One Reddit user shared what they described as a successful workaround for renewing a Texas driver’s license while changing immigration status from F-1 STEM OPT to H-1B without first obtaining a license. H-1B visa stamp.
exist postalthe user claimed that the issue occurred because despite the H-1B Change of Status (COS) being approved, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system continued to reflect their previous F-1 STEM OPT status, preventing them from extending their driver’s license.
Hindustan Times was unable to independently verify the claims in the Reddit post.
Why driver’s license renewal is delayed
According to Reddit users, they changed their status from F-1 STEM OPT to H-1B through status change last year, but have not yet traveled outside the United States to get their H-1B visa stamped.
Since STEM OPT was expiring in August, they went to the Texas DPS office to renew their driver’s license using the updated Form I-94. However, they said the application could not be processed because the DPS system still showed their old immigration status.
Also read: H-1B visa holder says home emergency work costs: ‘My appointment is in May 2027’
“DPS can’t extend it because their system still shows my old F-1/STEM OPT validity and only allows the expiration date until August.”
The Reddit user added that before visiting the DPS office, they had seen similar experiences shared by other users online.
“Require DPS to perform SAVE verification”
The user then outlined the steps they said they took to ultimately resolve the issue.
According to the post, applicants should bring immigration documents to their DPS appointment, including their passport, Form I-797 approval notice and their most recent Form I-94. Although DPS processed the application, photos and fingerprints, the official informed users that the H-1B status was not yet showing in the system, according to the report.
Reddit users said they are asking DPS to initiate SAVE (Systematic Alien Entitlement Verification) verification, the federal system used by government agencies to verify immigration status.
About two to three weeks later, the user said they received a notification confirming that verification was complete. “After receiving the notice, go directly to DPS (I don’t need to make another appointment). Show them the notice and they will resume the pending application.”
According to Reddit users, the officer then completed the pending application and approved the driver’s license extension.
Other users have provided additional tips
The post prompted questions and suggestions from peers Reddit user. One commenter asked whether H-1B status is already in effect when renewal is attempted, while another suggested ensuring that the applicant’s SEVIS record is updated by the school to avoid conflicts in immigration records.
When asked which DPS office they had visited, the original poster said it was a regular city location, adding that the first visit was not a success. However, during a later visit, another official suggested initiating a SAVE verification request.
“I think we need to ask them that, otherwise they’ll ask you to come back when the current one expires.”
