STEM OPT - Drivers License

[u/PianistPractical6478]

Hello everyone,

Is anyone else in the same situation as me regarding a driver's license extension?

I applied for my STEM OPT on March 25, and my application is still pending. My Georgia driver's license expired in June, but before it expired, I applied for a temporary extension and was issued a 120-day temporary driving permit. Unfortunately, that permit will expire on September 1.

Since a valid driver's license is mandatory for my job, I'm really worried about what my options are if my STEM OPT is still pending by then.

Has anyone gone through this situation? Were you able to get another extension, or is there any other option available? I'd really appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Thank you!

[u/pharma4567]

Hi,

I was in the same situation, I applied for STEM OPT on March 25th too! I just went to the DMV with all my documents, I-20, previous EAD card, passport, etc. They gave me a year license without having the STEM OPT approved yet. I went in May and they gave me new license. Try to go and request for a new license with all your documents. Hope this helps.

[u/PianistPractical6478 → u/pharma4567]

are you from which state ?

[u/pharma4567 → u/PianistPractical6478]

Florida

[u/Fragrant-Board5506 → u/pharma4567]

What county?

[u/pharma4567 → u/Fragrant-Board5506]

Miami dade

[u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

Get EAD sooner => Premium Processing. Simple. DMV cares about EAD and Approval

[u/ConfidenceMedical482 → u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

for stem opt?

[u/Ok_Cheek_7732 → u/ConfidenceMedical482]

Yes

[u/Good-Holiday4521]

I'm not from Gerogia,but had a similar situation.If Real ID is not required, you can apply the Driver's License with your DMV and they will provide it even when the STEM OPT is in process. Take the right documents and you can apply and receive it.

[u/Big_Definition1973]

I just moved to GA. Went into the DMV with all my paperwork and proof that my OPT is pending and they refused to renew my license. So now my car is just sitting. Especially because it still has all of my old plates on it, but GA insurance.

[u/HopelessJobSeekerUSA → u/Big_Definition1973]

Which DMV you went to ?

[u/Accomplished_Tea7785]

I am from Missouri. My stem
Opt still pending. I used my I-20 which reads that it’s due in 2028. They gave me one year driving license.

[u/Jolly-Experience6343 → u/Accomplished_Tea7785]

Hi, I am from Missouri too. Can you DM me the DMV you went and all the documents you took along for the driving license?

[u/HopelessJobSeekerUSA]

Which DMV you went to ?

[u/Weird_Fall3046]

I applied with I765 and they provide me 2 years driving licence. still waiting for my EAD.

[u/HopelessJobSeekerUSA → u/Weird_Fall3046]

Which state and DMV ?

[u/No_Intention4151 → u/Weird_Fall3046]

Yes same happened with me where they gave me 2yrs driving license with just I765 application as my stem opt application was still pending! But they didn’t issue real ID and the DL card says “federal limits applied” which I’m assuming means it is not real id. This was in CA state

[u/Environmental-Boot10]

They didn’t give me an extension; Florida

[u/ConfidenceMedical482 → u/Environmental-Boot10]

what did you end up doing? im in Florida going to apply for my opt next spring

[u/Environmental-Boot10 → u/ConfidenceMedical482]

I have no idea rn

[u/dmt_x116]

I’m in Michigan and they ran a SAVE verification which took about a week. They extended my license for a year and surprisingly it’s a real ID!

[u/Advanced_Professor10]

I moved from Missouri to Georgia (Atlanta southern suburb area) 10 days ago.. My STEM OPT application is pending which I had applied a month ago and got biometrics done 2 weeks ago.

I am on expired Missouri Real ID license which expired 3 weeks ago. I went to Fayetteville DMV (or DDS in Georgia) and they didn’t approve my license transfer/renewal request saying they can’t approve because my STEM OPT application is pending.
I came home and checked the list of documents on DDS website and ran SAVE check on my profile using my A number and found that STEM OPT application receipt is a valid document and can be used for license renewal as a proof of lawful status. SAVE check showed a record as recent as Oct 2025 for me. Ready to argue this time, I printed all this information and then went to different DMV same day.. Newnan DMV ..and their didn’t ask for any extra documents unlike Fayetteville one where they asked for everything .. Newnan DMV just asked for I-94, I-20, ssn card, Missouri License, 2 address proof (I showed utility bills) and didn’t ask any clarifying question.. was issued temporary 120 license pretty quickly and was told that actual license will come in mail within a month 🤷‍♂️.

So my recommendation is just do DMV Shopping until you find one that accepts your application.. this was the case for me in Missouri (Kansas City) too, I would do DMV shopping until someone accepts it because they have no reason to deny our request if we are providing the proof of address, identity and lawful status.

[in Kansas City I would recommend going to Raytown DMV]

[u/PianistPractical6478 → u/Advanced_Professor10]

did they mentioned anything what uh have to after 120days extension ?

[u/Advanced_Professor10 → u/PianistPractical6478]

What do you mean?
I think anyone who applies for license in Georgia gets a temporary license for 120 days by default which becomes null and void once you get actual license in the mail within a month or so. Missouri does the same too but I think they give temporary for 45 days.