I hold a non-immigrant Visa and was originally issued a California driver license in 2003. I am a permanent resident in Canada but still hold a Philippine passport. I arrived with my family for a vacation in California last May 23 and decided to renew my California DL the next day (May 24 just before noon) at DMV Van Nuys office. The lady at the entrance (the one who gives the numbered ticket) assessed my application and saw that there was a change in my civil status so she asked for my original marriage certificate so I gave her the official, National Statistics Office (NSO)-issued marriage certificate. She insisted that it was NOT the original copy and kept looking for a “seal”, which is something odd for me since I have used the same document in processing my papers here in Canada. Knowing that it’s pointless for me to convince her that the document I have is in fact “original, ” I asked her if I could just renew my DL without having to change my civil status to married and she said it was okay and gave me a number. When my number was called, the lady at the counter checked my passport and I-94, and photocopied them as well. She did not mention any problem with my renewal application. I paid for the required fee ($31) and took the 15-item exam (which I passed) and was given a temporary driver license. Here comes the problem now. I waited for the 4-6 weeks to receive my DL but up to now it’s a “no show”. I called the Legal Presence Unit last July 28 and Jimmy (the person I talked to) asked me to send him a fax of my passport, I-94 & temporary DL. He did not say anything when or if I should follow up. I sent him the fax. Three weeks later (August 16), I called again, this time I spoke with a woman (I was not able to get her name). I asked again what’s the status of my DL renewal. Now, it’s a different story, she said I have to go back to the field office where I applied and sort it out with them. She was saying that the Department of Homeland Security can’t verify my name. I’m now here in Montreal and to go back to California to address the issue personally is not possible at this time.
I’m now confused. How is it that my application was accepted at the field office in the first place if I lack the documentation / proof of my status. I try not to think that this is a money-making scheme of the DMV for tourists or non-immigrants who are allowed only 6 months to stay in the US on their VISA/I-94. Why do I have to go through all the trouble of going to the field office, being in line waiting, paying the fee, and taking the exam, if the end of it all is not receiving anything. I have written the DMV in Sacramento twice, DMV Van Nuys once, and the governor's office once (total of 4 letters) and not even one bothered to reply. It's really disappointing!
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