(Department of Public Safety) — The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is now issuing temporary CNMI-only driver’s licenses to individuals whose CW-1 status is pending USCIS processing. The temporary driver’s license is valid for one year.
9CMC §2208 (a) states that BMV “shall issue a driver’s license, temporary driver’s license, identification card, or temporary identification card to a qualified applicant who has submitted all required documents and has complied with all applicable laws and regulations.”
To qualify for a temporary driver’s license, a person must still show documentation that they fit within categories listed in 9 CMC §2208 (d)(5)(v)-(xi).
Documentations should show that the person:
(v) Has a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into the United States;
(vi) Has a pending application for asylum in the United States;
(vii) Has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;
(viii) Has approved deferred action status; or
(ix) Has a pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States.
Under the statute, a person must show documentation that they fit within one of the enumerated categories to qualify for a temporary CNMI driver’s license.
DPS must receive and verify documentation establishing that the individual seeking a driver’s license qualifies under the enumerated categories in order to be issued a temporary driver’s license.
If you have any questions, call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (670) 664-9066.
