BajaNomad

Need to get US driver license

Chapala-ex - 8-20-2010 at 11:07 AM

Recently moved to Baja and just realized that my wife's Florida DL is expiring next month. She has gone to the Florida DMV only to find that they require proof of residency, which we no longer have.

Next option is CA. Can one get a driver license in California with just a CA mailing address?

2nd wrinkle is that our car is registered in South Dakota.

mtgoat666 - 8-20-2010 at 11:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
Recently moved to Baja and just realized that my wife's Florida DL is expiring next month. She has gone to the Florida DMV only to find that they require proof of residency, which we no longer have.

Next option is CA. Can one get a driver license in California with just a CA mailing address?

2nd wrinkle is that our car is registered in South Dakota.


suggest you get a DL in same state you maintain voters registration and state you desire to use as address/residence in filing taxes.

if you sever all ties to US residency, well, don't know what you should do -- probably, you should get a DL in country/state you claim residency.

if you get a California DL, you will need to file CA income tax forms. State tracks down all people claiming residency.

[Edited on 8-20-2010 by mtgoat666]

DENNIS - 8-20-2010 at 11:24 AM

I've had a PMB street address [Postal Annex] in San Ysidro for around twenty years. No problem for a Calif DL or South Dakota plates. You do need to be careful with US insurance. If they know you reside in Mexico, they won't underwrite you.

Chapala-ex - 8-20-2010 at 11:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
I've had a PMB street address [Postal Annex] in San Ysidro for around twenty years. No problem for a Calif DL or South Dakota plates. You do need to be careful with US insurance. If they know you reside in Mexico, they won't underwrite you.


thanks Dennis, just what I was hoping to hear.

Pompano - 8-20-2010 at 11:33 AM

Just renewed my motorhome license in SD..also my CDL...not a problem and SO easy.

Use America's Mailbox.com Tell them I sent you and I get a beer.

Dave - 8-20-2010 at 11:40 AM

Make sure you apply for your CA license before the FL license expires. Otherwise, you'll have to take the test.

Not that it Matters

MrBillM - 8-20-2010 at 11:47 AM

Much, anyway, since I've never heard of anyone getting nailed, BUT the Physical Address required by the California DMV is, of course, one where you actually exist. They explain it as one "where you can accept legal service".

In theory, I suppose that the only way you're likely to get in trouble is if you end up with an outstanding warrant, they attempt service (or arrest) and find you claiming that you're living in a PMB or a vacant lot.

If you stay out of trouble like we ALL do, no problem.

vandenberg - 8-20-2010 at 12:23 PM

Why not just get a Mexican license. Showed it to cops here in Baja and on the mainland and was readily accepted.
And we're driving a SD plated car and truck.

And I see no reason that license wouldn't also be accepted NOB.

[Edited on 8-20-2010 by vandenberg]

Chapala-ex - 8-20-2010 at 01:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Why not just get a Mexican license. Showed it to cops here in Baja and on the mainland and was readily accepted.
And we're driving a SD plated car and truck.

And I see no reason that license wouldn't also be accepted NOB.

[Edited on 8-20-2010 by vandenberg]


It does make sense that if your permanent residence is Mexico then to the US authorities you should be legal However, it is my understanding that US registered vehicles with Mexican temporary import permits CANNOT be driven in Mexico with only a Mexican license. When we were in Chapala we were warned to not even let our Mexican mechanics take it for a test drive, as it was illegal (and/or not covered by insurance). Perhaps Baja is different (as it is in so many ways)?

Nope

Dave - 8-20-2010 at 02:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
it is my understanding that US registered vehicles with Mexican temporary import permits CANNOT be driven in Mexico with only a Mexican license.


Perfectly legal... As long as the name on the title and license match. Also, a Mexican national would need written permission to operate the vehicle.

DENNIS - 8-20-2010 at 02:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
the Physical Address required by the California DMV is, of course, one where you actually exist. They explain it as one "where you can accept legal service".




That would seem to discriminate against the homeless. Should they be further penalized?

Don't know, just askin'.

Discrimination

MrBillM - 8-20-2010 at 10:07 PM

"That would seem to discriminate against the homeless. Should they be further penalized" ?

Dennis may be on to something.

It IS California, after all.

I'm SURE there is more than one Judge who would concur.

tjBill - 8-21-2010 at 08:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
the Physical Address required by the California DMV is, of course, one where you actually exist. They explain it as one "where you can accept legal service".




That would seem to discriminate against the homeless. Should they be further penalized?

Don't know, just askin'.


San Diego has lots of people who live in their cars. According to the paper they use a PO Box or a PMB on their license and registration.

Bob and Susan - 8-22-2010 at 06:37 AM

for a po box you used to be able to get one as "homeless"
since 911 you need a physical verifiable address

you need an address for a PMB box too

there's a file at the local post office
with the info for the inspector service