Received EAD, Driver license question California.

J

jcrmlaredo

Registered Users (C)
Received my EAD today. Planning on going to turn in Social Security form tommorow. I was wondering if I could get a driver license in california without a social security number/card or should I just wait for it to come.

Ps. I have never been licensed anywhere in the world. (dont know if this matters)
Thanks :)
 
You need a social security card/number for California DMV. Maybe you can ask the Social Security office for a receipt which could be acceptable at the DMV.
May I ask what type of case/category you had?
 
citi786 said:
You need a social security card/number for California DMV. Maybe you can ask the Social Security office for a receipt which could be acceptable at the DMV.
May I ask what type of case/category you had?
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Incorrect. You can have a DL if you can get a TIN from IRS which is also a 9 digit number, but then it will be quicker to get a SS number than TIN.
For example you can go apply for SS today, obviously they would not be able to give you a number today, as it is issued once the application is processed in Baltimore, MD. You can go to SS office again on the fifth or sixth business day after calling and confirming that a number is issued to get a print out from your SS office which is also acceptable to get a DL.
 
namecheckvictim said:
Incorrect. You can have a DL if you can get a TIN from IRS which is also a 9 digit number, but then it will be quicker to get a SS number than TIN.
For example you can go apply for SS today, obviously they would not be able to give you a number today, as it is issued once the application is processed in Baltimore, MD. You can go to SS office again on the fifth or sixth business day after calling and confirming that a number is issued to get a print out from your SS office which is also acceptable to get a DL.
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I will not argue with you.........................as what you just stated, I was right at the first place.
 
namecheckvictim said:
Incorrect. You can have a DL if you can get a TIN from IRS which is also a 9 digit number, but then it will be quicker to get a SS number than TIN.
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I'm not sure about California specifically, but generally a TIN is only acceptable for the DL if you are legally present but not eligible for an SSN. As an I-485 applicant with an approved EAD, jcrmlaredo cannot claim to be ineligible for an SSN, and thus will need the SSN (although it's probably not necessary to show the physical SS card). As you mentioned, the number can be obtained from the SS office a few days after applying for it, although it may take some more weeks to receive the physical SS card.
 
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You don't need SSN or Tax payer numbers, you really only need your passport to get a california driver's license. That's what I did 3 years ago and I legally got my driver's license.
 
CaViCcHi said:
You don't need SSN or Tax payer numbers, you really only need your passport to get a california driver's license. That's what I did 3 years ago and I legally got my driver's license.
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I have been living in California of last past 20 years only and this use to only happen in early 90's. Mid 90's everything changed for good or for worst..............
 
went to DMV. They said it is required by law to have social security number to issue a driver license in the state of California. They actually check to see it matches you on the spot while you wait.

She did say I only needed the number though and not the physical card.

Thought id update you guys so you would know for future reference since it seems these things change every couple years.
 
jcrmlaredo said:
went to DMV. They said it is required by law to have social security number to issue a driver license in the state of California.
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Are you serious? does the fact that I am italian changes things?

My brother in law couldn't believe I had a license... he had to get a SSN before getting a license (he is from mexico), but all I did was going there, order ID and License, I gave them my Passport + visa (F-1) , take my test plus behind the wheel... and there's my license (and ID)..

... still LOL :)
 
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CaViCcHi said:
My brother in law couldn't believe I had a license... he had to get a SSN before getting a license (he is from mexico), but all I did was going there, order ID and License, I gave them my Passport + visa (F-1) , take my test plus behind the wheel... and there's my license (and ID)..
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How long ago was that? Driver's license laws change year to year (generally getting more strict and cumbersome for the documentation requirements).

Are you sure you didn't give the DMV an SSN? F-1 students can easily get SSN.
 
CaViCcHi said:
Are you serious? does the fact that I am italian changes things?

My brother in law couldn't believe I had a license... he had to get a SSN before getting a license (he is from mexico), but all I did was going there, order ID and License, I gave them my Passport + visa (F-1) , take my test plus behind the wheel... and there's my license (and ID)..

... still LOL :)
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yepp I also had to schedule a behind the wheel test as they said they cant let you take it without an appointment. Closest one is 2 weeks away which is good I guess since Ill have my SS card by then.
 
Jackolantern said:
How long ago was that? Driver's license laws change year to year (generally getting more strict and cumbersome for the documentation requirements).

Are you sure you didn't give the DMV an SSN? F-1 students can easily get SSN.
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April 2008, and yes I am sure I didn't provide any SSN because I didn't have one at the time... and I still don't have one; but a friend of mine (from italy) did the same thing and got his license november last year.
 
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