DMV office looked into a manual and told me he can renew the license which is valid for 240 days.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Francesca Beatrice MărieDecember 5, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    It worked for me too. I had the expired license and visa J-1 and they renew it for the next 8 month. The only thing they asked me in addition to those documents was my DS for my J-1 visa.
    So you have all the rights to renew a license with the I-797C document.

    I changed my license in the Outer Banks, NC.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Francesca Beatrice MărieDecember 8, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    Thank you for this information. It worked in the Outer Banks in North Carolina too.

    I renew my license having expired J-1 visa and expired license, and having the I-797C receipt.
    I got the license for 8 months and nobody said anything. The only thing was that the computer declined it some times, but the worker from DMV tried multiple times until they made it possible.
    Everybody was telling me that I am not possible to renew it. Thanks for your post really, you are saving people with this information.

    ReplyDelete
  23. DebasishSeptember 7, 2017 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Arun,

    Are you aware if the situation will remain the same (240 day scenario) even if you have 797C H1B transfer notice?

    Please suggest.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  24. LakshmiMarch 14, 2018 at 9:57 AM

    Hi
    Anyone got reject driving licence renewal in illinois state . today i went to dmv office with i797c notice they said like they want approval notice i dont know what to do pls help me anyone what to do.
    Thanks ,
    Lakshmi.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousMarch 14, 2018 at 10:06 AM

    Hi
    Today i went to dmv office with i797c notice to renew my drivinglicence but they rejected they said they want i797A which is approval notice but i dont know how many days it will take. It happens in illinois state Schaumburg.is anyone experience like this pls help me on this.
    Thanks,
    Lakshmi.

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownOctober 2, 2018 at 5:29 AM

    Thanks for information Arun. Got my DL renewed.
    Documents
    Old License
    SSN
    I-94
    I797A (Copy/Xerox)
    I797C (Copy/Xerox)
    Address Proof (Lease Agreement, if possible take two address proof like duke bill etc)

    DMV Address : 2391 Coliseum Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403

    ReplyDelete

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