Do i need to update driver license after naturalization

What should you do once you got US Citizenship

With your new title of U.S. citizen, you have an opportunity to make lasting contributions to both your community and adopted country. Your efforts will help ensure that America’s promise of freedom, democracy, and liberty is secured for generations to come.

Table of Contents Show

What should you do once you got US Citizenship
Congratulations!
Apply for US Passport
Register to Vote
Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for Your Child
Sponsor Family Members to Come to the US
What should I update after Naturalization?
Why do I need to update Social Security after Naturalization?
What to update when you become a U.S. citizen?
Do you lose your original citizenship after Naturalization?

Congratulations!

Apply for US Passport

Now that you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport from the U.S. Department of State. You will need to submit your original Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization, when applying for your U.S. passport. For more information, passport forms, and to find a passport acceptance facility near you please visit www.Travel.State.Gov. You may also apply for a U.S. passport for any children under the age of 18 who automatically acquired citizenship based on your naturalization.

Register to Vote

As a new U.S. citizen, you may register to vote. You can register to vote by applying in person, by mail, at public assistance offices, or when you apply for or renew your driver’s license. Visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s website at www.eac.gov for more information

You will need to visit Social Security so they can update your Social Security record. Wait at least 10 days after your ceremony before doing so and be prepared to show them your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport. It is important that your Social Security record is accurate because you will need your Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. When you are hired for a job, your employer can enter your SSN into a Department of Homeland Security Internet program, E-Verify, to determine your eligibility to work in the United States. If your record has not been updated, this may impact your work eligibility.

Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for Your Child

If you have a child who is a lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 on the day you naturalize, he or she may have automatically acquired U.S. citizenship. To obtain evidence of your child’s acquired U.S. citizenship status, you may apply for a U.S. passport from the U.S. Department of State or for a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, from USCIS.

As a citizen of the United States, you may petition for certain relatives to become lawful permanent residents by obtaining what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) in the United States.

FYI, if you just need to update your address to be able to vote, you don't need to RENEW your DL. You just need to request a change of address online. You can do the address change online without even being a citizen. Since this is not a renewal, your driver license has to be valid. If it expired, you cannot change your address online.

Now, if you want to RENEW online, then I believe the DPS needs to have proof of your citizenship on record. In other words, to be able to RENEW online after becoming a US citizen, you'll have to renew in person at the DPS one more time and then you'll be able to do it online.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain an Enhanced Driver's License or ID (EDL). Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) are only available to U.S. Citizens or foreign nationals with a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

At least one of the following must be presented.

Original certified birth certificate issued by a government unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory. Birth registration and hospital issued birth certificates are NOT accepted.
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578).
Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545).

Name Changes

If your current license has a different name than your identity documents you must have evidence of legal name change. All documents must show the same name and/or date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. Additional documentation may be required if a connection between documents cannot be established (e.g., Marriage Certificate, Court Order of name change, Divorce Decree, etc.).

TAGS:

Hi,

We acquired US citizenship back in March. Today I went to the Social Security office and had them update their records - which was no problem

However at the DMV (We live in PA), the guy told me that they do not update their records (!?) & their records still show that I have a green card. He told me that they cannot really update the information, and told me that they will update this when I renew my license in 2012.

is this the way it is supposed to work ?

saf

Active Member

Hi,
We acquired US citizenship back in March. Today I went to the Social Security office and had them update their records - which was no problem
However at the DMV (We live in PA), the guy told me that they do not update their records (!?) & their records still show that I have a green card. He told me that they cannot really update the information, and told me that they will update this when I renew my license in 2012.
is this the way it is supposed to work ?

yes, that's way it is supposed to work for most states. don't worry about it.

Just photocopy your naturalization certificate, fold it, and put it into your wallet or purse until your license is updated (renewed).

Experience in Texas

Hi, we live in Round Rock, Texas. They simply took our existing drivers licenses (and state ids for our kids) and cut them, and we will get new licenses (and ids) in the mail. I am guessing this is not the way it works in your state.

All the best.

Just out of curiosity, why do we need to update DMV?

saf

Active Member

Just out of curiosity, why do we need to update DMV?

It is way of police check up or it is for border agent scanning driver license if you are a US citizen. If your driver license shows that you are a green card holder, the border agent will then ask for your green card. If it shows that you are a US citizen, you will be let go inside usa from canada or mexico. but I am not sure how it works.

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative). The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document instead of driver license along with proof of citizenship.

I don't believe most State licenses have your Citizenship/PR status on them. Some border states (like Michigan) have just passed laws to implement Enhanced Driver's licenses (EDL) that are WHTI compliant and will have your citizenship status. In fact, these EDLs will be issued only to Citizens.

What should I update after Naturalization?

By changing your citizenship status with the Social Security Administration, you will ensure you receive all disability, retirement, and social security benefits for which you qualify as a U.S. citizen.

What to update when you become a U.S. citizen?

Update Your Social Security Record Take the time to inform the Social Security Administration of your new status as a U.S. citizen. In order to update your Social Security record, you must visit an SSA office in-person. They recommend that you wait at least 10 days after your ceremony.

Do you lose your original citizenship after Naturalization?

The U.S. government does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to relinquish citizenship in their country of origin. Although the Oath of Allegiance to the United States speaks of renouncing “allegiance and fidelity” to other nations, U.S. immigration law does not explicitly address the topic of dual citizenship.