S.A.V.E. (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) FAQs

  • 1. SAVE does not have my correct immigration status, what should I do?

    If you believe that the SAVE verification response did not provide accurate information about your actual immigration status or if you need to make corrections to your immigration record, contact USCIS at 1-888-464-4218.

  • 2. Why does DDS need my telephone number?

    It is important for DDS to be able to call applicants regarding the status of their SAVE verification case. A DDS Representative will call you when a 2nd level verification response is received.

  • 3. Why didn't I receive a hard copy of my driver's license/permit/ID card in the mail?

    If you have less than 120 days remaining on your immigration documents, you will not be issued a hard copy driver's license. Once you receive your new immigration documents, you can return to DDS to apply for a hard copy driver's license/permit/ID card. If your expiration is greater than 120 days and you have not received your hard copy driver's license within 45 days, please contact DDS or visit your local Customer Service Center.

  • 4. My case has resulted in a 3rd level verification failure, what should I do?

    Please contact USCIS for a resolution. Once your case is resolved, you can re-apply for a driver's license/permit/ID card with DDS. Please be advised that there can be a delay between the time USCIS resolves your case and when DDS is able to issue your driver's license/permit/ID card.

  • 5. How many days do I have to return to DDS once I've been notified by DDS that I have been cleared for level 2 or level 3?

    The confirmation/response from USCIS is only valid for 30 days. If you do not return within 30 days, DDS will have to start the SAVE verification process over again. This could result in further delays.

  • 6. The DDS representative called and told me to return to the local Customer Service Center because my status has been confirmed. But the Customer Service Center told me something different. What should I do?

    Remain at the DDS Customer Service Center and ask that a manager contact the Central Issuance Team to confirm your status.

  • 7. Can I get a temporary permit or license to drive while the DDS is verifying my lawful status?

    No temporary permit is available while your SAVE case is pending resolution or if verification is not successful.

  • 8. How long will it be before I get a call to return to DDS?

    You should expect a call from a DDS Representative within 3 business days for a 2nd level verification and within 10 business days for a 3rd level verification.

  • 9. What is InfoPass?

    InfoPass is a free and convenient service that allows you to schedule an appointment with a USCIS Officer by using the internet.

  • 10. What is SEVIS?

    SEVIS is an acronym for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based program administered by USCIS to track and monitor schools and programs, non-citizen students, exchange visitors and their dependents while approved to participate in the U.S. education system.

  • 11. What is SAVE?

    SAVE is an acronym for Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements. It is a Department of Homeland Security/United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) program that retrieves data from multiple databases to determine a non-citizen's lawful status in the U.S.

  • 12. Will my appointment notice from USCIS serve as proof of lawful status for the purpose of being issued a driver's license/permit/ID card?

    No, it is only a notice of your appointment with USCIS. DDS cannot accept this notice because it does not prove lawful status in the U.S.

  • 13. Why did you have to send my documents to U.S.C.I.S when I know that I have lawful status in the United States?

    DDS is required by law to verify the lawful status of all non-citizen applicants through SAVE. If the documents are sent to USCIS for 3rd level verification, this simply means that they could not make a determination concerning your lawful status without reviewing the documents.

  • 14. Can I apply for an extension on my driver’s license if my immigration documents are still being processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?
    • Must be an existing DDS customer.
    • The Georgia license, permit, or Identification card must have expired or must be expiring within thirty (30) days.
    • Must provide proof of having requested an extension for time to remain lawfully within the United States by presenting an original I-797C Notice of Action.