Do I need a Social Security number to apply for a driver’s license while studying in the U.S.?

  

     No. You do not have to have a social security number to obtain a driver’s license in the U.S. The U.S. Government does not issue Social Security numbers solely for F-1 students to obtain a driver's license or a service that requires a credit check.  A Social Security number is for individuals who are working and need it for work purposes, to collect social security benefits or apply for certain government services.

     As an F-1 Visa student you are not permitted to work in the U.S. therefore; unless you are granted special permission to work or need a social security number for no work related purposes, you may not obtain one.  Social Security numbers are often requested as a form of identification by some organizations and some states now do require that you have one to obtain a driving license. 

     If the state you live in does in fact require you to have a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license, then go to your local Social Security Administration and apply for a Social Security number. If you are refused a social security number, you may be issued a SSA-L676, "Refusal to Process SSN Application." Your SSA-L676 is accepted by your local DMV if you do not possess a social security number. 

     Some states may issue you a 'temporary' license, but that is solely up to the state. In addition, you might have to wait to receive your license or have it mailed to your address. Note that you should wait at least 10 business days after your arrival to the United States before applying for a driver's license so that DHS has had adequate time to process your status.   For more information check out ssa.gov. 

     Best,
     #mr.ford

     List of documents that F-1 Visa students need to take with them to the DMV when applying for a driver's license:

•All signed versions of your Form I-20.

•Your current Form I-94

•A valid passport with visa (You do not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda).

•Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and might be a bill or a letter addressed to you.

•If your state requires it, an SSN card or a Form SSA-L676

•If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document”. The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status

How to Work LEGALLY as an F-1 Student!!

     The U.S. Government takes working illegally very seriously. If you as a student are caught working here illegally, you will face jail time and have to immediately leave the U.S. In some cases you will be able to return, however, repeat offenders and large profile cases will definitely be banned from the U.S. 

    Last week, a local ESL institute here in Georgia was shut down by ICE. Several students who were found either working or having their own businesses were arrested and now face deportation and possible fines.  

    As stricter immigration reform starts to take places across the United States, DHS, SEVP and ICE are tightening down on all ESL Institutes and investigations are ongoing. 

"How can I work if I have an F (student) Visa #mr.ford?"

    You're not supposed to.  But, if you must; there are two ways in which students on F-1 Visas can legally work here in the U.S. The first is applying for an on-campus job. However, there are some limitations here. You can only work a maximum of 20 hours a week and must remain in Active status. Once you've started working, you will get letter from your from your employer and an approval letter from your school's Designated School Officer or DSO. Use both letters to get yourself a social security number. With a social security number you can get a bank account and be eligible for other benefits that come with having a social security number.  On-Campus jobs work better in major colleges and universities better than small private schools and institutes where the need for on-campus jobs is significantly less.

    The second option is to apply for off-campus employment a year after you start studying in the U.S. A special authorization from United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) must be given to you in order to work. You must be recommended by your DSO and file a form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.  After USCIS approves your application (8-10 week wait), you will receive a form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may not work unit you receive your EAD. Just as with the first option above, you are limited to only 20 hours a week for work.

    As a reminder, if you are here to study English as an F1 Visa student, work is not your priority here in the U.S. However, the U.S. government does realize that students need income to support them while they are in school.  Students are also eligible for government benefits if they qualify.

   For more go to: www.http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/resources/working

 Best,

#mr.ford