Drivers License & Social Security

International students who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas Driver's License at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills are basic requirements for a driver's license. You must provide your own vehicle when taking the driving test and Proof of Insurance or a statement affirming you do not own a vehicle.

For the location of the nearest Driver's License Office go to: https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/media-and-communications-office/contact-us 

If you do not plan to drive in the U.S. but want a U.S. form of identification, you may apply for a Texas ID Card at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-Texas-identification-card 

How to Apply for a Texas Driver's License:

Instructions on the TxDPS website: https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-Texas-driver-license 

When visiting a TxDPS location, certain documents are required to apply for a driver's license or identification card. Some essential documents are needed to apply; lawful presence/identification, social security (if applicable), and two proofs of residency (address). 

• Proof of Lawful Presence/Identity:
  https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/us-citizenship-or-lawful-presence-requirement
• Proof of Residence: 
  https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/Texas-residency-requirement-driver-licenses-and-id-cards
• Social Security Number, if applicable:
  https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/social-security-number-ssn

Individuals who are not eligible to receive a SSN, must complete a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) provided at the Driver License Office when applying for your Texas Driver's License.

If you have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, you do not have to take the knowledge exam if you surrender your out-of-country driver license. Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. If you have a valid, unexpired license from either of these countries, you do not have to take the knowledge exam if you surrender your out-of-country driver license.

Applying for a Driver's Permit:

• Any applicant aged 18-24 years old must take a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course online at a driving school. 

• Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS office. 

Appointments:
Everyone who visits the driver's license office must have an appointment. Applicants can go on the website to set up an appointment or visit the DPS office to set an appointment. Walk-in appointments are available if there is availability. The walk-in appointment set for you does not guarantee the appointment will be for the same day. You may have to return later in the day or another day.

When setting up the appointment yourself, ensure the correct office is selected; some locations have a Commercial Driver's License Office on the premises. Select the reason you are coming to the office (i.e., first time applying for a driver's license or identification card).

https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments 


SAVE Case Check
Agencies may need to verify your immigration status to process your application. To verify your status, they use the SAVE Program. CaseCheck, a free and fast service, lets you follow the progress of your SAVE verification case online as often as you like.

If you are having trouble with verifying your immigration status with the Department of Public Safety, check the SAVE System to see the status of your immigration verification with DHS.


Additional Info
• Additional information about applying for a driver's license
       o https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license 
       o https://www.dps.Texas.gov/Internetforms/Forms/DL-100E.pdf 
• The Texas Driver Handbook is available at https://www.dps.Texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf 
• The driver license fees are located at https://www.dps.Texas.gov/section/driver-license 

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in March 2025. We recommend that all students visit the official Department of Public Safety to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

A social security number (SSN) is required for any type of employment (on-campus, CPT, or OPT) within the USA. Wait at least 10-15 days after your check-in with OIA for your name to be active in the SEVIS system before applying for your SSN. 

Note: F-1 students MUST talk to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) for off-campus CPT and OPT employment authorization processes BEFORE starting a position. The process of applying for CPT and OPT takes time so talk to OIA as early as possible to determine your eligibility. 

Applying for a social security card is free and simple, follow the steps provided:

1. Follow this link to the Social Security website.
2. Click on the Forms tab on the bottom of the page, there it will direct you to all the different applications.
3. Click on Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5)
4. The application is hyperlinked in this pdf, you can choose to either fill it out online or print it off be sure to fill it out in BLUE or BLACK

Since you are applying for the first time, you will need to apply in person. It's on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to get a ticket and then wait for your name to be called.

To locate your nearest office, click here, enter your zip code, and then click “Locate.” The closest Social Security Office will be displayed at the bottom of the screen, along with their address and contact information.

You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, or by contacting your local Social Security office.

When applying for a Social Security Card you will need to provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status.

You must take all the following items with you when applying:

• Unexpired Passport/ Visa
• DS-2019 (J-1 students & scholars only)
• I-20 (F-1 students only)
• I-94
• Offer letter of employment
• Filled out Application for Social Security Card

The Social Security Office may take 2-4 weeks to mail your SSN card to you. Note: If your name is not on the lease for the house or apartment, in addition to your name and address, you should include "c/o" (care of) followed by the name of the person who is on the lease (e.g., relative's name or landlord).

While you wait for your SSN card, your employer can use a letter from the SSN office stating you applied for a number. Your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10107.pdf. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Social Security application process, we encourage you to contact the Social Security hotline at 1-800-772-1213. This hotline is available Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Social Security Office (Closest to Campus):

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in March 2025. We recommend that all students visit the official Social Security website to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.