How can my fiance buy a car with an expired license and no visa?

Traffic Laws Forum
1

My fiance has overstayed his tourist visa, and his driver’s license is expired. He has a legally registered car and everything, but the transmission is going bad, and he’s looking to buy a new one. We’re not sure how to legally do that. Anyone have experience with this?

2

It’s a tricky situation. Since his visa is expired, he could run into issues registering the car. Private sales are easier but registering it will be a problem without lawful status. Do you know if he’s planning to buy from a dealership or private seller?

3

@Tracy
He was looking at private sales, but dealerships are asking for a valid driver’s license, which he doesn’t have right now. Do you think a private sale could work?

4

Yeah, it’s a little complicated with the DMV if he doesn’t have valid status. But once you’re married, he can apply for a spousal visa, and that could help with getting a driver’s license. They just need to provide certain documents like a passport and proof of lawful presence.

5

@Roux
Ah, ok, that makes sense. So, once we apply for his spousal visa, he should be good to get a license?

6

So I’m assuming the whole ‘waiting for the I-130’ process can help him legally stay in the country while sorting out all that DMV stuff? That’s what happened with a friend of mine, once they applied for their spouse visa it was smooth sailing after that.

7

@Hale
Yes, that’s what we’re hoping for. Once we apply for the I-130, that should give him the right documentation to be able to do things like buy a car legally, right?

8

It should, yeah. Just make sure he has a receipt notice for the I-130 petition. It’ll prove he’s staying in the US lawfully while waiting for the visa. If that goes through, he’ll be able to get his driver’s license too.

9

@Zeke
Got it! Thanks for clearing that up. I wasn’t sure if the receipt notice would be enough, but that helps a lot.

10

If he’s driving without a license right now, I’d suggest he stop for a bit. With his current status, it could be risky. Once you’re married and the paperwork is going through, he’ll be in the clear though.

11

@Lilyharper
Yeah, we were thinking that too. I’ll talk to him about stopping until everything’s sorted. Thanks for the advice!