Applying For U.S. Identification

In the United States, you will find that many institutions such as banks and utility companies will demand some sort of U.S. identification. It is possible to use your passport in many of these situations, but after you arrive it is best -- and in many cases required -- that you have U.S.-issued identification.

The Social Security Number

International Students and Scholars in F-1 or J-1 status may obtain a U.S. Social Security number if they are eligible.

A U.S. Social Security number is a U.S. government-issued identification number. International students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status are eligible to receive this number. It costs nothing to apply. However, students must have a job in order to receive this card. Please be advised that any type of employment must be approved by the ISSS Office before one can begin working.

When you visit the Social Security Office, you must bring the following documents with you:

  • Completed Social Security number application
  • Letter of employment
  • Letter from the SMU International Office
  • Your passport
  • Your visa
  • Your I-94 card
  • Your Form I-20 or IAP-66

Texas Driver License or ID Card

If you plan to drive a car in the United States, you can use an international driver license -- but if you will be driving regularly, it is advisable to get a State of Texas driver license. You will need a U.S. Social Security number or rejection letter from the Social Security Office, along with your passport, to apply for a Texas driver's license.

Drivers License

The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a new rule which affects non-citizens who visit Texas for a short period of time, those temporarily residing in Texas and those renewing licenses with little time left on the immigration document. The rule, shown below, became effective October 1, 2008.

#15.171. Issuance of Driver License and Identification Certificates to Non-citizens.

(a) An applicant who is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States must present valid documentation issued by the United State Department of Justice, United States Department of State, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, or any successor agency of the aforementioned that shows lawful temporary admission to the United States.

(1) An applicant whose lawful admission period is more than 6 months, but less than the full term of a driver license or identification certificate will be issued a driver license or identification certificate with a status date displayed that coincides with the expiration date of the applicant's lawful admission period in the United States. 

(2) If the lawful admission period in the United States indicated on the document presented by the applicant expires in less than 6 months from the date of application, no driver license or identification certificate may be issued.

(3) If the document presented by the applicant to demonstrate lawful temporary admission indicates an indefinate expiration date, the driver license or identification certificate will be issued with a status date displayed of one year from the date of application.

(b) In the event the applicant's status is updated or extended, the applicant must present valid documentation of such status change or extension to obtain a duplicate driver license or identification certificate with an updated status date.

(c) The driver license or identification certificate will be cancelled if within 45 days from the status date the applicant is unable to present valid documentation showing a status change or extension of admission perios.

The International Student & Scholar Services Office highly advises you to visit the Garland Office if you need to apply for a new Driver's License/Texas Identification Card or if you need to renew your current document.

The Garland Office is located at:

350 West IH 30, Garland, TX   75043-5998

 (Should you have any problems, please ask to talk to Lieutenant Anderson).

 

If you have any problems, please contact our office immediately at 214-768-4475 or email us at smuint@smu.edu.

A non-driving Texas ID card is another government-issued identification card. You will need a U.S. Social Security number or rejection letter from the Social Security Office, along with your passport, to apply for a Texas ID card. This will allow you to leave your passport in a safe place, rather than carry it everywhere you go. More information is available at the Texas Department of Public Safety Web site.

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