Problems with ID when exchanging drivers' licenses

[Paradigm5]

I am quite concerned about the fact that someone living in Ontario has to surrender their NJ drivers license. The problem is that in the US, banks (and many other institutions) often ask for drivers license as proof of identity. So if you need to return to the States and use local banks, etc....what are you supposed to do if you no longer have the NJ drivers' license?

 

[Baloo]

The concept of PR is "permanent residence", so you should be living in Canada

Carry a passport for ID.

 

[Paradigm5]

I realize I should be living in Canada, but I have to maintain bank accounts in the US, as do many immigrants. Often they expect drivers licenses to be used as forms of ID.

 

[Baloo]

I realize I should be living in Canada, but I have to maintain bank accounts in the US, as do many immigrants. Often they expect drivers licenses to be used as forms of ID.

Passports work fine.

 

[Paradigm5]

Well in theory that is true. Still, in the "post 9-11" world of paranoia, authorities have the tendency to ask for numerous forms of ID, and the drivers license is the one most commonly asked for, at least in the States. Is there some way around the drivers license exchange?

 

[Baloo]

Wells fargo and Bank of A' both accept my passport whenever I need to provide ID.

 

[Paradigm5]

Ok thanks, Baloo. Maybe I'll give this a try. Or maybe I just won't drive for awhile. Thanks again. ;D

 

[SaugaBoss]

I am quite concerned about the fact that someone living in Ontario has to surrender their NJ drivers license. The problem is that in the US, banks (and many other institutions) often ask for drivers license as proof of identity. So if you need to return to the States and use local banks, etc....what are you supposed to do if you no longer have the NJ drivers' license?

hi were u able to do a straight exchane for your license? i had my NJ license original abstract all IDs but they didnt accept my exchange. the NJ abstracts dont show date of issuance but the license does. they are asking for a driver record inquiry status??? which i never heard of before and the DMV only has abstracts. please let me know how you did the exchange!! i spent 15$ on abstract and 30$ for shipping :-\ for stupid paper they wont accept! grrrrr

 

[AllisonVSC]

I realize I should be living in Canada, but I have to maintain bank accounts in the US, as do many immigrants. Often they expect drivers licenses to be used as forms of ID.

Your Ontario driver's license will suffice for an id if they ask for and accept a driver's license as id. Most institutions ask for driver's license only because it is the most common form of id that people carry with them. But since you now live in Ontario, you will have your passport with you when you are in the US. And a passport is always considered more substantial proof of identity than other state issued forms of id. You will not have a problem.

I, like Baloo, present my passport when banking, but I have also used my ON license...which tends to lead to a little chit chat with the bank tellers especially in the south. I do a lot of banking just over the border in Buffalo and they are quite used to seeing US citizens with Canadian identification.

 

[YorkFactory]

Is there some way around the drivers license exchange?

No. You can't have both licenses at the same time. Use your passport.